"Dakotahound" (dakotahound)
12/01/2019 at 09:30 • Filed to: Kayak, Crosstrek, Subaru | 5 | 9 |
The cooler fall temperatures have definitely arrived, and it is time to get the Crosstrek ready to haul our boats. One of the reasons that we selected a Crosstrek was the availability of accessories to carry kayaks, bicycles, and assorted camping gear. In the past, we have been stuck with ill-fitting “universal fit” equipment because nothing was available for our exact make and model automobile. Most manufacturers have equipment specially fitted for the Crosstrek.
Crosstrek with kayaks - front view.
Our kayaks are 18 feet long. They are fiberglass sea kayaks that we brought to Florida from the northwest. Because of their length and the unique hull shape, we need to use special cradles. These cradles are older, and they were made for round crossbars. It was fairly easy to find Yakima crossbars that fit our Subaru factory roof racks. Also, since the boats are so long, the front-to-rear spacing of the bars needs to be as wide as possible to prevent excessive torque due to side wind. The Crosstrek allows us to space the bars at 38 inches, which is wider than almost every other vehicle that we considered – including other Subarus.
I am trying to resist making this sound like a Subaru commercial, but it really is an excellent vehicle for outdoor sports. We generally use our kayaks in places that have boat parking (Florida State Parks and the Canaveral National Seashore), but sometimes like to get into more remote locations. In the past, we used a trailer - which was fine for places with designated parking, but almost unusable for off-road travel. With the Crosstrek, we are self-contained; and the AWD assures that we will be able to get back out of any situation that we get in to.
Crosstrek with kayaks - rear view.
A few side notes:
This is just a fit check. When we travel, the bow and stern lines will be more secure. I usually like to add small bungees to keep them taut.
The Crosstek, like almost every other modern vehicle, has no good place to tie lines. We use the trailer hitch for the stern lines, but needed to purchase Malone “Quicklash T-Style Hoodloops” for the front. They fit under the hood, and seem to be secure, but I am somewhat worried that they will deform the hood over time. I may look into installing a front light bar or bull bar for better support.
In the title, I stated that it was kayak season. Really, all year is kayak season – we just go more frequently in the late fall, winter, and early spring.
Tekamul
> Dakotahound
12/01/2019 at 09:57 | 1 |
For tie down points, your boats might be long enough to use the Subaru bumper tow hooks. They stand out a bit, and can keep ropes off the paint. That's what I use on my FRS.
Dakotahound
> Tekamul
12/01/2019 at 10:03 | 0 |
Thank you. I thought about doing that, but there is only one tow hook in the front, and it is off to the right side . I know, it would be fine to use the single tow hook for both boats. T he asymmetry just bothers me.
Boxer_4
> Dakotahound
12/01/2019 at 11:15 | 2 |
Meanwhile, I’m waiting for warmer weather here - 33°F is a tad too cold for me personally...
I need to outfit the Crosstrek yet; mainly cross-bars and a hitch. I will probably get to that around spring. I ran Yakima round bars on the ‘09 Forester. I’ll probably stick with Yakima this time around, but aero bars this time .
Due to the shape of my canoe, I can get away without needing a special cradle - just some pipe insulation on the contact points and general purpose tie-down straps.
On the Forester, I installed webbed straps with eyelets for bow line use. I was able to install them right on top of the radiator mounting brackets ( which you can see below ) . Unfortunately with the Crosstrek, these are now covered with plastic trim. The radiator support itself has a few stamped holes that appear to be usable, so I’ll probably use those, perhaps with a bit of TBD reinforcement .
Adam
> Dakotahound
12/01/2019 at 12:33 | 3 |
I do also worry about the hood as a tie down point bit honestly not enough to change it. Don’t worry about symmetry though and the Ts are used on front and back under the hood and hatch. Sometimes I can even fit a narrow box on top if I squish things in. 14 footers here not fiberglass
Dakotahound
> Boxer_4
12/01/2019 at 13:31 | 0 |
We moved to Florida from Vermont about 4 years ago, and -33F is unimaginable now . Before we moved , I thought that 90F would be uncomfortable, but it feels normal now. It is amazing how the body adapts.
It looks like you have a system in place. We will do our first test run next week.
Dakotahound
> Adam
12/01/2019 at 13:34 | 1 |
The asymmetry thing is just me - it probably doesn’t really matter.
I wish that we could mount our kayaks on their side. It would make thing a lot easier. Ours do not fit nicely into the vertical mounts.
The Snowman
> Dakotahound
12/01/2019 at 15:25 | 1 |
I don’t know how willing you are to make permanent mods but you could take the bumper off weld in a threaded insert on the driver side and drill a 1/2" hole for a matching hook in the bumper cover... Also I love the cool gray khaki.
Dakotahound
> The Snowman
12/01/2019 at 15:35 | 0 |
Not too long ago, I saw a Honda with that mod.
It was obviously for towing, but along the same lines.
I will need to investigate how it would affect the warranty.
Boxer_4
> Dakotahound
12/01/2019 at 17:28 | 1 |
I enjoy visiting Florida on occasion ( Sanibel is quite nice ), but the high heat and humidity get to me fairly quickly ( at least in the summer months ).
The concept of the system is in place - though I don’t really foresee any issues translating that system from the ‘09 to the ‘19. I’ll be curious to hear how your system works out.