Product Reviews > Accessories > Yakima BoatLoader

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07-13-2009
Submitted by: rdmcclary - Rating: 8 of 10
     A ski accident left me with a few shoulder issues. The BoatLoader makes putting my boats up on top a non-event.
I foolishly bought two of these - one for each side. I soon found that, once a boat is on top, it can be "walked" on across to make room for the second boat.

My down-rating comes from this... Unless your bars are new or nearly new, you will have installation issues! My bars were about 4 years old and had been left outside (mounted) most of this time. There was enough corrosion inside the bar to keep the "catch" from moving. (HINT - it took a great deal of cutting to get the plastic end plug off.) I eventually got one bar to slide all right (although roughly). The second bar was too badly corroded. I did remove the plastic catch piece, and now it slides in and out. However, I must watch for the hole (which would have held the catch), then move the bar back in a few inches
Oh yeah, the sand dollar graphic on the end of the loader is great!

07-11-2009
Submitted by: oregonpaddler - Rating: 10 of 10
     Nice addition to a good Yakima line. I had the Thule version on my older car and it's the same principle. Both work well. With a bad shoulder, it's difficult sometimes to get a 55 pound boat on top of the old Subaru. This pull-out bar helps. The reviewer who gave it a 1 out of ten probably wants a microwave oven installed in his kayak...

07-09-2009
Submitted by: Krupsch - Rating: 10 of 10
     Although my kayak only weighs 40 pounds, I am not strong enough to lift it into the rack by myself. Its a sit-on-top and bulky which makes it harder to handle.

The boat loader is easy once you get the hang of it - and makes it a breeze. Before loading was a long struggle and now I can get my kayaks up there fast and easy. It doesn't mar my car in any way and works like a dream.

My only wish is that when I bought the rack it would have been sold as an option - so I would have never have been without it. I have several car scratches from trying to load before the boat loader. Get it - you won't regret it.

08-31-2006
Submitted by: speccoat - Rating: 9 of 10
     Installs very easily and is well made. typical Yakima. I also have a 4 Runner and it made loading my heavy Old Town doable, where before it was suicide. I now have a lighter Wenonah but it still comes in handy. The previous reviewer that said this is worthless is a sourpus who probably doesn't read directions and use it right. Park somewhere there is grass if possible, move canoe up alongside vehicle, extend boatloader bar out, lift front of canoe/kayak up to rest on the bar, move to back and lift rear of canoe/kayak up and walk over the back of vehicle. You can roll the canoe 180 degrees in this same process and then shimmy the boat over into place as needed. Works like a charm with a little skill and care. Boatloader mounts and stores in the end of the Yakima round bars for easy access. Great item, plain and simple.

08-10-2005
Submitted by: Dave - Rating: 10 of 10
     An awesome addition to my rack. I've got a high vehicle (4Runner) and could not load my boat on my own. Rollers won't work because of the location of the rack. This thing is just the ticket. Super easy to install and use.

06-28-2005
Submitted by: John - Rating: 10 of 10
     I use a Yakima Boat Loader to cartop a Tarpon 120 and a Porta-Bote on a Forester.. The Porta-Bote weighs 69lbs; the Tarpon 60lbs. Both are 12ft long. I am 60 years old 5'9 and 170 lbs.and to lift them on to the Forester before I got the boatloader was a struggle. The is an excellent aid well worth investing in.

06-15-2005
Submitted by: snowgirl913 - Rating: 9 of 10
     I would have to disagree with the other review. Without this item, it would be impossible for me to load my sit on top kayak onto the top of my Jeep. It is like having a second person with you. Great item.

06-14-2005
Submitted by: BIRDZONE - Rating: 1 of 10
     Absolutely useless. Loading from the side might work on a low car, but on a truck or SUV, it's too high. Plan on a system that allows you to load from the rear.

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