Can Older Thule Hydro-Glide Saddle be Adapted to OEM or Yakima Round Roof Rack for 2011 Forester

Question:

Any suggestions for using an early 2000s Hydro-Glide adapter with Yakima round bars or factory installed cross bars for a 2011 Subaru Forester?

asked by: Luke H

Helpful Expert Reply:

The saddles themselves should have a clamping system that would fit Yakima round or OEM crossbars on your 2011 Subaru Forester, but the whole Thule Hydro-Glide system was designed around the Thule crossbars and from what I was able to research it doesn't look like there is any kind of adapter.

With that being said, your options are to either use a different kayak carrier or use the newer Thule SquareBar Crossbars # TH712200 with the Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 on your vehicle.

If you'd rather upgrade your kayak carrier then I highly recommend the Yakima SweetRoll # Y04074 because it uses the saddles but it also has integrated rollers to help make loading your watercraft much easier. This kit comes with tie-downs.

expert reply by: Jon G