Best Way to Carry a 13' Sailboat with a 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 05/09/2023 | Published 05/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(610)

$269.95

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(820)

$91.67

CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat and Kayak Trailer w/ Bunks - 12" Wheels - 14' Boat - 800 lbs

(170)

$2142.69

Landing Pad 15 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 4

(924)

$149.95

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

(38)

$298.95

Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4)

(496)

$69.95

SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points, Flush Rails, and Track Systems - Qty 4

(71)

$274.95

Question:

What are your roof rack or cross bar pad recommendations for putting a Laser 130 pound sailboat with a 55 inch beam on a Subaru Outback 2017 with factory installed cross beams, that does not have side rails? A 60 inch wide cross rail would leave space for mast tube.

asked by: Joel H

Expert Reply:

I have a few different solutions for transporting your Laser sailboat with your 2017 Subaru Outback Wagon; the first is with the roof rack you mentioned, but in all honesty that makes me a bit nervous so I'm going to recommend a trailer option as well.

Roof Rack Parts
- 60" JetStream Crossbars # Y00426
- SkyLine Towers # Y53TR
- Landing Pad 15 # Y00241
- Lock Core Kit # Y07204 (optional)
- BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # Y04091

Trailer Parts
- Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 76227
- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467
- Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45534
- CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat and Kayak Trailer w/ Bunks # CE48870

The reasons I like the trailer option over the roof rack is because the trailer won't be stretched to the limit with the weight rating plus it will be MUCH easier to load your sailboat on the lower trailer crossbars than it will be to get it up on top of your vehicle. So it's a bit of an investment, but it will save your back and keep your Outback Wagon running better for longer.