: There was a big discussion on the big paddling.network site re: the
: Outback. I think the general concern was the short span between
: bars + Subarus insistence against hauling sea kayaks on top
: (shorter boats seemed to be OK). Plus, there was something about
: the design that rendered load assist bars (bars that slide out
: from the side of the rack to help you lift the boat) unable to
: be installed.

: This is all 2nd..3rd...42nd.. hand. But something to think of.

: That said, I can't imagine it's much worse than my Hyundai Elantra
: w/ a Thule rack. I might eek out 25" between the bars.
Doug,
The span is my biggest concern, the lifting is mostly hard on my ego. It is actually less than your Elantra, about 21". I wonder if Subaru is feeling some liability from marketing their cars as kayak carriers so they made an intentional design change to get out of the kayak transport business. On a practical note they made a rack that has only one fixed position and the position span they selected works well for skiis and bikes which is probably their bigger customer base compared to boats. It also allowed them to do the nifty integration with the side rail that reduces overhead noise which would cater to their biggest customer base which are the people that don't have outdoor hobbies but like to pretend like they do.
Scott