The Yakima ShowDown 8004081 ($829*)
* Freight: $35The first load-assist mount that handles both SUPs and kayaks. The ShowDown makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze. The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to nearly half of the boat's weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride.
Fold the loading arms down and the kayak can be secured into position at a convenient height.
Fold down loading loops for loading the fold flat when not in use to reduce height.
Comes with cradles and tie down straps.
Roof rack specs:
The Yakima ShowDown clamps around a wide range of crossbars with a bar thickness of up to 38mm. The cross bars must be through bars with at least a 90mm of overhang.
More info:
- Easily load and unload kayaks and boards at waist level at the side of the vehicle with the easy to use slide and tilt mechanism
- 36 kg boat and board capacity easily handles a large kayak or two boards
- Universal mounting hardware fits most roof racks
- Lightweight materials and construction don't eat up roof's carrying capacity
- Tilts down a lengthy 66 cm from roof rack height
- Provides 30-45% weight assistance (depending on boat width)
- Felt-covered cradles flex to conform to hull for secure transport
- Folds down flat to reduce drag and noise when not in use
- All tie-down straps included
- Locks to base rack with SKS Lock Cores for added security (sold separately)
- Not suitable for square bars with a depth exceeding 38mm
What Steve thinks......
The Yakima ShowDown is a very clever unit. It competes very well with the Thule Hullavator. While it does not give the gas strut assisted lift that the Hullavator provides, it is much less bulky, easier to remove from the vehicle and significantly cheaper.