How to Carry a Long Canoe on 2019 Subaru Forester With Raised Side Rails

Updated 07/02/2019 | Published 07/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 47" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$279.95

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4

(776)

$74.95

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 47" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$279.95

Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading

(45)

$229.95

Question:

How can I carry a 17 foot canoe on a 19 Forester with front to rear factory rails? I can figure out end tie downs - I just notice that most of your instructions note a limit of 14 foot canoes. Is this because the bars are close together?

asked by: William S

Expert Reply:

The note about a canoe needing to be 14 feet or less is for the Yakima roof rack system and it does have to do with the crossbar spread, though I do have a solution for you which allows you to carry your 17 foot canoe on your 2019 Subaru Forester with raised side rails.

You will need a Thule roof rack, which consists simply of the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711220 (Black) or # TH711200 (Silver) and Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails # TH710401. This will allow you to use the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # TH819. This rack allows you to space the crossbars at different lengths and you can then carry your long canoe, so long as it weighs 150 lbs or less, which is the maximum capacity of the Portage.

The accompanying photos are of the Thule rack on a '19 Forester and I also added links to a video install of this rack on a 2019 Forester as well as a link to a video review of the Portage for you to take a look at.

The only other thing I recommend is adding the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400 to secure the rack to your Forester and help protect your investment.