I'll have to check out that Menards brand tape. I've had hit and misses with duct tape. Sometimes the no-name stuff is good, other times it's just a waste of money as cheap as it might of been.

I found this duct tape review. Not every brand is listed/tested, but it tells you what to look for in a good duct tape material wise. Not all so called duct tapes are the same that's for sure. My tape was the best tested for outdoor exposure but not for overall home use.

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Jim J -

I'm not sweating the issue anymore & here's why.  With four guys & their packs, I'm not likely to fit it all in the Outback anyway!  2nd canoe will go on 2nd car.

I'm just hoping I even get to do a canoe trip this year... the wife has other ideas that may get in the way.  It seems the idea of a bicycling & canal boat trip across France - with in-laws - is gaining steam.   I'm sure there is something very seriously wrong with me but the very notion of it just gets ME "steamed up."  Those type adventures (ordeals?) eat up a bunch of vacation time (ie. paddling time).

Alas, I expect I'll get my head around it somehow (probably she wraps my head around it).  I suppose I could pretend (might not be pretending) that doing without a serious canoe trip in 2015 would drive me wacko (I don't have all that far to drive) and that I might do something dangerous (like give her the "Joan of Arc" treatment).

Anyhow, the double-canoe car rack issue has pretty much become a moot one for me.

C'est la vie, mon ami!

Jacques-bo   

The problem is the nature of the roof rack on the Outbacks.  As MagicPaddler pointed out, there is only about 18 inches of "open" space on either side for the purpose of lashing down 2X4's or a pre-fab store-bought product (at what I agree are exorbitant prices).  Jim J is right; I'd likely have to have a Subaru rack guy (or some other specialist) do some "customizing" in order to obtain the necessary spread between the front and back bars (or 2X4's).  I can't think of a good way to clamp down 2X4's to the closed ends of the parallel roof racks.

I'm not exactly sure what the point is of "closing off" side racks on the Outback and leaving but 18 inches width of open space.  It would seem to limit functionality of the rack system.  Nevertheless, I'm sure there must be some rhyme or reason to it.

Jimbo   

Those are outstanding words-to-the-wise, Jim J!  Will do & thanks.

Merry Christmas, all!

Jimbo   

Here's another thought for someone with a newer vehicle that just doesn't have the desired between the bars spread you'd like for optimal loading.  If you have a hitch on the vehicle, consider a hitch mounted load bar vs. two on the roof.  Yakima has the Dry Dock, Thule -the Goal Post, Rhino Rack T-Loader.  Not the cheapest route, but could be your answer.  If you are or know a competent welded, make your own.  I have no experience with these, but the Yak looks most stable with the 'y' design.  Adding tie downs would help stablize potential side to side swaying.  I also found the MTN Gearsmith Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mounted Extension Extender Rack Ladder Canoe Boat for $89 on line, could work, but looks heavier, less adjustable.  Worth thinking about - FWIW.

pd