Kayak Racks, Yakima Showboat
Finally had some good weather to get out and mount the new kayak racks. I saw a thread on here where someone was talking about the 'Thule Slipstream' roller system for assisting the install of kayaks on top of the SMB. I looked at the Slipstream but decided to go with the 'Yakima Showboat'. It's the same principle as the Slipsteam, a roller that moves out over the back of the van, except that it's wider and can accomodate two kayaks with one system. Got the saddles mounted this weekend and took some pictures.
This is the Showboat slid into position for traveling.
The Showboat out over the back edge of the van and slid to the left for loading to the left saddles.
And slid to the right.
It is easy for my wife and I to mount and dismount the kayaks. Could do it with one person if needed to, but a little awkward for longer kayaks. Ours are 14'.
The Showboat will also mount to Thule crossbars (my SMB came with 4 Thule crossbars). I used the additional two so that the boats would be mounted a little forward on the top of the van. You need to mount the Showboat itself toward the rear so that the roller bar doesn't have to cantilever too far. The heavier the boat, the less the cantilever distance. My boats are 55lbs each, so, per the directions, it can cantilever up to 24".
More pictures to follow.
Mike
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2006 Ford E350 6.0 PSD, RB 50, 4x4
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