Yak Racks

Good evening,

Preparing my Subaru Outback to pick up a OK Trident 15.  I was curious which racks you are using for car-top mounting and if there are any particular features which are "lessons learned" must haves. 

Thanks in advance-

I have a 2011 Outback.  Initially, I was using the factory cross bars with Yakima Mighty Mounts, Mako Saddles and Hully Rollers to haul my Hobie Revo. It worked fine except I got a little tired of lifting the yak up to the roof.  It was also great because I could load the yak directly from the top of the car to the straps in my garage that cradle it.  I recently installed Thule 58" square load bars that are mounted to the factory side rails.  I have Thule Hullivators that have the gas load assist, mounted on the bars.  It works great but Thule recommends spacing the bars at least 24" apart and the factory rails only allow for about 23 1/2".  The Hullivators are working great and the distance between the bars isn't an issue.  The lowest cost solution is the saddles mounted to the factory bars with mighty mounts.  The high price solution is the Hullivators.

Martin

If you have a factory rack already the easiest and cheapest

Pool noodle with Thule or equivalent buckle strap with both bow and stern tie down straps

Websites for reference only.
Buckle straps - http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Thule/753-2030-04.html?feed=npn
Bow and stern tie downs- http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/32059?pi=424936&qs=3012739_g_shopping&subrnd=0

More expensive approach
Thule/Yakima
http://www.thule.com/en/AM/Products/Watersports/WatersportCarriers/Thule-Hull_-_a_-_Port-Pro-837
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-883-Glide-Rooftop-Carrier/dp/accessories/B0001HAC9G
http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-MakoAero-Saddle-Rooftop-Kayak/dp/B0012SDVFU

ETC.

Thanks guys for the feedback and links.  That Hullavator is impressive.

I've been poking around since posting and the Thule 883 caught my eye.  I like that the boat will sit upright, mounts to factory bars and its low profile.  The Inno Universal Mount seems to be an innovative idea, but I'm not sure I like the idea of metal cables going over the boat.  There are pads, but I wouldn't be happy if they slipped and cut into the boat.  If anyone has either of these setups I'd like to hear your experiences.  Still open to other suggestions also.

Thule 883

http://www.amazon.com/Thule-883-Glide-Rooftop-Carrier/dp/accessories/B0001HAC9G

Inno Universal Mount

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Mount-Locking-Kayak-Surfboard/dp/B00120MXN4/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

Hey Kenny, I'm in Woodland and have my SIK and Revo on top of a 2002 Forester right now, going to the State Fair tonite, but will be around tomorrow after noon if you want to take a look at a simple Yakima rack system. Just PM me to set it up. novofish

If you have a factory rack already the easiest and cheapest

+1, save the money that you would put into a rack system and put it into your kayak.  For the first several years, I just tossed my Hobie Adventure onto my factory Ford Explorer racks upside down without padding.  Trust me, it will be fine, just tighten down the straps.

And use bow and stern tie downs!

Guys really appreciate the feedback; ranges from top of the line to this will get the job done.  Now just have to decide.  Thanks-