Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Kayak & SUP Rooftop Carrier
The Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Rooftop Kayak and SUP Mount is engineered for paddlers who want the easiest, most back-friendly rooftop loading experience available. Unlike traditional carriers that require lifting your kayak straight up and over the side of your vehicle, the ShowDown features a patented tilting arm system that swings down to vehicle side-height — letting you load your kayak or SUP at waist level before smoothly raising and locking it into the rooftop carry position. For solo paddlers transporting heavy fishing kayaks or long touring boats, this load-assist mechanism is a game changer that eliminates the awkward overhead lift entirely.
Built with Yakima's hallmark durability and universal fitment in mind, the ShowDown is compatible with round, square, factory, and most aftermarket crossbar systems. The fully adjustable, padded cradle arms accommodate a wide range of hull widths and shapes — from narrow sea kayaks to wide recreational sit-on-tops and rigid SUP boards — making it one of the most versatile rooftop carriers in the Yakima lineup. Integrated SKS Same Key System compatibility allows the ShowDown to lock securely to your rack using the same key as your other Yakima accessories, streamlining your entire roof system.
Whether you're heading out alone or simply looking to protect your back on years of launch days ahead, the Yakima ShowDown delivers a smarter, safer approach to rooftop transport. Its innovative side-loading arm design, combined with robust construction and broad vehicle and watercraft compatibility, makes it the premium choice for serious paddlers who load up frequently and refuse to compromise on convenience or security.
![Yakima ShowDown]()
Yakima ShowDown Specs & Features
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Weight: 23.00 lbs.
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Dimensions: L 42.00 in x W 9.00 in x H 9.00 in
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Minimum Crossbar Spread: 24.00in
- Easily load and unload kayaks and boards at waist level at the side of the vehicle with the easy to use slide and tilt mechanism
- 80 lb. boat and board capacity easily handles a large kayak or two boards
- SpeedClamp tool free attachment
- Lightweight materials and construction don’t eat up roof’s carrying capacity
- Tilts down a lengthy 26” from roof rack height
- Provides 30-45% weight assistance (depending on boat width)
- Felt-covered cradles flex to conform to hull for secure transport
- Folds down flat to reduce drag and noise when not in use
- Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow and Stern Tie-Downs included (HoodAnchor, sold separately, is required for vehicles with no attatchment points for Bow and Stern Tie-Downs)
- Locks to base rack with SKS Lock Cores for added security (sold separately)
Yakima Rooftop Kayak Carrier Comparison
| Feature |
JayHook |
JayLow |
SweetRoll |
ShowDown |
DeckHand |
HandRoll |
BigStack |
BigCatch |
| Carry Style |
J-Cradle |
J-Cradle |
Saddle & Roller |
Load-Assist Arm |
Flat Saddle |
Roller Cradle |
Vertical Stacker |
Flat Saddle |
| Kayak Orientation |
On Side |
On Side |
Upright |
Upright |
Upright |
Upright |
On Side / Stacked |
Upright |
| Max Kayaks |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Up to 4 |
1 |
| Load Difficulty |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Easy — Rear Roller |
Easiest — Side Load |
Moderate |
Easy — Full Rollers |
Moderate |
Easy — Felt Pads |
| Load Assist |
None |
None |
Rear Roller |
Tilting Side Arm |
None |
Full Roller Cradles |
None |
Felt Loading Pads |
| Hull Protection |
Padded Arms |
Padded Arms |
Padded Saddle & Roller |
Padded Cradle Arms |
4-Point Premium Padding |
4-Point Non-Marring Rollers |
Padded Post & Straps |
Soft Rubber & Felt Pads |
| Tie-Downs Included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes — Heavy-Duty Straps & Bow/Stern |
| SUP Compatible |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Folds Flat |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Tool-Free Install |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Min. Crossbar Spread |
24.00 in |
27.50 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
27.00 in |
| Universal Crossbar Fit |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes — StreamLine, RoundBars, HD Bars & Most Aftermarket |
| SKS Lock Compatible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
— |
| Best For |
Entry-level paddlers & budget-conscious buyers |
Paddlers wanting refined J-cradle with more adjustability |
Solo paddlers who want easier loading with upright carry |
Solo paddlers with heavy kayaks or back concerns |
Touring & composite kayak owners prioritizing hull protection |
Frequent solo loaders wanting friction-free hull protection |
Clubs, outfitters & families moving multiple boats |
Fishing kayak anglers hauling heavy sit-on-top boats |
Your Satisfaction with Yakima is Guaranteed:
- limited Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping & Lowest Price Guarantee
