Thule Portage or Yakima Keel Over Kayak Rack Recommendation
Updated 03/17/2025 | Published 02/10/2016
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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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima KeelOver Canoe Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Canoe
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Gunwale Brackets
- Fixed
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- No Load Assist
- Yakima
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on Watersport Carriers
Pit
3/17/2025
Go with the Yakima Keelover. The tie-downs are just as good and secure as the Thule. Your canoe will not move laterally with both. More importantly the Yaks Keelover are $40 less than the Thule. You will not regret purchasing the Yakima Keelover. Looks like the response guy makes more money if you purchase the Thule Portage at $199, compared to the Yakima keel over at: & $158.99.