Canoe and bike rack question

Peakbagr said:

Canoes:
We own 2 lightweight pack canoes and have 2 sets of Yakima roof rack sets the fit previous cars. We can get 1 canoe on the 2012 Outback roof rack, but not both. Can we use our crossbars, locks and accessories to a base that would connect with the Outback roof rack and does Yakima make the connecting piece?

Bicycles:
Our old rear mounted bike rack doesn't fit the Outback. We're thinking of one of those trailhitch bike racks. Has anyone had one of the hitches installed( cost, tips, good idea?) and cost? Subaru dealer or go to a body shop?

Thanks

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Peakbagr - I use my old Yakima Rail grabs I bought years ago for my Land Cruiser. I simply leave the stock OB bars in the stowed position and I have three sized bars I used pending what we are hauling - canoe vs roof box 66inch bars - roof box and two bikes - I run 54 inch bars etc. The bars are cheap and the old rail grabs I bought on craigs list for $150 with locks which were half the price of new ones.

Works fine zero issues however I have added the nylon webbing straps to the fenders under the hood which work fantastic for bow lines. I also haul a 54 inch wide 130lb 12ft long racing sailboat on the 66inch bars and it works just fine even in some pretty nasty windy high speed highway stuff.

Yakima does make a "Landing Pad" that mounts to the Outback Rail up to the 2012 model. It does NOT fit the 2013 model. Yakima is aware of the need for a new landing pad that fits the 2013 Outback. They say they are designing a landing pad now. The design will likely be for all 3 mount points on each side (they know there are people who want to use the wider spread between the bars for safety). They predict it will not be available until JAN, 2013. They suggest calling back periodically for updates.

The best way to influence Yakima to accelerate the production of this landing pad is to CALL THEM. Tell them you want it ASAP! Yakima customer support is: (888) 925-4621