Yakima Roof Racks and 2019 Outbacks

Hey all,

So after having a child, my 2003 Extended Cab Tacoma wont cut it. That, paired with my commute for work, we're selling off the Taco and I put a roof rack on my commuter Civic as my new dad car/fishing machine....(haha)

So, the question: Anyone else use Yakima roof racks or the like? I have to aero core bars, so now I need the saddles for the bars. Does anyone have any input for those? From the looks of the styles, the Yakima BigCatch are the only ones that are rated to carry over 80lbs.

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-HandRoll-Kayak-HullHound-Bundle/dp/B07CN5JSGX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TSB10OZVMSTA&keywords=yakima+big+catch&qid=1571843016&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=yakima+big%2Csporting%2C257&sr=1-1


Does anyone use something else? These Yakima Evenkeel are cheaper and honestly look like they will conform a little better to the outbacks semi-flat bottom without denting it.

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-EvenKeel-Mounting-System-Boats/dp/B0036NA4MM/ref=sr_1_16?crid=3T4ZO06B9R73N&dchild=1&keywords=yakima+kayak+racks&psc=1&qid=1571843889&sprefix=yakima+kayak+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-16

Any input or experience would be appreciated

I was on the same boat as you, sold my Taco for a commuter car and added racks. As for the Yakima racks, leave it as is. Just load your kayak upside down. Those saddles aren’t really necessary. And it’ll probably create more drag and wind noise on your commute

I used my 2016 Forester with factory racks to haul 2 yaks to Shelter Cove with no problems.
I did use bow & stern lines for added security on the freeway.

+1 to loading directly on the crossbars upside down (Subaru Outback with factory rails/crossbars). I was skeptical at first but it's actually surprisingly secure this way.

I took a look at combo-ing the Big Catch with the Rhino T-Load Hitch Mount http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/sport-leisure/water/kayak-loaders/t-load-hitch-mount_rtl002 to make it easier to load, but it's kind of expensive, so will likely just stick with what I'm currently doing for the foreseeable future (unless I upgrade to a trailer for multiple kayaks).

My goal for today is tip see how exactly I can load my outback by myself, upside down. Right side up isn’t a problem with the boat loader extended on the front bar, but I need to see how to load her upside down by myself.

Unless anyone has any tips.

On the rack, right side up you can easily flip it over. Grab the far end handle of the yak and pull it your way. Or when you're lifting the other end of the yak when on the loader flip as your bring it up. I suggest some pads on your rack.

I have the same set up as you: Yakima core bars with boat loader on a commuter car. I do what others are suggesting: transport the kayak upside down, with a secure bow line. This setup works great for carrying a Revo 16 or a full Adventure Island.

The only annoyance is that I bought the wind deflector for the rack, and the attachments that hold it to the bar get snagged a bit as I flip the kayak over. I will try flipping it off the boat loader onto the rack as jdr12345 suggests.

Thank for the advice. Ill be experimenting today. Wish it wasn't so damn hard to find some pool noodles in October!

I've got yakima racks on my truck and I've been transporting the outback on there upside down since may, I started off with foam pads, and now I just strap it down to the bars.  If I were to go up to shelter cove however, I'de probably toss the pads back on.

if using the load bar, the best way to flip it over is to just play around with it, and start turning it over as you lift.

I've got yakima racks on my truck and I've been transporting the outback on there upside down since may, I started off with foam pads, and now I just strap it down to the bars.  If I were to go up to shelter cove however, I'de probably toss the pads back on.

I don’t think the pads would be beneficial at all unless transporting right side up to prevent canning on the hull. The deck rails are solid and thick. You’ll never damage them even if you pull the straps too tight.

My goal for today is tip see how exactly I can load my outback by myself, upside down. Right side up isn’t a problem with the boat loader extended on the front bar, but I need to see how to load her upside down by myself.

Unless anyone has any tips.

A friend of mine loads his Revo right side up with just pool noodles and additional bow/stern lines. I would think the outback would have a flatter hull making it more ideal to load that way.

I've got yakima racks on my truck and I've been transporting the outback on there upside down since may, I started off with foam pads, and now I just strap it down to the bars.  If I were to go up to shelter cove however, I'de probably toss the pads back on.

I don’t think the pads would be beneficial at all unless transporting right side up to prevent canning on the hull. The deck rails are solid and thick. You’ll never damage them even if you pull the straps too tight.

It's probably all in my mind, but I feel like I can tighten the straps down a bit more, and on a multi hour drive with some good bumps helps keep my mind at ease haha.

this is how I flip the boat on my roof rack. Now that I’ve gotten used to it I can do this fairly quickly. Only takes a few minutes to load the yak onto the car.

Assuming the yak is on top of the car right side up (hull side down).

1. Grab the far handle
2. Brace the yak on the near gunwale with my arm (to keep the boat from sliding instead)
3. Flip the yak so that it’s perpendicular to the cross bar
4. While still grabbing the handle and the near (now too) gunwale, slide the yak toward the far crossbar
5. Put both hands on the top gunwale and let the yak down gently
6. Slide the yak into place
7. Strap down

Fairly straightforward process. I use roof rack pads on my car.

My roof rack has a matte aluminum finish (idk what the Yakima rack is like), and the first time I loaded my kayak I cringed at the scraping noises that were made when I was sliding my kayak around. I also feel like it gives the setup a little bit of shock absorption which makes it feel more secure.

If anyone else has any tricks I’d be happy to hear them.