| danielc | 09-13-2004 06:14 PM |
Surfboard Roofracks
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Hi, I searched around for older topics but I wanted to get some current feedback.
I am currently researching which roofrack to install on an STi for a 9' surfboard. I'd like some feedback from people who already have a roofrack set up for their boards (sedan or wagon).
Does anyone have the European OEM rack for their boards? Can anyone hook me up with a contact or a web site so I can order one? I much prefer to have a set up that has no physical contact with my car's paint job. (I used to have a Yakima rack and I don't like the way the Q-towers and the rubber feet are designed). Are the Saris or Thule designs much "cleaner"?
How are the FCS (or another brand) soft racks? They are super cheap, but my concern is that they are less stable.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I am currently researching which roofrack to install on an STi for a 9' surfboard. I'd like some feedback from people who already have a roofrack set up for their boards (sedan or wagon).
Does anyone have the European OEM rack for their boards? Can anyone hook me up with a contact or a web site so I can order one? I much prefer to have a set up that has no physical contact with my car's paint job. (I used to have a Yakima rack and I don't like the way the Q-towers and the rubber feet are designed). Are the Saris or Thule designs much "cleaner"?
How are the FCS (or another brand) soft racks? They are super cheap, but my concern is that they are less stable.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
| Vikingmoose | 09-13-2004 10:49 PM |
I bought a Thule roof rack with their surfboard attachment. To me, it came down to either Yakima or Thule because they're both reputable and readily available. Of the two, I liked Thule's surfboard attachment better, so I went with that, but I'm sure I would've been just as happy with the Yakima rack and their surfboard attachment. The only downside is that the Thule has rubber feat that sit on your car's paint, much like the Yakima. So I don't know if that automatically rules out the Thule. I haven't taken it off yet so I don't know if it's damaged the paint at all. As far as stability goes, I have no issues unless I'm going over 60-65mph. Otherwise I'm golden. Good luck with your hunt for a surfboard roofrack!
| hph | 09-13-2004 11:34 PM |
On another STi forum ([URL=http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=14061]thread here[/URL]), there were bitter complaints about the Thule system. I have the Yak system, but I haven't used it yet, so I can't say whether it'll do bad things to the roof. I will say that I used similar Yakima systems (rubber feet on the roof; clamps to the window frame) on my other cars and they worked fine. I think, with these systems, you need to put them on a clean roof and make sure the feet are seated as flat against the car's surface as possible. HPH
| stratdaddy | 09-14-2004 12:13 AM |
bump
i am looking at a yakima w/ a snowboard and mountain bike mount. my question is a little different though, since it only snows for part of the year, plus i live in texas (driving to colorado in dec) how easy is it to remove/install it? im only gonna need it on my roof for the trip up and back. thanks.
i am looking at a yakima w/ a snowboard and mountain bike mount. my question is a little different though, since it only snows for part of the year, plus i live in texas (driving to colorado in dec) how easy is it to remove/install it? im only gonna need it on my roof for the trip up and back. thanks.
| Vacca Rabite | 09-14-2004 07:54 AM |
[QUOTE=stratdaddy]bump
i am looking at a yakima w/ a snowboard and mountain bike mount. my question is a little different though, since it only snows for part of the year, plus i live in texas (driving to colorado in dec) how easy is it to remove/install it? im only gonna need it on my roof for the trip up and back. thanks.[/QUOTE]
Botht the Thule and Yakima systems are dead easy to set up and remove - both are probably 15 minutes to get on and get tuned - including the bikes, boards, canoes, etc.
For those of us with wagons, its easy as we already have rails to attach to. The sedans have to go with either gutter or door mounts. I had a gutter mount on my VW, and would just take it off for the winter, and leave it on all summer for bikes. The bad news is, if you are taking your car places where you do these things, it is going to get scratched. The good news is that you can take your car....
You will save a ton of money going with the Yak or Thule system, and will also have a rack that is MUCH more versitle then the stock one.
Zach
i am looking at a yakima w/ a snowboard and mountain bike mount. my question is a little different though, since it only snows for part of the year, plus i live in texas (driving to colorado in dec) how easy is it to remove/install it? im only gonna need it on my roof for the trip up and back. thanks.[/QUOTE]
Botht the Thule and Yakima systems are dead easy to set up and remove - both are probably 15 minutes to get on and get tuned - including the bikes, boards, canoes, etc.
For those of us with wagons, its easy as we already have rails to attach to. The sedans have to go with either gutter or door mounts. I had a gutter mount on my VW, and would just take it off for the winter, and leave it on all summer for bikes. The bad news is, if you are taking your car places where you do these things, it is going to get scratched. The good news is that you can take your car....
You will save a ton of money going with the Yak or Thule system, and will also have a rack that is MUCH more versitle then the stock one.
Zach
| grindMARC | 09-14-2004 08:53 AM |
Someone had a very cool idea in another thread to deal with the rubber feet problem. Get some of that 3m clear bra product and cut out some pieces a little larger than the footprint of the feet. Not sure how well these little pieces would stay down, but its an interesting idea.
| hph | 09-14-2004 11:09 AM |
Yep, ClearBra pads for the feet (and for the feet on the fairing, if you get one) would help with the scratching. Another issue with the Thule and Yak racks that ride on feet (and clamp to the windowframe) could be that the roof might deform (i.e., dent a little) if you don't position the feel properly and/or tighten it too much.
I'm sold on the flexibility of my Yak system. I've had the same basic accessories for at least 10 years (and, oh, 6 cars), changing only the mounting system when I need to in order to match a new car. I'm thinking that Thule offers similar flexibility. HPH
I'm sold on the flexibility of my Yak system. I've had the same basic accessories for at least 10 years (and, oh, 6 cars), changing only the mounting system when I need to in order to match a new car. I'm thinking that Thule offers similar flexibility. HPH
| Vacca Rabite | 09-14-2004 11:25 AM |
[QUOTE=hph]
I'm sold on the flexibility of my Yak system. I've had the same basic accessories for at least 10 years (and, oh, 6 cars), changing only the mounting system when I need to in order to match a new car. I'm thinking that Thule offers similar flexibility. HPH[/QUOTE]
Yeah, the bike rails and cross bars from my Thule have been on my VW since 98, and then moved to the Scoob in February. All that changed was the device that mounted them to the roof. Its a very sturdy system. I use it all the time.
Zach
I'm sold on the flexibility of my Yak system. I've had the same basic accessories for at least 10 years (and, oh, 6 cars), changing only the mounting system when I need to in order to match a new car. I'm thinking that Thule offers similar flexibility. HPH[/QUOTE]
Yeah, the bike rails and cross bars from my Thule have been on my VW since 98, and then moved to the Scoob in February. All that changed was the device that mounted them to the roof. Its a very sturdy system. I use it all the time.
Zach
| Obnoxio | 09-14-2004 11:27 AM |
I have the FCS softracks, and I like them. I carry a 9' board and two 10' surfrods on them with no issues. Once you get the hang of putting them on, its a 10 minute operation.
-Ob
-Ob
| 3ztt | 09-14-2004 12:26 PM |
No matter what, you're gonna get damage to your car with a roof rack.
Those clamps are the killer. Once you got something like this getting wind hitting it, theres gonna be looseness, which leads to rubbing.
My suggestion? Get off the log and get a shortboard.
Those clamps are the killer. Once you got something like this getting wind hitting it, theres gonna be looseness, which leads to rubbing.
My suggestion? Get off the log and get a shortboard.
| grindMARC | 09-14-2004 01:02 PM |
[QUOTE=3ztt]
My suggestion? Get off the log and get a shortboard.[/QUOTE]
:lol: 9-ft is hardly a log. I think a nine footer is considered by many to be on the short side of long boards.
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.
My suggestion? Get off the log and get a shortboard.[/QUOTE]
:lol: 9-ft is hardly a log. I think a nine footer is considered by many to be on the short side of long boards.
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.
| danielc | 09-14-2004 01:34 PM |
Thanks for the info guys!
Is there any info of a convenient (fast) place I can pick up a generic sheet of the 3m sheet?
Obnoxio - how fast can you drive with the FCS straps? I'd like to go at least 60-65 mph on the freeway...
I'm sticking with the 9 footer ;)
Is there any info of a convenient (fast) place I can pick up a generic sheet of the 3m sheet?
Obnoxio - how fast can you drive with the FCS straps? I'd like to go at least 60-65 mph on the freeway...
I'm sticking with the 9 footer ;)
| 3ztt | 09-14-2004 01:35 PM |
[QUOTE=grindMARC]:lol: 9-ft is hardly a log. I think a nine footer is considered by many to be on the short side of long boards.
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.[/QUOTE]
Long boards = Logs
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.[/QUOTE]
Long boards = Logs
| bluesubie | 09-14-2004 01:44 PM |
I'm on my third Subaru wagon and I've been using the same Rac Roll (sp.?) soft racks since 1998 or so. I've never used the soft racks that go directly on a vehicle, but I love the soft racks that attach to a factory rack. I would assume the kind you're looking for are pretty good too.
No problems at NJ freeway speeds (posted = 65 mph). :) Just make sure that you can exchange whatever you buy if you don't like them.
-Dennis
No problems at NJ freeway speeds (posted = 65 mph). :) Just make sure that you can exchange whatever you buy if you don't like them.
-Dennis
| Obnoxio | 09-14-2004 02:04 PM |
[QUOTE=danielc]Thanks for the info guys!
Is there any info of a convenient (fast) place I can pick up a generic sheet of the 3m sheet?
Obnoxio - how fast can you drive with the FCS straps? I'd like to go at least 60-65 mph on the freeway...
I'm sticking with the 9 footer ;)[/QUOTE]
I drove like I always do with mine on the roof. 65-70 mph. The straps, if not tucked in properly, can make an annoying hum, but thats about it. I got my FCS softracks on e-bay for 25.00.
-Ob
Is there any info of a convenient (fast) place I can pick up a generic sheet of the 3m sheet?
Obnoxio - how fast can you drive with the FCS straps? I'd like to go at least 60-65 mph on the freeway...
I'm sticking with the 9 footer ;)[/QUOTE]
I drove like I always do with mine on the roof. 65-70 mph. The straps, if not tucked in properly, can make an annoying hum, but thats about it. I got my FCS softracks on e-bay for 25.00.
-Ob
| boxered | 09-14-2004 04:15 PM |
[QUOTE=grindMARC]:lol: 9-ft is hardly a log. I think a nine footer is considered by many to be on the short side of long boards.
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.[/QUOTE]
This is exactly why I won't put me board on the roof ( plus the scratch factor). I just lay back the passenger seat, sock the board, and slide it in( is that sexy, or what?). Helps that I don't ride a log...whoops, longboard.
Wax is a big problem too. My buddies car has surf wax all over the roof from those warm trips home.[/QUOTE]
This is exactly why I won't put me board on the roof ( plus the scratch factor). I just lay back the passenger seat, sock the board, and slide it in( is that sexy, or what?). Helps that I don't ride a log...whoops, longboard.
| 3ztt | 09-14-2004 07:04 PM |
[QUOTE=boxered]This is exactly why I won't put me board on the roof ( plus the scratch factor). I just lay back the passenger seat, sock the board, and slide it in( is that sexy, or what?). Helps that I don't ride a log...whoops, longboard.[/QUOTE]
Oh so eloquently put!
Oh so eloquently put!
| hph | 09-14-2004 07:10 PM |
If only USDM STis had folding back seats...I'd put my skis in there, too, and skip the whole rack thing. HPH
| CU04BlackWRX | 08-18-2005 05:23 PM |
Ok so obviously I found this thread by searching (imagine that, it does actually work) and I would like to know if anyone has any pictures of their Sedan's with either racks on the car. I could be looking to get a surfboard rack shortly depending on if I move, and I would like to get all the research done ahead of time. So anyone that has any pictures of racks and/or surfboards on their Sedan's could you please post them?
| surfansnow | 08-19-2005 08:29 AM |
I have snowboard racks, the vertical kind for my STi, i have surfboard racks for it, and yes, even I have a sailboat rack for it, for my Laser. If someone hosts pics, I can post them up with the sailboat 2nite. I have never had a problem with any of them, there all thule, they all work great, and you can go as fast as you want, I have hit over 100 with the thule rack attachments and have never had a problem. It really funny to see a STi with a racing sailboat on top of it, but hey it works great!
so thumbs up fro THULE racks. thats what i would suggest to you
so thumbs up fro THULE racks. thats what i would suggest to you
| gregr01 | 08-19-2005 08:51 AM |
[QUOTE]Hi, I searched around for older topics but I wanted to get some current feedback.[/QUOTE]A thread [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813605]from July[/URL] isn't current enough? :rolleyes:
The euro-rack is the only way to go if you don't want to muck up your paint. Absolutely zero contact with anything but the roof rain-gutter mounting points. Slick OEM installation, locks and one-minute complete removal.
Once you have the basic setup (square crossbars) you can use any mounting adaptor from Thule or Yakima.
The euro-rack is the only way to go if you don't want to muck up your paint. Absolutely zero contact with anything but the roof rain-gutter mounting points. Slick OEM installation, locks and one-minute complete removal.
Once you have the basic setup (square crossbars) you can use any mounting adaptor from Thule or Yakima.
| Super Tendent | 08-19-2005 09:12 AM |
[QUOTE=gregr01]A thread [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813605]from July[/URL] isn't current enough? :rolleyes: [/QUOTE]
Your thread didn't even happen when the OP started this thread btw...
CU04BlackWRX: I use these [url]http://www.boardzo.com/Blocksurf-Surfer-Rax-Car-Racks-pr-16575-c-291.html[/url]
[IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5640/board5mr.jpg[/IMG]
Your thread didn't even happen when the OP started this thread btw...
CU04BlackWRX: I use these [url]http://www.boardzo.com/Blocksurf-Surfer-Rax-Car-Racks-pr-16575-c-291.html[/url]
[IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5640/board5mr.jpg[/IMG]
| CU04BlackWRX | 08-19-2005 09:32 AM |
Super Tendent: Thank you for the picture. It looks great. I will probably go that solution. It seems better then a soft rack but not as involved and permanant as the Thule rack....
surfansnow: I can host the pictures if you want to PM them to me or e-mail them to me.
gregr01: Do you have a link to the euro-style OEM rack?
Thanks to everyone. I know this thread starteed in September of 2004, but I figured it would show I searched instead of just posting without looking...
surfansnow: I can host the pictures if you want to PM them to me or e-mail them to me.
gregr01: Do you have a link to the euro-style OEM rack?
Thanks to everyone. I know this thread starteed in September of 2004, but I figured it would show I searched instead of just posting without looking...
| gregr01 | 08-19-2005 09:38 AM |
[QUOTE]Your thread didn't even happen when the OP started this thread btw...[/QUOTE]heh heh, right you are. Didn't notice that 2004.
Still, [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=621468]threads existed before then[/URL] on the same rack. And it's still the best solution.
Still, [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=621468]threads existed before then[/URL] on the same rack. And it's still the best solution.
| CU04BlackWRX | 08-23-2005 11:40 AM |
Ok so I'm moving Friday and I need to carry my board back with me. So I need to know a couple more things please. I was told that any hard rack would put holes in my roof because they screw in... is this true? Also Since I am on a tight time frame what would you suggest as the best option. I have it narrowed down to a soft rack for now but getting a Thule later on. Is that the best soultion or a waste of my money? Btw I'm going to be carrying a short board that is 6'4" on a 5 hour trip.
| Vikingmoose | 08-23-2005 01:14 PM |
No, a hard rack like Yakima or Thule will not ruin your car, no drilling required. They rest on rubber feet on your roof and clasp under your door frame. If you are going to get a Thule down the road, you might as well just go buy one now. They're pretty easy to find and should only take 15-20 minutes to install.
The softrack should work, especially with a short board. I would use that as a last resort if you can't find a Thule or Yakima. The only problem I had with mine was that it scratched the paint a bit, but nothing a good polish won't take care of.
The softrack should work, especially with a short board. I would use that as a last resort if you can't find a Thule or Yakima. The only problem I had with mine was that it scratched the paint a bit, but nothing a good polish won't take care of.
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