Unrelated to art but still fun

So, I'm buying myself a canoe. A 16 footer to haul around on my 16ft10in Ranger xlt.  Looks like I'm going to have to build myself a homemade rack.  Now, I do have a trailer hitch and I could utilize my welding knowledge to make one of these adjustable hitch mounted racks that hold the canoe from the hitch to the cab, but I think I'll take a different route and pack one on that fits in my truck bed and is a little sturdier.  Any suggestions?  Please, feel free to leave some ideas.  Here's the canoe if you're wondering, fiberglass, paddles and seats included.