2020 Outback Straps

Hi, just picked up new 2020 outback, transporting hull up/rail down on cross bars, dealer recommended the front straps to go through mirage drive well. Is that correct?

Since the hull does not have raised rails for a strap to go under, running the straps through the Mirage drive to hold the kayak from moving fore and aft and flying off the rack.

Another safety precaution is to add a line to the front carrying handle and secure it to your front bumper and another line to the rear carrying handle, secured to your rear bumper.
These lines do not need to be taunt to be effective.

When I owned a 2010 Hobie Outback 10 years ago, I used a Yakima roof rack system, 48" crossbars, Mako saddles, grab rail 4 pack, 66" Yakima bars for the "show Boat" roller to protect the rear spoiler on my 2007 Subaru Outback. It made loading the Hobie simple and upright so I did not need to remove the seat for transporting upside down on the roof rack.

A good roof rack system is a one time cost and good insurance to protect your investment and vehicle.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-2i1l-tiXA

I’m not recommending these straps but the video shows how I strap my Revolution to my roof rack. Note how the straps go around each cross bar. I have transported my yaks literally 1000s of miles like this and never once had in issue. On long hauls I also add a bow and stern line to tie down points on my vehicle.


The tag end of your straps will probably vibrate and hum so to avoid it just twist them a few times before securing them.

~JOE~

Yeah the saddles and loaders all look great, but currently I have about 1/2" of clearance with the kayak entering my low garage.

Joetrain that's how I decided to do it. Running through the drive well gave me the heebiejeebies...got the bow/stern tie downs today.

Question - this kayak will live on top of the car until ice in. Any issues with it resting on the crossbars rail down? Should I get some kind of padding for the crossbars? I might not have enough garage clearance for thick pads...

I used pool noodles for a long time on Thule cross bars.

I had the J shaped racks at one time and they were fine, but like you I wanted a lower overall height. So I used pool noodles on the cross bars.

I left my WS Tarpon and my wife's Kingfisher on the rack for weeks at a time.

It was convenient to keep them loaded and it sure made finding your car in a parking lot easier.

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Looks like she is all strapped down correctly.

As far as your concern with leaving it up there long term. The longest I had mine on my rack was 2 months. No pads at all and no damage either. I did add a cable and a lock when I was out shopping or at a public place. I ran the cable through the drive well and locked it to the rack. I’m sure if a thief really wanted it the lock/cable could be compromised but it would take some time and a thief looks for easy targets.
~JOE~


ps. I solved the whole transportation issue by buying a Revolution 11 and a full size van. Now my yak fits entirely inside the van.

Ty, pool noodles are an option, hopefully the kayak will compress it enough to fit into the garage.

Ha - my other yak is the i11s, had it for 4+ years and you can't beat the convenience of an inflatable.

Yeah the outback will either be on the car or in the water for the next few months. I'm loosening the straps unless traveling, the garage does get hot but hopefully not hot enough to warp the kayak resting on the rails.

Thanks for the assurances, much appreciated!