Yakima Racks and Ozark Outdoor Supply

[msullivan57]

I recently had a mishap with my Yakima racks. While traveling on US 167 near Bald Knob my racks came loose. Fortunately, neither persons nor boats were harmed. I was very lucky. While not knowing exactly what caused the racks to come loose there were several factors that came into play, I think. Traveling at a high rate of speed, very windy conditions, all stern lines were not attached, and the probability that my racks had moved from their initial installation points on the car. I had the racks for about one year and had become very confident that my boats were not going to come loose. Never thought about the rack itself coming loose.

My boats and rack were purchased at Ozark Outdoor Supply on Kavanaugh in Little Rock. I would like to thank Jim and the rest of the very nice folks at Ozark OS for the support they provided. Jim contacted Yakima and they agreed to replace all my rack parts and even threw in locks for free. Jim of Ozark OS installed the new rack for free and provided detailed instructions on how to maintain the rack, tie on boats, etc. All of this was accomplished without one complaint or one comment about the mishap may have been partially my fault (which I believe). It was also nice to see that Yakima supported their products in such a manner. Ozark OS and Yakima surpassed my expectations by a large degree in providing support in this situation. I highly recommend both. Just need to give credit where credit is due. And, by the way, the two state policeman that stopped while I was sitting there for three hours on the side of the road were not any help at all. I think the second one wanted to give me a breathalyzer test.

Now, what I have learned. Racks are not maintenance free. They should be checked before each use to ensure they have not moved or any part come loose. Bow and stern lines should be properly attached. In very windy conditions I should slow down. And, of course, make sure boats are securely tied down. I’m sure there are some other precautions if any experienced users want to chime in.

Just thought that this experience might provide some food for thought for others. Especially relatively new paddlers like me. I had been doing pretty well with sports equipment until this happened. Never lost my golf clubs or tennis racquets from my trunk (did run over my golf clubs one time, but we’re not going to talk about that).

Have a good weekend!!

Mike

[robkanraft]

Glad it worked out for you and thanks for the safety reminder, now I'll go check mine. Haven't really looked at them in weeks.

[wisefloater14]

Good for you and a high five for Ozark Outdoor Supply.
I bought a used Yakima rack and one of the Q Towers broke. No harm done but Yakima doesn't extend their warranty except to the initial purchaser.
I suppose this is status quo for manufacturer's though.
Next time I will do my shopping at OOS.

[Canoe_Codger]

I am often dismayed when I see boats on rooftop racks going down the road secured to the rack only. To me that is putting a bit too much faith in rack integrety and in the rack to roof attachment hardware. Having launched one canoe during an emergency stop years ago (17' canoe on a 1975 Honda Civic), I always tie fore and aft. And check everything again not long after hitting the road, again midway or after a rain (lines/straps can stretch when wet). I've not lost another since.

OOS and I went back many years since they were once THE source for outdoor/paddlesports gear in Little Rock. I was always impressed with the friendly, knowledgable service I received there.

Michael

[wisefloater14]

I always use ratchet straps to tie my canoe to the rack on my car.

Two over the top and ONE that I run through the car doors. No way it's coming off if you attach the one through the doors.

I tie the front using 2 ropes as well, using a half hitch slip knot.

A person could even run another ratchet strap through the doors if they wanted to.
No way it comes off.

I have tested different speeds since I started using it. I backed off at 95 mph. The boat never moved.

I am not recommending that others do this. It does take an understanding of how to tie a rope properly and use the ratchet tie downs.

[okieboater]

old boating rule of thumb:

ropes around boats to racks - keep boats on the rack

ropes from bow / stern of boats to bumpers - keep rack on vehicle

[wisefloater14]

You got it!
Put one through the doors and around the canoe for an additional safeguard.

[Ouachitoff]

Glad it worked out for you! I have the Yakima Whispbars on my Impreza WRX and can't recommend them enough. 0 gas mileage lost and they are super sturdy. I can provide more info/review of them if someone's interested.

[wisefloater14]

Thanks.
I have the whisper attachment as well. Didn't check on the gas but did notice the sound was diminished.
Maybe I should drive a Subaru. Need to move this Honda Accord I'm driving. Got any suggestions?

[Ouachitoff]

I for one, absolutely love my WRX. it's a 2010, super reliable, has all wheel drive for inclement weather, and gets very respectable gas mileage however owning a turbocharged car means buying premium. Gas credit cards and smart shopping can offset the higher cost, however. As far as for boating, I can get my playboat and creekboat on top of my car easily. Three boats would be possible with a stacker, I believe, but I've never tried. The documentation for my rack says it can do 220 lbs, but I've never come close to that. I can fit up to 4 paddles easily inside the car and all my gear goes easily into the trunk. I don't have the best ground clearance, but that's because I've bought some things for speed/cornering that have hampered that. Can't have it all! I can still make it out to Little Missouri Falls and other rougher forestry roads, just have to go slow and be careful. I will be driving this car till the wheels fall off.

[Deuce]

I always use ratchet straps to tie my canoe to the rack on my car.

Two over the top and ONE that I run through the car doors. No way it's coming off if you attach the one through the doors.

I tie the front using 2 ropes as well, using a half hitch slip knot.

A person could even run another ratchet strap through the doors if they wanted to.
No way it comes off.

I have tested different speeds since I started using it. I backed off at 95 mph. The boat never moved.

I am not recommending that others do this. It does take an understanding of how to tie a rope properly and use the ratchet tie downs.

Ratchet straps? I much prefer cam straps but to each his own. Belly straps and bow and stern lines is my method. It's tempting to forego the lines but I force myself not to because the straps are only as good as the rack system. Mike, thanks for giving kudos to OOS. Seems too many of us are quick to convey bad experiences but slow to convey good ones.

[Ouachitoff]

OOS is a great shop, they just don't have the whitewater gear that a certain other shop in the Spa City does. I shop there frequently for non-whitewater outdoor and boating gear.

[msullivan57]

Wow, you guys brought back an old experience that I will never forget. Lucky no cars right behind me when the rack came off. Wind was definitely a factor that day. The racks were on a two door Honda Accord with a short roof line. It had to have an extender to put any kind of yakima rack on top of it. I feel much more secure with the racks on my 2014 Subaru Forester. I decided on Thule Aero bars and clamps to attach to the factory installed rack. I like the Aero bars better than the round bars. Also, they stand a little higher off the roof line than the whispbars did. Kept reading about an issue with moon roofs not being able to open with the whispbars. I want to be able to open the moon roof and get stuff out of my boats while I'm going down the road. After factoring the moon roof in my decision, I have opened it once in six months. And that was the first day I had the car. Not sure what they are good for. Never thought looking up while driving your car was a good idea. Yup, I learned my lesson about bow and stern lines. I may not put them on if I am going a couple of miles locally, but anything longer they are going on. I'm sure I will provide more lessons of what not to do in the future.