: Hi Mark,
: I have not mastered the posting of pictures ,sadly . . . Paul.NZ

Posting a picture on Kayak Forum is fairly straightforward if the picture is already on the net. When preparing a post you will find a small box called "Optional Image URL" under the text box; the "http://" bit already provided. Insert the URL (net address) of the picture but don't duplicate the "http://" bit.

To get the URL of any picture on the net display the page containing it, Right Click the picture, click "Properties" and copy the address, then paste it into the URL box.

Pictures can be posted in a number of places on the net: you probably know that, but if you don't have a web site of your own you can sign up for Facebook or Myspace, or Google "boating forum" - many can carry images on their own server: these will all have detailed instructions.

I carry my kayaks upside-down on the roof rack. First I mount a pair of cross-beams on edge. They are cut from 2 x 4 lumber, the bottom edges are customized to fit the roof rack and the top edges are notched to fit the kayak cockpit rim. With the kayak firmly held down by straps and its cockpit snugly in the notches it's not going anywhere. Since the straps attach to the roof rack, the attachment of the beams to the roof rack only has to be good enough to hold the beams while loading the boat.

I still use fore-and-aft tie-downs, but their main value is to assure me that straps haven't loosened and the boat is not moving. No need for cockpit covers and there's surprisingly little wind noise or turbulence, but a twist in each strap may be needed to stop them from humming in the breeze (they don't know the words).