I have used both Yakima and Thule, and I sell both.

I carry boats, bikes, skiis, and occasionally lumber, pieces of furniture, and some other weird crap.

I went back to Yakima, and I prefer Yakima. The engineering is better, more elegant. Most carrying accessories, I do not need a 5mm wrench to install or remove.

That being said, the Thule worked well also, and is in fact on my parent's car, for schlepping their plastic divorce boat. (No, it hasn't been successful yet. Sometimes it sounds as if my Dad doesn't need the help of a divorce boat, though...)

I don't think there's a good answer to the Thule vs. Yakima debate. They both work well, and you won't be disappointed in the performance of either. But I like Yakima, so there!

Brian

: Not to start "Ford vs. Chevvy" wars, but at some point I want to
: "roof rack" (verb).

: So, "Thule vs Yakima" ? (alphabetical order, no primacy indicated)
: (-: Either one seems expen$ive, though I haven't priced down to the last
: buck.
: Opinions on one person loading assist gadgets would also be appreciated, e.g.
: the Yakima Showboat.
: and of course, mail/web order deals, good/bad experiences, etc.

: tnx,

: Reg