So I just got back from picking up my new kayak from the shop and installing the rack.

It's a Yakima rack and the kayak is an Ocean Kayak Caper. Here's a few pics of the setup...








I do have a few questions for anyone else who has the rack and/or a kayak. Do you leave the rack on all the time or take it off and just use it when transporting equipment? Also, if it is left on full time, is there any risk of surface/paint damage over long time where the clips hold on? Also, I didn't get the $50 wind plate thing for the front, wasn't sure if that was really a big deal or not. Seems like it was more for looks than anything that would really help wind resistance. Besides, the xB is already pretty non-wind-resistant. Finally, do you guys use the locks to keep anyone from stealing the rack? I didn't get the locks, but might if it seems these things are stolen a lot if I'm leaving it on full time. The people at the shop acted like they don't get stolen that often, but who knows. They aren't cheap so...

Thanks.

 

I had a Yak Rak on my old Explorer and it scratched the paint to hell. I left it on. IMO, you may want to only put it on when you need it, but what do I know Looks nice though! Windplate wouldn't hurt either. Enjoy!

 

Sweetness. I'm looking to getting one too.

 

now all you have to do it color match your kyak envy green~

 

sikkk... looks very sport eyy!

 

I had Yakima racks on my first xB. I left it on all the time and it never caused any damage to the paint and what not. Be careful not to drag your body accross the paint while loadint and unloading though. I mostly bike and snowboard some too, so I swap out the bike for the board racks. I had a couple of small nicks from belt buckles or buttons.

The only other thing to note is that the driver door seal began to rub and eventually became a small hole. The door closes on the clamp and there is only a small amount of space there.

It didn't happen on all the doores, but I assume since the drivers door is opened and closed most, is why it was the only one that had the issue.

 

Keep the kayak on there. Green and orange look good together!

 

Very cool

 

how much did the rack cost you? i dont even own anything that would need a reack, im just gonna rock one

 

I would definitely invest in a set of locks and leave the rack on all the time. That way the less taking off/putting on of the rack should equal less scratches to your ride, since you wont be constantly leaning into it messing with the rack. Make sense?

I hear the tubes howl real bad on the highway...a deflector is rumored to stop the howling.

 

I just installed my yakima rack this evening. 12" from front then 32" from there. Everything is nice and tight, |edit| and I got the locks figured out. Found out what the gold key was really for


next purchases... bike kit x2 and matching yakima wind thingy. Speaking of that... does anyone know of a cheap knock off for the wind deflector? Yakima brand is always so expensive.

 

I actually took my Yakima rack off for the first time ina year and there was no scratches or anything. I only took it off so I could wax under the Basketcase. With the basket tying the two crossbars together, I can lift the whole rack off in one shot. I have locks as well as pads for my longboard. Powderhounds for my snowboards and old style fork mount trays for my bikes.



Best investment I've made in the xB.

 

I actually took my Yakima rack off for the first time ina year and there was no scratches or anything. I only took it off so I could wax under the Basketcase. With the basket tying the two crossbars together, I can lift the whole rack off in one shot. I have locks as well as pads for my longboard. Powderhounds for my snowboards and old style fork mount trays for my bikes.



Best investment I've made in the xB.

 

Oh, and no wind noise on mine at all. No fairing, but I do have Dakine pads which got rid of the minimal noise I had before.

 

I got locks and leave it on all the time. I don't have any wind deflector and don't notice any noise or howl what so ever. Seems solid.

I forgot how much it all cost, as I got it along with the kayak and all the gear so I forget just how much it alone cost. Probably a couple hundred bucks.

 

love the look of racks on boxes.

 

I've had mine for about a month. Took it off for a "detail session" and no scratches.

Since the pics, I've bought 2 single (front) wheel holders. Not too impressed as they move on the round bar when driving. I'll have to bungee cord them to the bikes. If not, they rotate and "thunk" on your roof. Not a big problem, but for the price of these racks, I expect better design.

I'm still "debadging" it as every piece has a Yakima sticker on it.

I bought the locks-a 6 pc set with one key. This also locks the front forks of the bicycles to the rack.

Check out their website..hella funny!!

 

let's roll!