J Cradles or Saddles? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

joezee1986 · 08-09-2014, 05:58 PM

I have saddles but would like to carry additional kayak on my roof rack for baja....would a j cradle work for an outback ?

T-Rex · 08-09-2014, 06:34 PM

I use J cradles with my 2 Malibu xFactors and they work okay. Made 4 trips to Central Oregon with no problems. That being said, on two occassions I have broken 2 of the plastic cradle bases while driving in high winds (40-50 mph), but Thule has replaced them free of charge. Always make sure to securely tie down the bows of both kayaks to two locations to minimize torque on the cradles. I think an xfactor is bigger than an outback so you shouldn't have any issues as long as everything is tied down securely.

Also, I bought my cradles in 2000. I think the new designs are stronger.

Chuck D · 08-09-2014, 06:44 PM

yep, used j cradles on my outback for 5ys and running

Wintersun · 08-14-2014, 02:35 PM

Officially both Thule and Yakima state a maximum load for their roof racks of 165 lbs. and that is fine if your three kayaks are light ones but with 3 Outbacks you have 225 lbs. that exceeds the load rating by 36%.

Greatest load capacity with these two companies is with their racks that mount on the side rails of pickup trucks.

easyday · 08-14-2014, 02:40 PM

I use j cradles for my tarpon 160. and it works great. I use bow and stern lines and I use my saddles for buddies kayaks when we carpool.

08-09-2014, 05:58 PM	#1
joezee1986 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Point Loma-Ocean Beach Posts: 164	J Cradles or Saddles? I have saddles but would like to carry additional kayak on my roof rack for baja....would a j cradle work for an outback ?

08-09-2014, 06:34 PM	#2
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	I use J cradles with my 2 Malibu xFactors and they work okay. Made 4 trips to Central Oregon with no problems. That being said, on two occassions I have broken 2 of the plastic cradle bases while driving in high winds (40-50 mph), but Thule has replaced them free of charge. Always make sure to securely tie down the bows of both kayaks to two locations to minimize torque on the cradles. I think an xfactor is bigger than an outback so you shouldn't have any issues as long as everything is tied down securely. Also, I bought my cradles in 2000. I think the new designs are stronger. __________________

08-14-2014, 02:40 PM	#5
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,469	I use j cradles for my tarpon 160. and it works great. I use bow and stern lines and I use my saddles for buddies kayaks when we carpool. __________________

08-09-2014, 06:44 PM	#3
Chuck D Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bay Park Posts: 559	yep, used j cradles on my outback for 5ys and running

08-14-2014, 02:35 PM	#4
Wintersun Junior Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 22	Officially both Thule and Yakima state a maximum load for their roof racks of 165 lbs. and that is fine if your three kayaks are light ones but with 3 Outbacks you have 225 lbs. that exceeds the load rating by 36%. Greatest load capacity with these two companies is with their racks that mount on the side rails of pickup trucks.