Double checking my rack is right.

So I got a vehicle hopefully a bit more permanent to get an actual rack for. Bought a 2001 Infiniti qx4. Want to make sure I get the rack right. I have the factory tracks. Here's what Yakima came out to. http://www.yakima.com/fit/baseracks/

First off, $356?! Just for the mount and cross bars?? Where's the other part to put the kayak on? Sold separately? Which one do I get?  Need to transport mainly one Hobie outback. Sometimes two of them though.

Thanks.

Here's a lesson I learned the hard way. Mounting kayaks on car roofs is really hard with heavy kayaks!! I am pretty sure the Hobie outback is just as heavy as my Predator. I ended up getting the Thule Slipstream 887XT to help load it without damaging my car.

I can't believe I bitched about having no rack on my sentry. It was throw it on a strap with one person. Now I have to lift it on an SUV and spend, I get this right, over $400 just on a bar and mount, then several hundred on an actual rack.

A trailer almost seems easier and cheaper but I really don't want to be stuck doing 55 and have the headache of that.

Thule crossbars and mount cost about 250 new. You can find cheaper on Craigslist or EBAY.

Thule Hullavator - used 300-350. You can score new in mid 400

Ffs $650. Do the Thule crossbars and mount fit my Infiniti track?

I looked on Thule site. When it says 1 kayak is that per system? What do I need to put both hobbies up, two hullivators? Will that work?

You can use two hullavators if you have wide enough crossbeams. I seem to recall 58" minimum. But yeah, roof rack systems are super expensive.

If you want to transport two kayaks I'd recommend 58" bars minimum. 48 can handle two if you have one j rack but it's tight.

But keep an eye on craigslist. I've bought all my Yakima bars and systems there. I have not spent more than $100 for two sets of 58" bars+ Yakima railgrabs.

Do you think I'd be better off getting a heap trailer and rigging something up?

I do both. Trailer when I'm lazy but 95% of time on my roof rack.

If you end up going with the Yakima system, I highly recommend getting the "Yakima BoatLoader Crossbar Extension."  You can find it for $60 on ebay.  Makes life waaaaaaaay easier than trying to muscle the Outback up top.

K thanks for the tips.

Anyone know how the Thule "stacker" works with outbacks?

Can I get the Yakima bars and extension and put the Thule on it!

I don't know if it is just the Outbacks but the way the hand holds are on it makes it awkward to load over your head, almost dropped the OB I used to have numerous times.  A hullavator would make things a lot easier for you but not easier on your wallet unless you find it used. 

you just bought an infiniti and you're worried about the roof rack???  Dont they sip premium only??

you just bought an infiniti and you're worried about the roof rack???  Dont they sip premium only??

So does the Harley. Used to that.  But I  not sure, off I go to check