Thule Kayak/Canoe Rack

[cduchon]

I'm looking at getting a pair of Thule's new 450 Crossoads feet so that I can carry my boats on my Vibe.It's looks to my like the Vibe rack is going to limit the distance between the bars and may be somewhat unstable.The OEM rack also looks like it's lower in the rear which would tilt the bow of the boats up.... not a problem with a kayak.... but a big potential problem for a canoe (which would normally be carried upside down).Obviously, I'll be tying the bow/stern of the boats too.... but I'm worried that the Vibe rack may not be up to the task.Anyone else carry sea kayaks (17') or canoes on their Vibe?

[ebslopp]

I bought a Thule rack for my Vibe. I normally carry two bikes on it, but I carried a canoe no prob last month. I used a rope on the front of the canoe, but I really don't think it was necessary. Check out my pics in this link: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=10448

[cduchon]

eb, I was happy to see how level the boat rides.... must be an optical illusion that the rear rack rail looks lower than the front...Which Thule rack are you using? I know the 450(which I am considering) uses the old load bars but they also have a 751 (and a 751xt) whihc have integrated load bars.I'm guessing that you are using 751's?

[ebslopp]

Yes it is the Thule 751xt. The load bars are integrated into the clamps, which is the only drawback. The rack couldn't be any easier to put on though. I'm very happy with it overall. The Thule Velo-Vise bike trays are sweet! If you're going to carry a bike, pick up one of those.

[cduchon]

I couldn't decide on the 751xt or the 450's... but I think I'm going with 450's since they are a little cheaper and they'd let me us my existing load bars.But the 751's look really good in the pic you posted.