I thought some solo canoers might find this system helpful.
http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0030168017442a.shtml

Sorry,forgot to mention to click on "view instructions" to see how it works. It only takes one person.

Yakima has a different approach that also works well when a single person is loading the canoes on a tall vehicle:

http://www.yakima.com/racks/kayak-rack/product/8004018/boatloader.aspx

I put this on the front rack for my truck and it works great. I carry the canoe around, drop the one end on the extended bar, lower the other end to the ground, then step out from under the canoe and lift it up from the end.

___________________________
No your other left!
www.loonislandoutdoors.com

Likewise Thule: http://www.thuleracks.com/carrier_water1.asp

I don't have the above on my rack system. I just 'carefully' heave whatever boat(s) I'm hauling up on the rack in a way that doesn't scratch the vehicle. For canoe I carry her like I'm portaging (from yoke), saddle up beside/parallel with the car then lift it high off shoulders until one side of her gunnels is propped up on the other side of the first set of canoe supports (I use a Thule system). Then just inch it sideways til she's up and clear.

For Kayak I load it generally from the rear of the vehicle, then just hop/push it forward til she's saddled in her cradle properly (again, Thule supports).

Unless it's real windy or a long (4hr+) drive, I only strap either boat down crossways with 2 straps: Thule (blue) or Yakima (black) strapping. If it's windy/long drive I tie her down with a length of climbing nylon rope to the brush bars or the winch/tow-hook placements at the front underside of the vehicle.

Going solo and having a canoe in the first place was top of the list when I bought my car. Oh the looks I'd get from dealers, "I need a car with a flat roof that I can reach easily." I don't know what I'd do if I had a minivan/sport ute.

"I don't know what I'd do if I had a minivan/sport ute."
Dress like a girl, put some high heels on! heh heh

Markus
Etobicoke, Onterry-airy-airy-Ohhh!

Preacher: "I don't know what I'd do if I had a minivan/sport ute."

Markus: "Dress like a girl, put some high heels on! heh heh"


Ahem.

cough, cough

I'm reading this, ya know.





Barbara

heh heh yeah.
Just kidding ya know..thus the "heh heh".
I think carting around a small step latter might be inconvenient!

ok how about, "borrow your girlfriends pumps?" heh heh




Markus
Etobicoke, Onterry-airy-airy-Ohhh!