Board and Kayak
Get A Fishing License
*Disclaimer: Board and Kayak earns a commission from qualifying purchases.
Updated on 3/26/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
I'm Abigail Scott, an author, adventurer, and mother of three. When I'm not navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, you can find me tackling the turbulent waters as a professional whitewater kayaker or scaling impressive rock faces as a climbing guide. The rush of adrenaline, whether from kayaking or climbing, is a feeling I cherish deeply. But the thrill doesn't stop there; I capture the breathtaking allure of nature through my lens as a professional photographer. And when I'm not submerged in the wild, my software engineering skills amplify my outdoor pursuits, allowing me to harness technology in unique ways. Through my writings, whether articles or blog posts, I share not just my adventures but my heart, hoping to spark a flame of inspiration in others to break boundaries and experience the world's wonders.
Learn More about Abigail Scott
YAKIMA JayLow Kayak Carrier

YAKIMA JayLow Kayak Carrier

Description

YAKIMA - JayLow, J-Style Fold Down Rooftop Kayak Carrier is a low maintenance boat carrier that is perfect for your road trip. It offers multiple settings, allowing you to carry one boat in J-Cradle position or two boats in a vertical position. When not in use, it conveniently folds down. It weighs 11.00 lbs and has dimensions of L 6.69 in x W 6.00 in x H 20.00 in.

The YAKIMA - JayLow can carry up to 2 kayaks. It fits 1 kayak in J-cradle position (up to 80 lbs.) or 2 kayaks in a vertical, stacked position (up to 110 lbs. combined). It is compatible with Yakima SteamLine and round, square, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars. The minimum crossbar spread required is 24'. The carrier includes all the necessary hardware and straps, such as Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs, to secure your gear. Please note that the SKS (Same Key System) locks are sold separately. The design of the carrier is versatile, with an integrated cam lever that allows you to adjust the upright position easily. Additionally, the rack folds flat when not in use, providing better clearance and reduced drag. Installation is quick and easy, as the carrier comes fully assembled out of the box and requires no tools. It can be installed in approximately 10 minutes. To ensure compatibility with your vehicle, please refer to the Yakima Fit My Car Tool.

Here are some FAQs about the YAKIMA - JayLow:

- Can I please get a detailed answer on how to stop the whistling that these JayLow carriers make? I have a faring already.

Duct tape over holes on the bottom will stop the whistling.

- Will this rack really carry two kayaks? To carry two kayaks, do you need additional hardware or straps?

It is designed to be used with two kayaks if the bar is moved from the tilted position to straight up. You will need an extra set of straps for the second kayak. You can also use two sets of racks to carry four kayaks. It is recommended to use an extra ratchet strap to go around all the boats to keep them secure.

- Any ideas on how to get a 52 lb. kayak up on the JayLows by yourself?

One way to lift the kayak onto the JayLows is by lining it up on the side of the car so that the cockpit is between the front and back bars. Lift the front and "walk" it with your hands until your hands are up over your head. Then, lean the front 1/3-1/2 of the kayak against the front jay hook (cockpit out). Make sure the rear end of the boat is on a non-sliding surface. Next, step a couple of steps to the rear of the cockpit and with one hand grasping the cockpit and the other cradling under the back of the boat, heave it up onto the rear jay hook. This method has been successfully used even with a 56 lbs kayak by a person of height 5'7" (female).

- How many SKS locks do I need to buy for the rack?

You will need a 2 pack of the Yakima SKS lock cores to lock the JayLow's to the crossbar.

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i please get a detailed answer on how to stop the whistling that these jaylow carriers make? i have a faring already

Duct tape over holes on bottom will stop the whistling.

Will this rack really carry two kayak's? To carry two kayak's do you need additional hardware or straps?

It is designed to be used with two kayaks if the bar is moved from the tilted position to straight up. You will need an extra set of straps for the second kayak.I have used it this way (two sets of racks to carry four kayaks) and it worked very well. I do recommend using an extra ratchet strap to go around all the boats to keep them secure.

Any ideas on how to get a 52 lb. kayak up on the Jaylows by yourself?

My 16' kayak weighs 56 lbs. I line it up on the side of my car so that the cockpit is between the front and back bars, more or less. I lift the front and "walk" it with my hands until my hands are up over my head, then I lean the front 1/3-1/2 of the kayak against the front jay hook (cockpit out). It helps if the rear end of the boat is in grass or something that doesn't slide. Next I step a couple of steps to the rear of the cockpit and, with one hand grasping the cockpit and the other cradling under the back of the boat, I heave it up onto the rear jayhook. I'm 5'7" (female) and can do this in about 1 minute. I can barely lift the kayak by myself, but doing it 1/2 a boat at a time is super easy.

How many SKS locks do I need to buy for the rack?

You will need a 2 pack of the Yakima SKS lock cores to lock the JayLow's to the crossbar.