Reviewer:

BLP

Rating:

4

Date:

7/8/2012

Review:

The Showboat has provided ease in loading my kayak. Thanks to KJC, I made sure that the cross bar size was appropriate with my vehicle. Despite taking time sliding cross bars to set good alignment during assembly - sliding the unit back and forth for loading is still a little tight.

Reviewer:

KJC

Rating:

2

Date:

3/10/2012

Review:

I think the Showboat would have been a great way to load my kayak. Unfortunately, despite what Yakima says, it does NOT work on my 2011 Honda Element w/factory crossbars. The distance from the last crossbar to the end of my Element is 43", 46" including the 3" spoiler. This is almost double the maximum distance Yakima says you should have when extending the Showboat for loading. Took me 2 calls to Yakima (they never did give me a correct answer), and a trip to a fellow that installs Yakima racks for another outdoor sporting goods store to finally get an answer to this problem. The bright spot in this frustrating problem was ACK. I feel like I am becoming Daniel's new best friend, having talked to him by phone so much lately. He and other customer service reps at ACK bent over backwards to help me with the problem and having to return the Showboat. Thanks, ACK! I wish you guys would open a store in Phoenix, AZ. Conclusion: I think the Showboat would probably work great. Just make sure the distance between you last crossbar and the end of your car is 24" or less. I only gave a 2-star rating due to Yakima's inability to correctly evaluate the problem and saying the Showboat would fit my Honda Element.