Yakima BowDown Boat Roof Mount

Keep your mind on the water and not on the safety of your boat. Top-of-the-line HullGuard padding keeps your boat comfy, and when not in use, the BowDown folds down for better aerodynamics and roof clearance. Universal mounts fit most crossbars out of box. Weight: 15.20 lbs. Dimensions: L 10.50 in x W 5.50 in x H 21.00 in.

Tired of pain-in-the-neck kayak carriers that take up a ton of space while functioning poorly? Turn to the Yakima BowDown rooftop kayak carrier, which employs a J-cradle design to hold your kayak on its side. Why store a kayak in this manner? Because it takes up little roof space and allows you to quickly and easily load the kayak in just a few short minutes. The BowDown fits with round, square, and most factory crossbars right out of the box, so you don't have to shell out extra cash for fancy adapters. The unit's top-of-the-line HullGuard padding, meanwhile, employs EVA foam to protect your boat and keep it looking brand new. Best of all, the BowDown includes an integrated boat ramp system that makes it a breeze to load your kayak onto the rooftop. Other features include a SteelCore frame that folds flat when not in use, bow and stern tie-down straps for stability, an SKS locking system, and an integrated bottle opener. A must for kayak enthusiasts everywhere, the BowDown carries a one-year warranty.

CARRY 1 BOAT: Supports one kayak or boat up to 80 lbs.; Folds down when not in use for better aerodynamics and roof clearance

FITS MOST CROSSBARS: Universal mount fits most crossbars (Yakima round, square, factory and aerodynamic bars) out of the box; Minimum crossbar spread of 24'

EASY TO LOAD: Integrated ramp system makes it easy to load and unload your boat; Includes Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs to secure your boat

PADDED PROTECTION: Top-of-the-line HullGuard padding protects your boat during travel; SteelCore construction steel tube frame is superior in strength

EASY TO INSTALL: Tool-free assembly and installation; SKS (Same Key System) locks (sold separately) available for added security; Refer to Yakima Fit My Car Tool to ensure compatibility

I own a BowDown and on occasion have mounted a friend's JayLow carrier on my blade style roof rack. The BowDown is nicely padded, has a small-ish knob for tightening the support arm in the up and down positions, and a single roof rack attachment point. The JayLow is less padded, has a cam lever style support arm tightening mechanism, and two roof rack attachment points. The difference in padding should not be the deciding factor - while less on the JayLow it is adequate to protect the kayak hull. The support arm knob on the BoDown is quite a bit more inconvenient than the cam lever on the JayLow - takes about 20 partial turns to loosen/tighten, and if you have arthritic hands like me that can cause some discomfort. The cam lever in my opinion is superior. The JayLow, with two roof rack attachment points makes it feel much more secure than the BowDown with the single attachment. Overall in my opinion the JayLow has the edge over the BowDown. Had I known these differences I would have purchased the JayLow! (I'm seriously considering getting one to replace my BowDown.)

Look closely at the left-most end of the rack as pictured here. There is a triangular piece at the end of the bottom rail of the rack. It is a very small ramp that you place the boat on then push up onto the rack. BTW - you would never mount the rack as shown in the photo. Rather, pull the J-rack to the edge of your roof rack so that small ramp extends over the edge of the roof rack support. Then you'll see how that small pad can help you load your boat.

A set consists of 2 holders to haul 1 kayak - and this is really a great product!

I lost a kayak at low speed carrying for only a couple miles in city traffic because of Yakima round bars. The J-bracket rotated and dented the suv and the kayak. I will never use round bars again. Even had I tied down the bow and the stern, which I did not, it would not have prevented this. Round bars make no sense with J-racks. You can’t tighten enough to prevent twisting. I ended up laying my kayaks flat, side by side. Once it happens to you you don’t forget it.