EvenKeel

The Yakima EvenKeel carries your kayak the way the water does — flat, hull down, on four padded saddles that spread the load across the broadest possible contact area.

The Kindest Option for a Good Hull

A J-cradle concentrates the boat's weight on two narrow edges. Saddles do not. On a composite boat, or on a long drive at highway speed, that difference is what keeps a hull from taking a set. It also sits low, so there is less wind noise and less to think about in a car park.

The trade is roof space: a saddle set uses the full width of your bars, so one boat is what you get.

J-Cradle, Saddle or Stacker

Three ways to carry a kayak, and they are not interchangeable. A J-cradle holds the boat on edge at about 45°, so it uses half the bar width and you can fit two boats — easiest to load alone from the side, but it sits tall and catches crosswind. A saddle carries the boat flat, hull down, spreading the load across the widest possible contact — the kindest option for a composite hull and the quietest, but it uses the whole roof for one boat. A stacker stands three or four boats on edge against a central post — maximum capacity, least gentle, the club and whitewater answer.

Whichever you choose, bow and stern lines are not optional. Straps over the hull stop a boat sliding sideways; only bow and stern lines stop it lifting at speed.

Yakima EvenKeel Details

• 4 saddles; carries 1 boat up to 80 lb

• Fits Yakima round, square, factory and aerodynamic bars

• Minimum crossbar spread 24"

• 11" L x 8" W x 8.5" H; 5 lb

• In the box: 4 saddles, heavy-duty straps, bow and stern tie-downs

• Yakima #8004052

Yakima has discontinued the EvenKeel, so what is on the shelf is what is left. Pair it with rollers on the rear bar and one person can load a long boat comfortably — come and see that setup at our Clearwater shop.