NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Gearing Up and Rigging Up => Topic started by: ganoderma on August 03, 2017, 06:50:08 PM
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I'm looking for feedback on saddles for a roof rack. I have used the Mako saddles for many years on a Subaru Outback and have always liked them. My 2014 Outback has crossbars that are much closer together than my old 2000 Outback. With the flexible Mako saddles, this causes the kayak to bounce up and down quite a bit, especially on rough roads or at freeway speeds. I'm looking to get a non-flexible saddle to use instead of the Mako. I have seen a few, but any feedback would be appreciated.
- Bill
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Thule Hullivator.
You'll never look back.
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Are you doing front and rear tie downs that are hook to the frame? I find that if you have a smaller car, the Yakima Mako Saddles will flex down with rear and front tie downs. Once I pull down the front and rear tie downs and use 2 straps to cinch up the kayak to the racks, my REVO 13 and Tandem Oasis (big kayak) are very sturdy and have gone 70+ mph on the freeway for long distances.
da Bruddah
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Not made any more but Ebay should have some - Landshark saddles. 2-3 straps over the top and you're set
Hope you are not using the factory crossbars on your Outback
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Get a Hullivator if its in your budget.
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I have the Yakima Sweet Roll on my Outback. I used it for my hobie pro angler before deciding to trailer it. They worked great for me, but I went to a trailer because it was too much time loading and unloading - something to consider when car topping your rig.
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Thanks for the suggestions!
I wasn't able to access the forum before I left on a road trip, so I just used the Makos with a front tiedown. Some flexing, but I went freeway speed for 5 hours with no problem.
I was thinking about the Hullivators, but a Thule guy didn't think they would be any better than the Makos. Guess I'll take a look at them.
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Not made any more but Ebay should have some - Landshark saddles. 2-3 straps over the top and you're set
Hope you are not using the factory crossbars on your Outback
or
Get a Hullivator if its in your budget.
Pretty sure factory crossbars are the only option on 2010+ Subaru Outbacks (at least here in the US... I think Europe still gets to upgrade their racks). That was the biggest reason I went for a 2009.
Is there a reason you don't want to just load it upside down on the bare racks? Pretty sure that's what Hobie recommends.
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I missed this thread and just posted a duplicate in the General section. I'm looking for saddles for my Outback as well. I'm side loading on a small car with a thule square bar rack (mazda 3). I'm trying to avoid transporting upside down, only because I have tools tethered and stuff in the side pockets. Just don't want to deal with the extra tear down and set up. But upside down is not out of the question. I'm just lazy.
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Regarding factory bars on the new Outbacks, there is a way to remove the cross bars and install Yakima towers and bars. Very secure. My main issue is the shorter distance between the front and rear bars on the newer Subarus.
Curious to actually see the Hullivator on a car. Anybody in Santa Cruz have them on a car that I can look at?
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Remove the entire factory setup & replace with tracks by Thule, Yak, Rhino Rack, FruntRunner. Then you can use any bars you choose & locate them anywhere you need to. Tracks are about $150 & pretty easy to install as long as you don't drill into a roof mounted airbag.
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I'm looking for feedback on saddles for a roof rack. I have used the Mako saddles for many years on a Subaru Outback and have always liked them. My 2014 Outback has crossbars that are much closer together than my old 2000 Outback. With the flexible Mako saddles, this causes the kayak to bounce up and down quite a bit, especially on rough roads or at freeway speeds. I'm looking to get a non-flexible saddle to use instead of the Mako. I have seen a few, but any feedback would be appreciated.
- Bill
Yes the newer Outbacks (2010 or so and on) have a factory rack system designed for soccer moms who want to feel outdoorsy but don't actually need to carry anything. They are flimsy and way too close together to carry a big boat.
On my 2013 Outback I upgraded to the Yakima towers and round bars (66" I think), with J-racks on one side. The round bars allow a pool noodle to be slid over them which is essential for getting that extra grip and preventing a boat from sliding around.
I also added the Rhino Rack T-Loader to remedy the 30" distance between the two main bars. With this system, carrying a Hobie TI and OK Zest is no problem.