Thule Portage or Yakima Keel Over Kayak Rack Recommendation

Question:

Im looking to buy a complete rack system for my subaru forester to carry our canoe. Im in between the Yakima Keelover and the Thule Portage system at the moment. Do you have any preference between the two? The straps that tie to the front and back of the car on the Thule look to come with a pulley system rather than the regular straps of the Yakima but Im not sure if that makes much difference. Thank you.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Between the Thule Portage # TH819 and the Yakima KeelOver part # Y04069 I would go with the Portage. It is going to be easier to use and secure since it has the ratcheting tie-downs that you referenced as the pulleys. That will make securing the bow/stern tie downs much easier.

Aside from that the two carriers are pretty similar, but the edge goes to the Thule because of the ratchets.

expert reply by: Jameson C