[Paddlewise] Rack Spacing

Michael,


The manufacturer of my fiberglass boat reccomends the supports (saddles,
rollers, foam, etc.) be as close to the boat's bulkheads as possible simply
because this is the strongest point of the hull. My boat is almost 17' long
with the bulkheads approximately 5'-6" from the ends and, approx. 5'-6"
between. No standard roof rack I've seen, with the possible exception of a
Chevy Suburban, allows for that large a span. I built my own rack, with the
5'-6" spacing, that I bolt to the vehicle's roof rack. Not only does it give
me correct spacing, it allows me to center the boat on the vehicle  with
little or no overhang and, I can tighten the straps a little tighter than I
could if they crossed the hull in a location fore or aft of the bulkheads. An
added advantage is that the rack can be removed in the winter (4 bolts) or,
can be attached to my next vehicle with a few little modifications. Of course
if you don't have a vehicle with a roof rack to start with, none of this
applies.


Ron in MN


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************