I've always used Thule crossbars, they're really well designed. I do a lot of skiing too and their ski carrier/"aerobar" crossbar combination is hard to beat (and looks good too).

For transporting my gear, I tie it to the roofracks with some tie-downs you can find at a hardware store. All of my gear is in separate bags except for the boom. The board goes on one side with the boom on top, and the sail and mast go on the other side of the racks. It's been secure for as much as a 3 hr jaunt up the highway at a bit over 110km/h.

I've always used Rola roof racks. They are good looking, easy to fit and can carry quite a load.
Get proper tie down straps, don't just use rope. Get the webbing type with a locking buckle, so you can pull them really tight and they won't slacken.
I've carried a big learner board with mast and boom 700km on a camry with no movement.
Today I had a 295cm board on the roof with a kayak on top of that!
You don't need a bag to put everything in, but a bag will reduce UV if your gear is going to be on the roof for a long trip. In general, place your board upside down, fin at the back, with your boom and sail on top of the board. Hook the boom over the fin of the board, and tie the mast beside the board.
You need to throw loops of your tie down straps around everything individually, don't rely on tension alone to hold them. And when you've tightened one, go back and retighten the other.

Happy sailing!
Make half hitches with the loose ends of the straps for extra security and to stop them flapping around, and avoid twists in the straps. If possible. Twisted straps are not as secure and they hum when you are driving!

I use Thule aeros and a Rola roof pod.(Check my avatar)
Can fit 4 sails, a mast and a boom in the pod and two boards on the other side of the racks. Also have lockable tiedowns.
Cheers

I have the gutterless mount from Rhino which are made by Thule. I have had problems with these. They have come loose about 3 times. the last time I went to check them while the gear was on the car, gave the clamp assembly a wiggle and the whole thing came off in my hands, left a nice dent in the roof. I haven't had problems with these types of racks before...but I'd opt for the solid mount if you have the option.

On the left you'll see a pryde mast bag. I have 5 masts in there with the top half inside the bottom. This set up works well, you can slide the mast or board in/out while still attached to the racks, just loosen the straps.

I'd also recommend to go for slightly longer bars, makes it more useful for loading, especially for 3 boards, 2 bottom / 1 top configuration.

Albino said...
Wow... waiting4wind, thats alot of luggage, arent you worried about equipment coming loose, or is it all pretty secure?

Nah..... It's only a Suby...& he's a bit of a girl wuss in Sydney traffic.[}:)]

You need a turbo when you live inner city

Windxtasy said...

Make half hitches with the loose ends of the straps for extra security and to stop them flapping around, and avoid twists in the straps. If possible. Twisted straps are not as secure and they hum when you are driving!

I've always purposely put a twist in to STOP them from humming. I find they always hum if they're laid on flat. I don't think they are any less secure.

I've used the same set of Rola racks since 1997. Served on two cars. Clamp down type that hook into the door frame. Always secure and never a problem.