How To Carry Two Fishing Kayaks On a 2018 Subaru Outback Touring

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 Subaru Outback Touring edition with low profile roof bars. I need to carry two fishing kayaks. One is a Jackson Mayfly that weighs 94 lbs and is 12 feet long and 35 inches wide. The other I have not bought yet, but I expect to be ~12 long and 34 inches wide similarly, but will be lighter weight. Maybe 60 lbs. Can you recommend a roof system to carry these two? The roof capacity of the Outback is 176 lbs, I believe. My husband and I are totally comfortable lifting the kayaks up there, but would you recommend J-bars or a wide roof rack with the kayaks flat, side by side? Can you also recommend bow/stern tie downs that wont tear up my car paint? THANK YOU!

asked by: Ashley

Expert Reply:

In order to carry kayaks on a 2018 Subaru Outback Touring you will first need to start with a roof rack, the Yakima JetStream Crossbar part # Y00425, part # Y00145, and part # Y06028 is what I recommend. Then, you can add kayak carriers which will be based on the kayaks you'll be using.

In order to fit two kayaks on the roof, you can either carry both on the side with j-style cradles or one on the side with a j-style cradle and the other on the hull with a saddle style cradle. That said, since you have fishing kayaks which are heavy you will need to go with the latter option and use the Yakima BigCatch Kayak Carrier part # Y04091 for the heavier kayak and the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier part # Y04073 for the lighter kayak (must be under 80 lbs).

expert reply by: Conner L