The Yakima ShowDown will definitely help, but if you need additional lift assist, consider the Thule Hullavator, here's a link: www.rackoutfitters.com/thule-898-hullavator-pro-lift-assist-kayak-carrier-for-square-and-aeroblade-bars/
Please secure the extra length straps inside the cockpit. I have friend whose straps came out , wrapped around the rear wheel, and destroyed his fiberglass kayak.
You'll need a minimum of a 60-inch crossbar, maybe longer for wider boats. "Boat Width / Saddle guidelines Use standard kayak saddle for boats up to 28" wide. For all boards or a more flat bottom boat from 28"-36" wide use the SUP saddle."
Thanks for the reply. The 2 boats in question are Hobie Outbacks which are 32" at their widest points. Even if I can get a 60" crossbar it sounds like it still wont be wide enough for a showdown on both passenger and drivers side. Also , the vehicle is a crewcab with an 8' bed. I think the nose of the kayak will far enough back from the front of the truck that the tiedown to the front will be pulled against the grill and hood front. Should I be worried about rubbing damage to the finish from the tie down or is there a work around ? I've been racheting the yaks in the bed up to now but want to add the truck cap, and carry the boats on top. I wont be able to lift them up on the roof of the cap, judging by the effort needed to get them in the bed.I want to be sure I have a way to get them on the roof that works for me without damaging the truck before I commit to a cap.
It comes down to the total weight of the carriers and kayaks being under the maximum load capacity of the roof rack: Showdowns weigh 21lbs each=42lbs+Kayaks at 120lbs each= 240lbs ttl=282lbs. Max load for a Yakima roof rack is 165lbs. You'll want to consider a trailer instead, Yakima is about to introduce all new trailers in Q4 2017.
You do need to lift the boat to the loader and lift the weight of the boat up and slide it over, the ShowBoat manages the boat so that it does not hit the side of the vehicle.
![How to Transport a Kayak: Solo Loading and Unloading [NO LOAD ASSIST]](/img/n.gif)
🛒 Order Yakima ShowDown Kayak & SUP Rack here with FREE delivery: www.rackattack.com/kayak-racks/yakima-showdown-kayak-sup-rack/
You make it look easy with that light kayak. Mine is a 72 lb sit on top fishing kayak and being 70 years old certainly can't be that easy.
The Yakima ShowDown will definitely help, but if you need additional lift assist, consider the Thule Hullavator, here's a link: www.rackoutfitters.com/thule-898-hullavator-pro-lift-assist-kayak-carrier-for-square-and-aeroblade-bars/
Mine is 80 lbs and I'm an old fat man, pretty easy for me :)
Just put mine on today and works great!
Very good video thank you
Hi. Which kayak lift assist Carrier do you prefer? The Thule or the Yakima?
Please secure the extra length straps inside the cockpit. I have friend whose straps came out , wrapped around the rear wheel, and destroyed his fiberglass kayak.
Is there enough space to put a pair on each side of the vehicle to allow 2 kayaks to be loaded? It would be on a pickup truck cap, so fairly wide.
You'll need a minimum of a 60-inch crossbar, maybe longer for wider boats. "Boat Width / Saddle guidelines Use standard kayak saddle for boats up to 28" wide. For all boards or a more flat bottom boat from 28"-36" wide use the SUP saddle."
Thanks for the reply. The 2 boats in question are Hobie Outbacks which are 32" at their widest points. Even if I can get a 60" crossbar it sounds like it still wont be wide enough for a showdown on both passenger and drivers side. Also , the vehicle is a crewcab with an 8' bed. I think the nose of the kayak will far enough back from the front of the truck that the tiedown to the front will be pulled against the grill and hood front. Should I be worried about rubbing damage to the finish from the tie down or is there a work around ? I've been racheting the yaks in the bed up to now but want to add the truck cap, and carry the boats on top. I wont be able to lift them up on the roof of the cap, judging by the effort needed to get them in the bed.I want to be sure I have a way to get them on the roof that works for me without damaging the truck before I commit to a cap.
It's not as much about the room as it is the weight that your roof will accept.
With fishing kayaks getting heavier and heavier, is there a more heavy duty version or one that can handle more weight on the market right now?
Yes, 176 pounds with the Rhino-Rack - NKL - Nautic Kayak Lifter, here's a link: www.rackoutfitters.com/rhino-rack-nkl-nautic-kayak-lifter/
We just ordered a truck camper with Yakima 78" Corebars. Will the Showdowns works with 2 Native Watercrafter Slayer Propel 10's?
It comes down to the total weight of the carriers and kayaks being under the maximum load capacity of the roof rack: Showdowns weigh 21lbs each=42lbs+Kayaks at 120lbs each= 240lbs ttl=282lbs. Max load for a Yakima roof rack is 165lbs. You'll want to consider a trailer instead, Yakima is about to introduce all new trailers in Q4 2017.
Will this work with the factory subaru bars?
No, it will require a bar to extend over the side. Yakima has great options for crossbars. www.rackoutfitters.com/yakima-roof-racks-for-raised-rails/
How is this lift assist. This appears to be a manual loader.
You do need to lift the boat to the loader and lift the weight of the boat up and slide it over, the ShowBoat manages the boat so that it does not hit the side of the vehicle.
ok thanks.
Are the gas struts available for the Yakima rack or just the Thule?
The struts are only equipped on the Thule Hullavator. The Yakima ShowDown is a load assist product v lift assist
Only the Hullavator is gas strut assisted, it's not an option for the ShowDown.