What Type Of Roof Rack System Will Haul A Folded 12 Foot Porta-Bote On A 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback

Question:

We want to haul a 12 ft porta-bote folded on our 1997 Subaru Outback - it has the original factory roof rack that is rated for 150lb. The folded boat is 12.5 ft long, 2ft wide and approx 6 inches thick folded and weighs 70 lb. What would you recommend?? Thanks

asked by: Tony K

Expert Reply:

If your 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback has the factory roof rack with the crossbars that run from side to side you can use the Thule DockGlide Rooftop Kayak Carrier System, part # TH896. This system will accommodate a kayak or boat that is up to 34 inches wide and weighs 75 lbs or less.

Another choice is the Thule Hull-A-Port J-Style Rooftop Kayak Carrier, part # TH834. This would hold your boat in an upright position and when it is not being used the J-style racks would fold-down and lay flat on the roof rack. It would also accommodate a kayak or boat that is up to 34 inches wide and weighs 75 lbs or less.

If your vehicle does not have the factory crossbars that run from side to side but just has the rails that run front ot back then youneed to use the Thule SquareBars, part # TH712100, and the Thule Evo raised rail feet, part # TH710401. These parts will get you the crossbars that are needed for attachment of the kayak carriers that were mentioned above.

I am including links to the installation instructions for the Thule TH834 and the TH450 roof rack.