Yakima BowDown Boat Rack

User Reviews

• Works well for kayak loading and unloading quickly.
• The built-in loading ramp makes it easy to put the kayaks onto the cradle for easy functionality.
• Able to keep the boat rack on while not transporting kayaks, since it has a low profile shape.
• The softness and the padding protects the kayaks from getting scratched.
• Can be folded relatively flat when not in use for compatibility and ease of use when driving.

Expert Reviews

• Features a J-Cradle fit, which lays relatively flat during and after use.
• Reduces the space to load a kayak due to the J-shape construction.
• The flat fold-down lets you get rid of any clearance issues, like with low tunnels or garage doors.
• The J-cradle is designed for ease of loading for efficiency.
• The base of each cradle lets you easily slide the kayak onto the cradles for efficiency.
• Directly mounts to Yakima Racks round bars and Thule Racks load bars for compatibility.
• Provides a great way to decrease the space required to load a kayak.
• Allows two boats to be loaded side by side for added compatibility.

User Reviews

• The tabs to hold your kayak onto the carrier can slip, causing the boat to become unstable and potentially fall.
• Since there is so much padding, it makes a lot of noise on the road.
• Some reports of one of the J locks not being able to properly lock into position, lacking stabilization.
• Some reports of the plastic T that forms the clamp assembly failing during use.
• The kayak can catch too much wind during high speeds and raise away from the uprights unless you decide to purchase or use extra straps, limiting the functionality.
• The clamp system has trouble holding onto the round Yakima bars, limiting the functionality.
• The grip on round bars does not work very efficiently compared to other options.

Expert Reviews

• J-cradles require you to load the kayaks at a higher point, so you might only be able to use these with smaller cars.