I'm hoping to pick up a Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Propel soon. Does anyone have any experience transporting any of the Ultimate series kayaks from Native Watercraft? Since the Ultimate series is a tunnel hull design I am wondering if standard kayak supports will work. The dealer told me that they haul it upside down like a canoe, but if I get rod holders I think that eliminates the upside method. I'd also like to get a Yakima Showtime Load-assistant which I believe will definitely force me to transport the boat right side up since commercially bought canoe supports are fairly flush to the cross bar they are attached to, and it looks like there has to be some height offset to keep the boat above the load assistant. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I have great luck using Thule saddle racks on my 4 Runner for Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Tandem. I would recommend a Hydro Glide because of the length of the boat. You are going to love the stability of the boat. I don't have any experience with the load assistant but they look cool.

One thought is getting a trailer. I’m thinking that you don’t have to lift the boat so high and there is more room for all the gear. I’m currently looking to buy or build a carrier.

What's the Yakima load assistant?
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The ShowBoat by Yakima is a roller on a sliding support system that can be extended out beyond the back of your car to make it easier for loading car top boats. It's pretty cool but for some reason has not been available for over a month now at the store where I bought the rest of my rack accessories. They're not sure what's going on. Not sure if it's been discontinued.

I have the ultimate 12 and to be honest I've been getting by this past year strapping it upside down with some foam pads. I'll be purchasing the thule system hopefully that help protect the roof. I have 2 flush mount rod holders in the back and a swivel type on the side. The scotty holders get installed flush to the top so that is'nt a problem.

Thanks for the info. I've since bought an Ultimate 14 and do the same; upside down. The only problem I have in doing that way is the padded arm rests on the gunwales are pressing against one of my rack cross bars, compressing and maybe damaging them over time. The bars are fairly close together and it's the only position the boat can be centered. Oh well, upside up in the rain would cause more problems.