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Yakima Racks sets the standard with the Yakima BowDown kayak rack (8004042). Includes all the features that make this j-cradle style of kayak rack the most popular on the market today, yet is now engineered to allow the upright j-style kayak cradles to fold down completely flat when not in use solving any overhead clearance issues and also dramatically improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency! Simply turn the oversized knob and fold the Yakima BowDown kayak rack flat when not in use. The included universal mounts allow this kayak carrier to fasten directly to not only Yakima bars but also all styles of Thule Racks load bars, Inno Racks crossbars and virtually all factory rack cross bars too. For security, each cradle can also lock to roof rack using a 2-pack of Yakima Locks (not included; see accessory add-ons below).
The Yakima Bow Down kayak rack is designed to also universally work with virtually all shapes & sizes of kayaks - sea/ocean, touring, recreational & whitewater kayaks alike. Uniquely engineered with integrated ramp system to generously assist in loading a kayak. Combine that with the j-style design and the Yakima 4042 BowDown is very easy for just one person to load a kayak. Simply place one end of the kayak into one of the cradles, then allowing that cradle to do the heavy lifting simply place the other end of the kayak into the other cradle. The clever semi-vertical, j-cradle design also uses up less base rack crossbar space than other kayak racks that transport a kayak flat, providing plenty of room for additional Yakima Bow Down or other gear carriers at the same time. Includes front and rear folding Yakima BowDown cradles, all universal mounting hardware, 2 heavy-duty straps with padded buckles and a pair of Yakima Bow/Stern ratcheting tie-down straps for securing kayak front and rear during travel.
- Turn knob and the kayak rack folds down flat when not in use, eliminating any clearance issues users sometimes have with j-style kayak racks. Pull into garages and low overhead spaces worry free.
- Improved aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and very clean, sleek appearance.
- The included universal mounts allow the Yakima BowDown j-cradle kayak carrier to fasten directly to any aftermarket base rack bars including Yakima Racks, Inno Racks & Thule Racks. Also mounts directly to virtually all factory roof rack crossbars!
- Will lock to roof rack using a 2-pack of Yakima Locks (not included; see accessory add-ons below).
- Easily transfers from one automobile to another if necessary.
- New SteelCore construction utilizes a steel substrate encased in durable foam padding for unrivalled strength and pampering characteristics.
- Integrated ramp system assists in loading kayak while Yakima Hullguard pads protect and keep your boat looking brand new.
- Compatible with virtually any kayak makes & styles including touring, sea/ocean, recreational, whitewater kayaks etc.
- Padded to gently cradle your boat.
- Unique angled j-cradle design allows more room for connecting two or more Yakima BowDown carriers for transporting multiple kayaks or adding other gear carriers.
- Includes both front and rear folding cradles, all mounting hardware, 2 straps with padded buckles and a pair of Yakima Bow/Stern ratcheting tie down straps for securing boat bow and stern.
- Easy to follow Yakima 4042 BowDown installation instructions manual included.
- Yakima Racks Lifetime Warranty!
» Yakima Bow Down Kayak Rack Instruction Manual
» Yakima WaterSport Carrier Comparison Chart
Yakima BowDown Kayak Rack Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the folding j-cradle style Yakima Racks 04042 Bow Down kayak carrier.
Contribute Your Review of the Yakima BowDown Kayak Rack |
My pick for a Design Award
this Yakima BowDown review by Ed in the Catskills
vehicle year/make/model: 2006 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean model
item(s) transported: 2 Native Marvel 10 Kayaks
I am so impressed with the Yakima Bow Down. I wanted a rack that was easy to remove. One knob facing up does it per "J". You realize when you try other brands, that knobs facing down can be very uncomfortable to get to on a hot day when your roof is blazing hot. And why have to adjust 4 knobs per "J" when the Yakima figured out how to do it with one. The padding is part of the part itself rather than an add-on. I describe it as being similar to a dash board. Slightly cushiony when you press on it. Looks like it should last a long time. The Yakima tie down straps are well protected from scratching your car or boat. My only comment for future improvement would be to replace the knob that lowers the support (big red knob) with a latch of some sort. I get a little tired reaching over to loosen and tighten all four of those. It has a fine thread so it takes a lot of turns. It's still my best pick for a kayak roof rack. It will fit a wide variety of thicknesses of crossbars. Fits my Subaru rack perfectly
Everything I Wanted!
this Yakima BowDown review by Dave W.
vehicle year/make/model: 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid / 2002 Mazda Protege 5
item(s) transported: Old Towne Dirigo Kayaks
The Yakima Bowdown kayak racks (2) work great. They fit the factory racks on both our cars securely and are easy to install. They are easy to load and keep the kayaks securely. As a novice paddler I was very glad I made this choice! And the ORS Racks Direct service and delivery was excellent. Very satisfied.
Plenty Attention to Detail on Them
this Yakima BowDown review by Kelley S.
vehicle year/make/model: 2007 Scion xB
item(s) transported: sea kayak
Overall this is a perfect kayak rack. I have it mounted to a Yakima Q Tower roof rack system. One of the main reasons I bought the BowDown was the ability to drop the cradles down when not using them to carry the kayak, andthis feature works flawlessly. I also love the built in ramps at the bottom of the cradles so the kayak slides into place super easy. The included straps are very nice as is just about everything else on the BowDown. Obviously plenty of attention was spent by Yakima Racks on the details of the BowDown kayak rack.
They Even Work on Fat XTerra Bars
this Yakima BowDown review by waterboy
vehicle year/make/model: 2006 Nissan XTerra
item(s) transported: 2 Old Town Dirigo kayaks
I saw the fold down cradle feature on the Bowdown and immediately ordered 2 sets of them even though I wasn't totally sure they would fit the really fat crossbars on my 2006 Nissan XTerra. The description said it was compatible with 'virtually' all crossbars so there was a little mystery whether they would actually go on these beefy bars. But abracadabra, abrakazam the BowDowns mounted perfectly. I can't believe how nice the clamping hardware is. Takes no effort at all to install them. And being able to carry two kayaks on my XTerra factory bars is such a sweet bonus. The icing on the cake is how easy it is to fold the cradles flat when no boats are on top. No worries about driving into my garage or looking like an amateur ham radio operator with silly antennas sticking up from the roof! Highly recommend the BowDown to others.
Great racks
this Yakima BowDown review by Kevin M.
vehicle year/make/model: 2002 Ford Escape
item(s) transported: Royak 14' Sit-On-Top Kayak and a 9' Mainstream Tropic
I was able to easily mount these racks on the stock racks that come with the Ford Escape. It is easy to get my two boats loaded onto the racks without any assistance and they hold solid. I love the fold down feature too. Overall, these racks are truly great.
Product Discussion
Discuss the 8004042 Yakima BowDown j-kayak rack. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
Product Videos
ORS Racks Direct Demonstration Video & Review featuring the Yakima BowDown kayak rack. Movie includes Yakima Racks 8004042 BowDown review, product demo, high-end features etc. Compatible with all styles of kayaks, j-cradle design for ease of loading, lightning quick strap down too. Yakima BowDown cradles fold flat when not in use, eliminating any overhead clearance issues. Engineered with an integrated ramp at the base of each cradle to more easily slide the kayak onto the cradles. The Yakima Bow Down mounts directly to Yakima Racks round bars, any Thule Racks load bars, Inno Racks, as well as directly to virtually all factory roof rack bars. Uses up very little crossbar space so you have enough room to attach 2 sets of the BowDown kayak racks to factory rack bars if transporting 2 kayaks is required. Optionally lock each BowDown cradle to the roof rack crossbars using a Yakima SKS 2 pack of locks. This kayak carrier also includes a pair of heavy-duty securing straps as well as a pair of bow & stern tie-down straps for securing the kayak to the front and rear of the vehicle.
Yakima Racks Official BowDown Video
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Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Yakima Bow Down Customer Install Pics
Accessories
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Yakima Locks for Car Racks Including Bike Ski Snowboard Kayak Canoe Locks | | Yakima Racks Canoe Locks & Kayak Locks - 2009 Yakima BoatLocker Boat Lock - 8007237 |
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Canoe-Kayak Lasso Security Cable System - Kayak Lock / Canoe Lock for Roof Racks | | SteelCore Straps - 12' Steel Core Locking Straps for Roof Racks |
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Lashlock Car Roof Rack Locking Systems - Looking for kayak locks, canoe locks or surfboard locks? - The Lash Lock is your answer | | 2009 Thule 854 Water Slide Mat - Canoe Rack / Kayak Rack Accessory |
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Yakima Boat Racks - 2009 Yakima BoatLoader for Canoe & Kayak Racks 8004018 | | 2009 Yakima MultiMounts for Carrying Oars, Masts or Paddles on Roof Racks - 8004034 |
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Thule Roof Rack Accessories - 2009 Thule 232 Step Up Wheel Step | | 2009 Delta Degas Roof Box and Kayak Storage Rack etc. - RS6700 |
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Wall Kayak Hangers - 2009 Riverside Kayak Hanger (also a sailboard, surfboard & ladder hanger) | | Malone Garage Wall-Mount Racks - 2009 Malone JDock Hybrid Kayak Hanger & Multi-Gear Storage Rack - MPG317 |
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All Yakima Boat Accessories for Canoe & Kayak Car Racks | | Yakima Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Yakima Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
The Yakima BowDown can lock to roof rack using a 2-pack of Yakima Locks (sold separately; see accessory add-ons above). We also highly recommend the Yakima BoatLocker, Kayak Lasso, SteelCore locking straps or the Lashlock kayak lock system (all sold separately; see accessory add-ons above) to protect your boat from theft.
The included universal mounts allow this kayak carrier to fasten directly to virtually all factory rack cross bars as well as any aftermarket roof rack bars including Yakima bars, any Thule load bars, Inno Racks crossbars etc.
If loading kayak from the rear of the vehicle we highly recommend the Thule 854 Water Slide Mat (not included; see accessory add-ons above) for simultaneously protecting your vehicle and also gaining extra assistance when loading and unloading a boat.
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Yakima Racks automated fit guide to quickly determine / order the correct multi-purpose base roof rack system and/or kayak carrier if you don't have one already installed:
