[Vwdiesel] accessorizing

[Shalyn Shourds]

I just turned up with some seed money towards a kayak, somthing I've 
been wanting for a long time (Texas being the land of 10,000 lakes and 
all).  The VW Diesel angle on that is:  anyone have experience putting a 
~14' kayak atop an A4 TDI?  I put a probably 17' one atop my '85 TD once 
years ago for a few miles and it drove fine at the low speeds I was 
running.  My cousin didin't want to mess up her new Malibu.  I guess she 
was right.  That 64# boat might have buckled that Chevy's roof :)  I 
assume that with a few foam blocks and some stout rope, I should be 
fine, but I have approximately zero experience in these matters.  I 
suppose I could also put some roller scate wheels on a 2X4 and make a 
trailer, but that seems a little excessive. 

Having seen the pictures of the Diesel Cabby with the rather large boat 
in tow, I know it's possible, I'm just curious how performance will be 
affected if at all, what the recommended methods are (foarm blocks vs. 
various roof racks and what makes work well with VWs, not that I can 
afford one), and the like. 

Also, if anyone has any kayak shopping recommendations, feel free to 
contact me off list.  I have a lot of research to do before I buy. 

Thanks!

-Shalyn