Recommended Kayak Carrier for 2017 Subaru Legacy

Updated 04/26/2021 | Published 04/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(37)

$328.95

Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(123)

$206.95

Rhino-Rack Nautic 581 Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Channel Mount

(67)

$163.14

Question:

I have a 2017 Subaru Legacy I am buying the Rhino Rack crossbars. Can you suggest a kayak carrier for me? I have a perception tribe, 9ft. I’ve used the cradle set previously car burnt up losing all my gear and I found I had a hard time getting my perception to secure to the cradles. I had to keep stopping and tightening my toe downs. But the Rhino cradles made loading much easier. I have a sun dolphin kayak I’ve never have issues securing the tie down, but the shape of the two kayaks are much different.

asked by: Barbara S

Expert Reply:

When it comes to trying to find the best fit for kayaks with different shaped hulls, I prefer jointed saddle style carriers like the Rhino-Rack Nautic 581 # RR581. These are channel mounted carriers similar to the Yakima SweetRoll # Y04074 you were asking from. I recommend the Nautic 581 instead though because they have t-track mounts that will work well with your Rhino Rack crossbars on your 2017 Subaru Legacy.

Those separated saddles are nice because they can adjust to support your hull's shape while you tighten down the kayak to your bars. These are also rear loading if you want to slide your kayak onto these from the back.

If you want to carry both your kayaks at the same time, you will need another style of carrier though. The Malone FoldAway 5 # MAL38FR has 5 different configurations to carry kayaks of different shapes and sizes. To carry two-kayaks, it has a "post" position where the kayaks are mounted on their side. While other racks that convert to this position have the second kayak sit straight on the bars, this one has an adjustable base so that your kayak is still supported. I attached some videos below if you want to check them out.

expert reply by: Evangeline M