Rack attack

Anyone using a Yakima showboat 66, or Thule Hulavator for a Hobie Outback?

I use Yakima Showboat for my Oasis and Revolution.

I just picked up a used Hullavator for my Oasis/AI. If you want to try it out you're welcome to bring your Outback over to Berkeley sometime.

I'm curious about this too since I found a 2019 outback under the tree. The Thule is only rated at 40lbs, which seems like a dealbreaker, but the Yakima, rated at 80lbs is still technically underspec'd for the 85lb dry outback. I haven't loaded mine up yet, but my experience with Ocean Kayak is the dry weights are usually optimistic.


**EDIT - sorry the Thule is rated at 75lbs, it "handles" 40lbs of the weight of the kayak for you.

I'm curious about this too since I found a 2019 outback under the tree. The Thule is only rated at 40lbs, which seems like a dealbreaker, but the Yakima, rated at 80lbs is still technically underspec'd for the 85lb dry outback. I haven't loaded mine up yet, but my experience with Ocean Kayak is the dry weights are usually optimistic.


**EDIT - sorry the Thule is rated at 75lbs, it "handles" 40lbs of the weight of the kayak for you.

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I don't think 40 lbs is weight capacity but supported shock capacity to make easier to load the kayak.  I have been carrying my Oasis on on Yakima rack without any issues but Thule is much easier to load and unload kayaks.

Thanks for the replies🤙🏼

Contacted a roof rack company today inquiring about the Yakima Showboat. Was informed that they recommend I get a trailer, as the Hobie Outback exceeds the weight recommendations for any safe roof loading. The Showboat, and also the Showdown, are rated for a maximum capacity of 80lbs.

Anyone have safety concerns with a 100lb+ kayak on your roof rack?

People have been putting 2 kayaks on their rooftops no problem. Don’t overthink it.

Thanks for the replies🤙🏼

Contacted a roof rack company today inquiring about the Yakima Showboat. Was informed that they recommend I get a trailer, as the Hobie Outback exceeds the weight recommendations for any safe roof loading. The Showboat, and also the Showdown, are rated for a maximum capacity of 80lbs.

Anyone have safety concerns with a 100lb+ kayak on your roof rack?

It is your choice but I have been carrying my Hobie Oasis on my roof top without much concern.  You just need to strap it properly.  I use 5 straps to secure it for long distances.  I made many trips over 300 miles without any issue.  Since I am an engineer, I should able to tell more structural issues.  Check the attached photos.

People have been putting 2 kayaks on their rooftops no problem. Don’t overthink it.

We have loaded 3 Hobies without any issues.

Search this forum. Tons of resources here. I think some people are sick of responding to the same questions over and over and over again.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=14071.30

I am a huge fan of this forum, and I’m very happy to have found this group. There are tons of resources here, and I am learning lots by searching, and reading the forum. I searched for an answer prior to posting. There was a lot of info brought up about the Hullavator, but not much about the other rack. Used the search function for Showboat 66 on the forums and it now brings up two posts, mine, and a reference to a sale add... I deeply apologize for asking a specific question about a specific product that I could not find an answer for. It is not my intention, or desire, to sicken people. My apologies for seeking help from a community I truly want to participate with.

Thanks for the replies🤙🏼

Contacted a roof rack company today inquiring about the Yakima Showboat. Was informed that they recommend I get a trailer, as the Hobie Outback exceeds the weight recommendations for any safe roof loading. The Showboat, and also the Showdown, are rated for a maximum capacity of 80lbs.

Anyone have safety concerns with a 100lb+ kayak on your roof rack?

Again, my apologies, the last question was supposed to come across with a little sarcasm that didn’t make it. I’m fully aware that people roof load PA 14’s on top of a Prius👍🏼

I have seen TI and oasis on roof tops. Definitely always use the bow and stern strapping for safety measures.

This girl make me feel like a weakling.
She has a Hobie outback loading it by herself on a forester. No need for special complicated rack. Go 17:30 min to see.


I load my AI kayak with hullavator (plus amas and sail)on a Mazda 3 no problem. And most important, secure the bow and stern with tie downs like what they mentioned above.