Thanks for all replies folks

Sorry for out of character late reply went for Thule lockable footpack & square black rails, (robust & match colour of car).s. I will post up the Thule part numbers later if anyone is interested.

Spent 2 days cursing though. Had bought & fitted a thule vertical kayak carrier for 2 kayaks, (as 2 to carry). Then realised that damage to car, kayak or self likely on windy days & also it all looked a bit unsightly...........So, off with said centre kayak holder hoops bars........Plan now is to put the 2 identical kayaks side by side & upside down.

Space on bars is a challenge at widest point with 1.5 inch on end of bar spare ! I would maybe consider a 150cm Thule bar, (mine is 135cm), but am unsure if a 150cm item would be ok or issues with slots in the bar & their relationship with the footpack. In any case an extra 15cm width wont cause bar tips to protrude further than widest points, (& excluding mirrors).

In meantime I am stuggling with rachet straps - 4 x 2.75m Thule items. I spent a couple of hours trial leashing with same. Items not long enough for me to figure 8 leash with 2 straps per kayak. 90 degree side on leashing is leaving far too much movement & slip for my liking. I know most tie down at 90 degress but I am not convinced re security & integrity of load.

I'm sure some find strapping & restraining an easy task but I have never had to create or spec a roof top carry system in my life. Roof restraint kit trial & error a bit of a learning curve & at moment a bit of a P.I.T.A. !

I am yet to see what roof carry aparatus & sundries I finally end up with when satisfied. Not going to buy rubbish, (hence brand new Thule footpack & bars), but keen for cost of roof aparatus not to exceed cost of cargo carried !

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Black & Black E53 X5 2002 4.4i Sport