How to Use Yakima Kayak Racks

Yakima makes several rack models for transporting whitewater kayaks. The "stacking" models are the most common among avid paddlers, as these allow for attaching several kayaks to just one set of racks. When running shuttles or heading out to the river as a group, this makes carrying everyone's boats much easier. If you only usually carry one kayak at a time, and want racks that are easier to load and a bit more secure, then the HullRaiser styles will fit the bill. Regardless of which style you choose, installation of Yakima kayak racks is quick and easy, and loading kayaks takes only a little practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Attach the Yakima kayak racks to your rack crossbars. The kayak rack hardware is designed to wrap around the crossbar and tighten down around it and hold securely in place. Tightening is accomplished via wing nuts, so no tools are necessary in most cases. Be sure to test that the rack is tightened securely by pulling the rack in multiple directions. The rack should not move from its position on the crossbar.

Step 2

Load your kayak onto the rack. For stack type racks, the kayak rests on its side, with the side resting on the crossbars and the bottom against the kayak rack. For HullRaiser-type racks, the kayak is cradled on the rack itself in an angled position and does not touch the crossbars.

Step 3

Secure the kayak to the Yakima rack using cam straps. The straps will wrap around the boat, the rack and the crossbars in the case of the stack racks or just the boat and rack if you use the HullRaisers. Consult the documentation that came with your specific rack type to see recommended tie down patterns.

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...