Congrats on the maiden voyage!  I'm at that point, but decided to finish the whole boat before taking it for a spin. 

I transport mine using a set of Thule racks on my Corolla.  I've done it with foam pads on the racks with the boat strapped to the racks and bow/stern lines to the undercarraige of the car.  If we're transporting both boths, one goes on the Thule J-racks (on its side), and the other one goes hull-down on the foam pads.  The wooden kayaks won't deform like their plastic breathren, but you still need to be careful about how tight you're tensioning your straps (too much tension and there's always the chance of cracking the deck- very unlikely though). 

Have fun tomorrow!

~Chris

Paul,

Per the above, Thule makes great racks.  For your pickup you could use their roof rack forward and the "Goalpost rack aft.  (they also have a couple of other options)  You can then just pad those basic bars or you can get cradles designed especially for kayaks.  Just do a google search for Thule.  Have a great first voyage.  I may get my Shearwater 17 Hybrid in the water this weeke4nd after 15 months in the building.

Paul G.

Check out http://usrack.com/ anything like the rack pictured  there will work or Thule makes what they call a 421 Xporter. SEEYA Jack

Here's how we've been transporting our 13 footers. The 17 foot Shearwater will look even funnier

Also check on your local Craigslist.  I don't know about in the Phoenix area, but I got my entire kayak rack setup on Craigslist for much less than new. 

ive been using ladder racks with  foam noodles zip tied to it

Not too bad...

Dan,
Some varnished cedar strip panelling on the side of the wagon might be all you need to complement that beautiful deck! -Wes

Back from a quick paddle on the river. I think I'm going to need a custom bracket for my rack. The boat only hits the Thule bracket on 2 points. The keel and the sheer. Not enough surface contact to make me comfortable. I might try flipping it over and see how that does. I'll definitely need something more secure for longer trips (we're considering Okoumefest)

Dan 

Take some of your leftover wood and make 6-8" wide panels that wrap around your hull, centered where your racks hit.  Reinforce with scrap glass, just like building your deck.  Build up a support on the rack side and fillet and tape to add strength.  Paint/varnish (UV protection).  Cover with a bit of rug (to protect the hull).  Strap everything down and drive to Okoumefest.