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Yakima Yakima TopWater - Main product photo

At a glance

Quick Specs

Weight Capacity80 lbs

Weight5 lbs

Materialsteel

Mountingroof_crossbar

Why this product

Why the Yakima TopWater Fishing Rod Carrier?

Here's the thing — the TopWater is purpose-built for fishing, holding up to 8 fully rigged rods up to 8 ft long. At just 5 lbs in steel, it's a specialized tool that solves a real problem for anglers. The downside? It does exactly one thing. If you don't fish regularly, this is dead weight on your roof. Zero general cargo utility.

Detailed specs

Full Specifications

Weight Capacity

80 lbs

Basket Weight

5 lbs

Best prices

Where to Buy

Retailer	Price	Status
Amazon US	Check price	Check availability	Check Price

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Performance analysis

Insights for Yakima TopWater Fishing Rod Carrier

How It Compares

vs. average in cargo_carrier

Score Breakdown

Category Position

Price vs. score for all cargo_carrier

Fitment

Vehicle Compatibility

Audi

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Q5(2nd Gen (FY))	2017+	good	Crossbars needed
Q7(2nd Gen (4M))	2016+	good	Crossbars needed

Community feedback

What Users Say

Amazon

4.3/5

Based on 345 reviews

77% positive10% negative

Common praises

“Rooftop storage”
“Unique design”
“Weather resistant”

Common complaints

“Limited availability”
“Niche product”

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Top Comparisons

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Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Yakima TopWater uses a universal crossbar mount that clamps onto most factory and aftermarket roof racks. Check your specific vehicle in our compatibility checker below.

Most roof boxes in this class hold 100-165 lbs. But your roof's dynamic load limit is the real ceiling — usually 150-200 lbs total including the box itself. Check your owner's manual.

You'll hear a low hum above 65 mph — typical for roof boxes. The aerodynamic shape keeps it manageable. Proper crossbar spacing helps too.

Yes, but it's easier with two people. The box is bulky — lifting it onto the roof solo is the hardest part. Mounting hardware takes 20-30 minutes.

The hard shell seals out rain and road spray effectively. Sealed seams and gaskets keep contents dry. No rust concerns with this material either.

You can, but don't. An empty roof box adds drag and hurts fuel economy by 10-25%. It also lowers garage clearance. Remove it between trips. Most boxes mount/dismount in 15-20 minutes.

Expect a 10-25% fuel economy hit at highway speeds when loaded. The aerodynamic shape helps versus an open basket, but physics is physics. Remove it between trips. That's free money back in your tank.

Answered by our expert team, MyCargoRacks

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Yakima

Yakima TopWater Fishing Rod Carrier

Name: Yakima TopWater Fishing Rod Carrier
Brand: Yakima
Price: 399.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (1 reviews)

Rooftop rack that carries up to 8 fishing rods up to 8 ft long

Last reviewed: April 2026

cargo_carrierroof_crossbarScore: 87/100

Rooftop fishing rod carrier. Holds up to 8 rods (up to 8 ft). Mounts to crossbars. Not a cargo box.

Manufacturer Price

$399.99

Check Price on Amazon

Price may vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.

View on Yakima Learn about Yakima

Dimensions102 x 18 x 9 in

Performance analysis