Yakima Showdown 8004081
The Yakima ShowDown is the first load-assist mount to handle both Stand Up Paddle Boards and kayaks. It makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze. The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to 45% of the boat's weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride.
The Yakima ShowDown is the first load-assist mount to handle both Stand Up Paddle Boards and kayaks. It makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze. The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to 45% of the boat's weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride.
The Yakima ShowDown is the first load-assist mount to handle both Stand Up Paddle Boards and kayaks. It makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze. The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to 45% of the boat's weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride.
The Yakima ShowDown is the first load-assist mount to handle both Stand Up Paddle Boards and kayaks. It makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze. The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to 45% of the boat's weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride.
in 27 offers
The lowest price for Yakima Showdown 8004081 right now is $537.64 at Further Faster NZ, compared across 26 retailers.
The all-time low was $537.64 on 8 June 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
Last updated at 08/06/2026 04:06:35
Yakima ShowDown
Delivery $28.79
Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Kayak/SUP Carrier
Yakima ShowDown Kayak Roof Rack Black
Delivery between 11–18 June $29.99
Yakima ShowDown Kayak Load Assist 8004081
Delivery between 8–18 June $10.80
ShowDown Load Assist Kayak Canoe & SUP Carrier - Yakima | Bay Sports
Free delivery between 9–17 June
YAKIMA Showdown #8004081,Load Assist Mount Foldable Kayak/SUP/Mal Carrier
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Yakima Showdown Kayak And Board Carrier 9.50 Kg Roof Rack Accessories
Free delivery
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Yakima ShowDown Kayak & SUP Carrier - 8004081 - Black - Size 1 Boat
Delivery $9.50
Yakima ShowDown Kayak & SUP Carrier - 8004081
Delivery between 11–19 June $19
Yakima ShowDown Load Assist Kayak Carrier
Free delivery between 11–17 June
originally posted on yakima.com
This is a game-changer for anyone who’s not getting any younger! My wife and I have been biking and boating with a range of gear for years, and thankfully the products have changed as we have. My wife loves to paddle her sea kayak, but I’m not so into it. We have SUP’s as well, and have enjoyed doing that together so we want to mount various kinds of toys on the car. Because my wife is short in stature and neither of us are getting any younger, it was becoming near impossible for her to take her 19-ft kayak out by herself. Enter the Showdown! This great boat system allows you to mount your kayak or boards from the side, avoiding a high lift over a vehicle, and then just levering it up onto the roof-mounted rails. Since getting this rack, my wife has been out (on her ... MoreThis is a game-changer for anyone who’s not getting any younger! My wife and I have been biking and boating with a range of gear for years, and thankfully the products have changed as we have. My wife loves to paddle her sea kayak, but I’m not so into it. We have SUP’s as well, and have enjoyed doing that together so we want to mount various kinds of toys on the car. Because my wife is short in stature and neither of us are getting any younger, it was becoming near impossible for her to take her 19-ft kayak out by herself. Enter the Showdown! This great boat system allows you to mount your kayak or boards from the side, avoiding a high lift over a vehicle, and then just levering it up onto the roof-mounted rails. Since getting this rack, my wife has been out (on her own!) many times in her kayak, and after a quick switch of saddle mounts we can put on SUP’s instead. My wife feels liberated — not needing to ask me for help, not depending on a group to organize, and just doing things when she wants to. Now she can kayak where she wants, when she wants. We have a small German wagon, but as SUVs get taller and taller, this rack would surely help. Its well constructed and fits solidly on our aero bars. We think Yakima did a great job with this one!
originally posted on yakima.com
I purchased this rack to use for my 9.5' Ocean Kayak on my Bronco Sport SUV. I have the standard Yakima cross rails and this rack works perfectly with them. I love that you can side load your kayak, secure it and then push it up on top of your vehicle. It locks in place and looks great. A lot of fellow kayakers have seen me use the rack and ask me about it. I would highly recommend this rack to anyone with a kayak.
originally posted on REI
After contemplating the benefits of getting a Thule Hullavator, I wasn't sold on dropping 650 for one. This is a relatively new product from Yakima and didn't have many youtube videos or reviews online. My REI had them in stock so I grabbed one and am so glad I did!This thing will seriously blow you away. It's simple to install and it comes out of the box already put together, all you have to put on is the felt pads for the cradles. It comes with 6 felt pads (2 for the stationary cradles, 2 for the kayak mounts already on the system, and 2 for the paddle board mounts in the box). After that you're good to go.The mounting points are solid and made my kayak very very secure. I have driven with the rack on and no kayak (minor wind noise, no whistling) and I have ... MoreAfter contemplating the benefits of getting a Thule Hullavator, I wasn't sold on dropping 650 for one. This is a relatively new product from Yakima and didn't have many youtube videos or reviews online. My REI had them in stock so I grabbed one and am so glad I did!This thing will seriously blow you away. It's simple to install and it comes out of the box already put together, all you have to put on is the felt pads for the cradles. It comes with 6 felt pads (2 for the stationary cradles, 2 for the kayak mounts already on the system, and 2 for the paddle board mounts in the box). After that you're good to go.The mounting points are solid and made my kayak very very secure. I have driven with the rack on and no kayak (minor wind noise, no whistling) and I have driven over a hundred miles with a kayak on and it was solid the whole time. The bow and stern tie downs are easy to use.One thing to note: it doesn't make the kayak any lighter, just easier to load. I know the Thule Hullavator has gas struts which take about 40 lbs of the kayak's weight away. That being said, for being 200 dollars cheaper, I'd say it's more than worth it.I went ahead and bought locking cores for the system as well so it doesn't get swiped while I'm out on the lake. They lock the outermost turn knobs so the system can't be lifted from the bars.So far no complaints from me. I am glad there is finally some competition for the Thule Hullavator.
| Variant | |
| size | 12 |
| color | Black |
Yakima ShowDown
Delivery $28.79
Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Kayak/SUP Carrier
Yakima ShowDown Kayak Roof Rack Black
Delivery between 11–18 June $29.99
Yakima ShowDown Kayak Load Assist 8004081
Delivery between 8–18 June $10.80
ShowDown Load Assist Kayak Canoe & SUP Carrier - Yakima | Bay Sports
Free delivery between 9–17 June
This is a game-changer for anyone who’s not getting any younger! My wife and I have been biking and boating with a range of gear for years, and thankfully the products have changed as we have. My wife loves to paddle her sea kayak, but I’m not so into it. We have SUP’s as well, and have enjoyed doing that together so we want to mount various kinds of toys on the car. Because my wife is short in stature and neither of us are getting any younger, it was becoming near impossible for her to take her 19-ft kayak out by herself. Enter the Showdown! This great boat system allows you to mount your kayak or boards from the side, avoiding a high lift over a vehicle, and then just levering it up onto the roof-mounted rails. Since getting this rack, my wife has been out (on her ... MoreThis is a game-changer for anyone who’s not getting any younger! My wife and I have been biking and boating with a range of gear for years, and thankfully the products have changed as we have. My wife loves to paddle her sea kayak, but I’m not so into it. We have SUP’s as well, and have enjoyed doing that together so we want to mount various kinds of toys on the car. Because my wife is short in stature and neither of us are getting any younger, it was becoming near impossible for her to take her 19-ft kayak out by herself. Enter the Showdown! This great boat system allows you to mount your kayak or boards from the side, avoiding a high lift over a vehicle, and then just levering it up onto the roof-mounted rails. Since getting this rack, my wife has been out (on her own!) many times in her kayak, and after a quick switch of saddle mounts we can put on SUP’s instead. My wife feels liberated — not needing to ask me for help, not depending on a group to organize, and just doing things when she wants to. Now she can kayak where she wants, when she wants. We have a small German wagon, but as SUVs get taller and taller, this rack would surely help. Its well constructed and fits solidly on our aero bars. We think Yakima did a great job with this one!
I purchased this rack to use for my 9.5' Ocean Kayak on my Bronco Sport SUV. I have the standard Yakima cross rails and this rack works perfectly with them. I love that you can side load your kayak, secure it and then push it up on top of your vehicle. It locks in place and looks great. A lot of fellow kayakers have seen me use the rack and ask me about it. I would highly recommend this rack to anyone with a kayak.
After contemplating the benefits of getting a Thule Hullavator, I wasn't sold on dropping 650 for one. This is a relatively new product from Yakima and didn't have many youtube videos or reviews online. My REI had them in stock so I grabbed one and am so glad I did!This thing will seriously blow you away. It's simple to install and it comes out of the box already put together, all you have to put on is the felt pads for the cradles. It comes with 6 felt pads (2 for the stationary cradles, 2 for the kayak mounts already on the system, and 2 for the paddle board mounts in the box). After that you're good to go.The mounting points are solid and made my kayak very very secure. I have driven with the rack on and no kayak (minor wind noise, no whistling) and I have ... MoreAfter contemplating the benefits of getting a Thule Hullavator, I wasn't sold on dropping 650 for one. This is a relatively new product from Yakima and didn't have many youtube videos or reviews online. My REI had them in stock so I grabbed one and am so glad I did!This thing will seriously blow you away. It's simple to install and it comes out of the box already put together, all you have to put on is the felt pads for the cradles. It comes with 6 felt pads (2 for the stationary cradles, 2 for the kayak mounts already on the system, and 2 for the paddle board mounts in the box). After that you're good to go.The mounting points are solid and made my kayak very very secure. I have driven with the rack on and no kayak (minor wind noise, no whistling) and I have driven over a hundred miles with a kayak on and it was solid the whole time. The bow and stern tie downs are easy to use.One thing to note: it doesn't make the kayak any lighter, just easier to load. I know the Thule Hullavator has gas struts which take about 40 lbs of the kayak's weight away. That being said, for being 200 dollars cheaper, I'd say it's more than worth it.I went ahead and bought locking cores for the system as well so it doesn't get swiped while I'm out on the lake. They lock the outermost turn knobs so the system can't be lifted from the bars.So far no complaints from me. I am glad there is finally some competition for the Thule Hullavator.
I like the idea behind this system. However, Yakima will officially say my rack is not compatible with the Showdown. I have a Thule Aeroblade which has no overhang. So initially I looked at every loading concept out there for kayaks and SUPs but I always came back to the Showdown as being the best idea, so I wondered if I could make it work with my rack. I only planned to use the Showdown for a 20 pound racing SUP so I felt if I could if I could move all the clamps over about six inches that would not overload the structure. Moving the clamps was fairly simple, all I had to do was unbolt the clamps, drill new holes and reattach. So far everything is working out really well. The Showdown makes loading and unloading my SUP very easy, I'm glad I could make it work for me.
I was excited when I saw this and totally replaced my Yakima racks for it (new bed tracks, bars, and tonneau cover). My old roller/cradle set up made loading and unloading on my Tundra difficult because it has the tow package. I was so disappointed when I went to load my OC1 for the first time. The cradled don’t work for slim hull shells like OC1 or surf ski. The lower cradle is fixed and the movable cradle pops out so it won’t fit sung to the hull. Had to slide the cradle so it could just be tightened which left some gap under the shell. Had to used some cardboard and bungee cords. I will have to find some pads to bridge the gap. Works well with SUP and traditional kayaks. Also, when loaded they don’t slide smoothly and evenly when lifting or lowering.
As an aging kayaker, I thought I would treat myself to a better way of getting my little boats up top on my Rav 4. I usually load with a bathmat sliding them up from the side. My lightest kayak is 42 lbs, and heaviest is around 50. I waited for delivery like a kid waiting for Christmas. Anticipation. It came. Installation was not difficult. Things were looking good. Loaded up a kayak to try it. I could barely get it to the top of the lift. It shifted all the lifting (which i had been doing using a lot of leg power) to my arms. It was made more difficulty because one of my shoulders is not as strong so it was almost impossible fir me to keep it level. If you dont keep it level, the strap start to loosen up. It was exhausting. Much harder for me to do than the slide ... MoreAs an aging kayaker, I thought I would treat myself to a better way of getting my little boats up top on my Rav 4. I usually load with a bathmat sliding them up from the side. My lightest kayak is 42 lbs, and heaviest is around 50. I waited for delivery like a kid waiting for Christmas. Anticipation. It came. Installation was not difficult. Things were looking good. Loaded up a kayak to try it. I could barely get it to the top of the lift. It shifted all the lifting (which i had been doing using a lot of leg power) to my arms. It was made more difficulty because one of my shoulders is not as strong so it was almost impossible fir me to keep it level. If you dont keep it level, the strap start to loosen up. It was exhausting. Much harder for me to do than the slide up method. But it got worse. I was not able to pull the darn thing out and down to get my kayak down. After working on this for multiple trial i discovered i am not quite tall enough to pull it out keeping it level. I am 5 ft 7 inches, loading on a Rav 4. I had to PUSH it out to keep it horizontally level. But then, of course, I am between the car and the kayak. I had to duck under the kayak on the arm of the showdown while switching my grip to not drop the whole thing.... It was NOT pretty, it was not easier, it was a fail for me. This product has ZERO assist with the lifting, it shifts the weight to upper body, and honestly I think the amount if instability in staying horizontal is a poor design. This is not product for me. It mat suit someone, but if i was strong enough to just lift my kayaks up top with only upper body, i would it need this fairly pricey contraption. The shiwdown is over and product was returned. Shout out to REI for their wonderful return policy.
I was so excited when I picked up this item. I thought it would be the answer to my struggles in loading my 62 lb 16.5 foot sea kayak onto my SUV. The Showdown appeared to be lighter, less bulky and certainly less expensive than a Thule Hullavator. Unfortunately, it was too good to be true. After I picked it up from the store, I hurried home to install the Showdown and try it out. Installation was fairly simple but things went downhill from there. When I attempted to load my kayak, I had quite a bit of difficulty lifting the boat to the necessary height. I would attempt to place the kayak onto the fold-down support hoops only to have them fold up out of the way when the kayak reached the edge. After several unsuccessful tries, one of which involved dropping the boat ... MoreI was so excited when I picked up this item. I thought it would be the answer to my struggles in loading my 62 lb 16.5 foot sea kayak onto my SUV. The Showdown appeared to be lighter, less bulky and certainly less expensive than a Thule Hullavator. Unfortunately, it was too good to be true. After I picked it up from the store, I hurried home to install the Showdown and try it out. Installation was fairly simple but things went downhill from there. When I attempted to load my kayak, I had quite a bit of difficulty lifting the boat to the necessary height. I would attempt to place the kayak onto the fold-down support hoops only to have them fold up out of the way when the kayak reached the edge. After several unsuccessful tries, one of which involved dropping the boat on the ground, I was able to lift the boat about an inch higher and get it onto the rack. Thinking the heavy work was done, I grasped the rack handles and attempted to raise the kayak up to roof level. The Showdown provided very little, if any mechanical advantage for the lift and I was unable to raise the boat. After several tries and eventually standing on a chair, I was finally able to lift the kayak and get it onto the roof. It took all of the effort I had to load the boat and I was out of breath when I finally succeeded. I'm a 5 ft 2, 64 year-old woman who has been loading my sea kayak onto my vehicle without any assistance for many years. I'm returning the Showdown today. I'm sure that it would be much easier for a taller and stronger person to use, but the whole point of a kayak loader is to make it easier for those who need a little help loading their boats to manage it on their own.
We bought this to carry a fishing kayak. We were very excited about the extra fishing opportunities, only to be disappointed by the design of this roof rack system. The Yakima ShowDown feels wobbly when loading and lifting the kayak.The real disappointment came when I was backing out of an extra tight space and hit the arms (they extend pretty far over the roof of the car when not in use). I knocked one of the arms and the plastic clamp (yes, plastic) holding the arm to the roof rails sheared in half. Yakima doesn’t have a replacement piece available. Poor design. And they don’t sell single sliding arm replacements so know I have a completely useless system for which I paid $600 that will be going to the landfill. To fix the situation requires buying the whole ... MoreWe bought this to carry a fishing kayak. We were very excited about the extra fishing opportunities, only to be disappointed by the design of this roof rack system. The Yakima ShowDown feels wobbly when loading and lifting the kayak.The real disappointment came when I was backing out of an extra tight space and hit the arms (they extend pretty far over the roof of the car when not in use). I knocked one of the arms and the plastic clamp (yes, plastic) holding the arm to the roof rails sheared in half. Yakima doesn’t have a replacement piece available. Poor design. And they don’t sell single sliding arm replacements so know I have a completely useless system for which I paid $600 that will be going to the landfill. To fix the situation requires buying the whole system again. Yes, another $600. I’m more than disappointed and a bit angry. Seriously, Yakima? If you make a system that requires hanging a good 6-10 inches beyond the car’s side mirrors, you need to have (metal) brackets that are replaceable and the ability to replace the sliding arms. Don’t buy this roof rack system!
This is a great rack with a 4 Runner. I have used it a lot over two summers now, often two or three times a week for my 42 lb 10' kayak. I like how it's easy to mount to my crossbars, works with a Thule hard box mounted at the same time. At 5'8 I need a 3' step ladder to mount them both and access the box. I also have used the ladder when I'm parked on uneven ground or a hill and can't quite lift the kayak loaded rack unto my roof. When lifting the boat one needs to be sure that you apply equal force to both handles because it HAS to go evenly. A little off and it doesn't work. It can be a little tricky sometimes but I've always succeeded. The boat has to be set on the rack "just right" so it lifts easily. I make sure the two cross straps are fore and aft of the ... MoreThis is a great rack with a 4 Runner. I have used it a lot over two summers now, often two or three times a week for my 42 lb 10' kayak. I like how it's easy to mount to my crossbars, works with a Thule hard box mounted at the same time. At 5'8 I need a 3' step ladder to mount them both and access the box. I also have used the ladder when I'm parked on uneven ground or a hill and can't quite lift the kayak loaded rack unto my roof. When lifting the boat one needs to be sure that you apply equal force to both handles because it HAS to go evenly. A little off and it doesn't work. It can be a little tricky sometimes but I've always succeeded. The boat has to be set on the rack "just right" so it lifts easily. I make sure the two cross straps are fore and aft of the widest part of my kayak and very snug so I don't have to use front and back straps- which is contrary to the instructions - but works for me, even on long distances and freeways. I also mount my boat upside down so I can leave it up there and it doesn't fill with rain or debris. Because my vehicle is so high, without this rack I'd probably have to carry the kayak inside sticking out the back window - not so good. The Yakima showdown is a perfect rack for me and my situation. Does it have a few quirks, sure, but nothing that troublesome. Plus, REI has a great staff to help with questions or problems and a good return policy.
I have had lots of Yakima stuff over the years and this item was one I had high hopes for. I got because my 50-lb kayak was getting tough to lift up on the top of my new truck canopy. The install was very easy...and my existing Yakima setup is 66-in steel round bars on tracks and footpads on a trunk canopy. The first load and unload of the kayak during my testing went great...I thought this was going to work fine. However after the third test, the unit rails somehow got a bit out of alignment (flexing is the issue) and during a lift up it would not slide in and then would not slide out...it jammed partially in only a couple inches...with me holding a 50-lb kayak over my head...I finally got it to pull back out, otherwise it would have bent (destroyed) the Showdown ... MoreI have had lots of Yakima stuff over the years and this item was one I had high hopes for. I got because my 50-lb kayak was getting tough to lift up on the top of my new truck canopy. The install was very easy...and my existing Yakima setup is 66-in steel round bars on tracks and footpads on a trunk canopy. The first load and unload of the kayak during my testing went great...I thought this was going to work fine. However after the third test, the unit rails somehow got a bit out of alignment (flexing is the issue) and during a lift up it would not slide in and then would not slide out...it jammed partially in only a couple inches...with me holding a 50-lb kayak over my head...I finally got it to pull back out, otherwise it would have bent (destroyed) the Showdown rails if I let the kayak down (try your first attempts with a helper). So, my observations are that this kayak rack takes up a lot of space on your bars, it was heavier than I expected, and due to the massive leverage it exerts, it will flex and move everything, including things that did not flex before, like your bars/towers and footpads. Maybe if your lift is kept to shoulder high roof it would be ok, but my truck canopy is higher that top of my head...so after that stressful jam experience I removed the unit and it is going back to REI. Sad.
| Variant | |
| size | 12 |
| color | Black |
