rack setup input needed for my Remix XP10

Darwin · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Bloomington, IN

I finally got my Thule rack systerm (450 foot pack/LB 58; not a J cradle system; I'm just strapping the kayak to the load bars) for my 2001 Subaru Legacy Outback. I'm in the dark as far as several things:

1) How are apart should the load bars for my Remix XP10?
2) I was told that I should tie the kayak down to load bars themselves. How do I go about doing that (how many places and how to lace the straps)? Is there a good video you would recommend online for that?
3) I was told that I don't need to tie down the boat from the front nor the back. Do you agree?

xpsetmefree · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 14 Location: Southeast PA

My suggestion is you first buy some foam padding to attach to the bars. This will add some padding and more importantly friction to hold the boat in place. You might try some 3/4 inch pipe insulation. Next, splurge for some good straps with spring loaded teeth. The ones I use have a rubber pad around the clamp to protect you car (think of the main competitor of Thule). These make for fast and easy attachment. Run them from on side of the bar up over the top of the boat - both straps should lay parallel on the boat. In this way you will not need bow or stern tie down. The real test is to rock the car when you push and pull on the attached boat.

I personally use a J-bar system with just two straps and my XP10 rides very well even at freeway speeds (atop my 2005 Outback). I also purchased a cockpit cover for long hauls - less wind resistance. The boat and cover makes a really good roof top carrier for family vacation.

Good luck.

xpsetmefree · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 14 Location: Southeast PA

Space you bars as far apart from each other as possible.

shanebenedict · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 1:08 pm Post subject:

I would agree with all the above.

The distance between the bars is whatever keeps the boat from hitting the car.

I like to make sure that I load my boat so that the security bar (black alluminum bar) is over the bar so as you tie it down you can go through the bar and therefore secure it more solidly.

A bow or stern line to the car is nice but not totally necessary.

Try to load the boat on its side or on its deck to keep from concaving the hull.

Shane

Woody · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 261

I have always set my racks up about 46" apart which give the boat really good purchase on the rack and is easy to tie on. Woody