: I don't have
: a roof rack, and the foam block method I've been using leaves a lot to be
: desired (nearly lost a kayak off the roof more than once - a flimsy roof
: panel allow tight tie-downs to go slack on the highway).

If you have a few spare hours, build your own lumber rack. The idea is to build a simple rectangular frame of 2x4s that follows the shape of the roof so the weight is distributed around the entire outside of the roof. This is the strongest possible roof rack construction. It will not be attached to the car. Instead, straps will hold down both the kayak and the rack. The straps have little hooks that clamp into the inside rim of the car door openings. I have used a rack like this for years and love it. My car also has a very flimsy roof but with this rack I can hold much more than what the spec says, 2 boats are not a problem. Use a sheet of foam or rubber stapled around the lumber edge to soften the support. You may need to add shape to the top for whatever configuration you want to have on it, I added a trough at the rear and some bumps at the front to keep the kayak from sliding. I admit that the contour wore out the finish of the roof a bit but since my car is 14 years old it doesn't bother me much. The fact that you can take the rack off the car because it is not attached, is great. Same idea as foam blocks I suppose, just stronger.

Henk