I do alot of fishing, Salt Water big game and surf. Im looking for an easily installed and removed rack that can securely hold a couple of rods. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

The OEM rack is very easy to remove and install and is by far the most attractive.

 

I noticed in all the pictures of the oem rack i've seen, it looks either white or silver. does it come completely black? i think that would look best with my pw/blk s..

also, question for all... what did the dealers quote you for the oem rack? anywhere to get it cheaper??

 

I bought the Thule rack. Once its all assembled it go's on and off in just minutes.
I don't think it looks to bad ether. I think the wind deflector helps too.

 

Can the Thule rack carry the same weight as the oem rack?

 

Not sure, but I think I read some ware that it holds just under what the OE mini rack does.
Before I got mine I used the site search function to do some research. I just typed in "roof rack" and read different threads for an hour or so.
I didn't go with the OE rack because I didn't want to drill holes in my roof.
I went to my local REI store and checked out the Thule and the Yakima racks. I liked the Thule system best out of the two. Got it mainly to carry my surfboards, so the payload wight didn't really enter into the thought process. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Drilling holes?

Thought that the OEM rack used existing slots that are machined into the roof?

(Normally hidden behind the rain gutters.)

 

OEM rack is made by Thule..

 

Yes the existing rack uses pre-existing slots in the roof and no it doesn't come all black but it would be extremely easy to paint it.

 

You do not have to drill holes with the newer MINIs, but I did have problems installing it so I returned it to the MINI dealership. I am back where I started and may go to REI as well.

 

I made my own roof rack to haul Skis and snowboards up to northern arizona for skiing. It is made with suction cups that attach to the sunroof. I plan on doing a write up on that materials used and how I did it. All the parts only ran about 30 bucks. Ill try to post a pic tonight.

 

Here are a few quick pics

 

Now that's creativity!

I have skied Snowbowl once and had a great time. I ski Santa Fe almost every weekend.

 

Wow, nice idea, I'll be waiting for the write up.