Patent ID: 7036698

Claim:
A rack device for loading and carrying elongate cargo on a roof of a vehicle comprising first and second crossbars, each crossbar being attachable via a pair of tower devices ridigly across the roof of a vehicle such that the crossbars are oriented in parallel to each other perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel, a plurality of boat saddles connected to the crossbars for supporting a boat on top of the vehicle in transit, a single support member that telescopes independently out of the first crossbar to a fully extended horizontal position with substantially the entire length of the support member at approximately the height of the first cross bar, the support member being configured to provide support for loading a boat from a side of the vehicle to a secure carrying position on top of the crossbars, a stop mechanism preventing the support member from sliding completely out of the first crossbar, and a load retainer positioned near a distal end portion of the support member to prevent cargo from sliding off the support member while loading.