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Anyway, I may be down to building a home system using 2 X 4's - which is fine, I guess

To me, this is like saying there is a functionally ideal solution which would cost less than $25 but is there a commercial product I can buy for $150 that will do the same thing but not quite as well.

Buy  one 2x4x8 and cut into 2 pieces of about 4' (make the exact length you need, get a 10' 2x4 if needed).  Buy 6 eyebolts. Drill holes at ends and center of the 2x4s and insert eyebolts.  Buy 4 lashing straps.  Whenever you want to transport canoes, attach 2x4s to rack with lashing straps. (Options: Make an angle cut across front of 2x4s to lessen wind resistance. Paint the 2x4s, or decorate in some fashion. Wrap bicycle padding tape, or something similar,  around base of eyebolt to create a bumper between canoe and eyebolt.).

What can a store bought system give you that makes for a better solution?