I bought my rack system from Rack Warehouse about 4 years ago. I also got hully rollers and mako saddles with the locks. I first fitted the system to a 2001 Frontier quad cab and the system worked great. I like having the boats up and out of the way when you are driving. It is especially nice to be able to use all of your bed for other gear.
I since traded the Frontier to an F150 Supercrew. Since the system attaches to the bed rails, and the F150 bed rails are probably at 5' high, it makes the yaks extremely high when packed up on the Ford. I still prefer all the space. You can also use tarp bungees to attach fishing rods and other long gear you don't want loose in the back of the truck.
I've driven mine on both trucks probably over 8000 miles and never had a problem. I haven't used the bow and stern straps in the past two years either because it seemed like overkill. I do recommend getting the Yakima rubber padded straps - it will eventually save you a windshield.
Decided on the Outdoorsman 300 compact after talking it over with the reps from Yakima who were at Canoecopia.
I ordered mine from Rack Warehouse. Though the price was not the lowest I could find, it was close and when paired with their free shipping it was the best deal. Ordered online. Very user friendly site. 2 days from order to delivery.
I put a pair of Outdoorsman 300's on my 2001 S-10. Total install time was less than an hour. No drilling, just needed a 3/4 inch wrench and the included Allen wrench to clamp in the cross bars. I also got the required cross bars (58") and a set of the gunwale stops which are easy to adjust and really secure my Nova Craft Pal.
These racks are very sturdy. Rated for 300 pounds, so the canoe and even a few would be no problem. I use a ratchet tie downs with hooks that go fit the cross bars. Be careful not to over tighten. Once transported 150 miles at highway speed, no problemo. Didn’t budge a bit. For long trips I use bow and stern lines as well.
A quality product at a fair price. If I had any concern it would be that with a 3/4 inch wrench and 20 minutes, someone could make off with my rack system. So I need to find a way to secure it. I highly recommend the system.