Reddit reviews Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Roof Rack Mount Carrier
We found 2 Reddit comments about Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Roof Rack Mount Carrier. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Load and unload kayaks are waist level, at the side of the vehicle for greater convenience and safetyGas-assist struts lift and lower 40 pounds of kayak's weight--making it easy for one person to loadDouble extending arms lower the kayak by up to 40 inches for faster loading and unloadingFits Thule rack systems and round bars onlyIncludes all straps to transport 1 kayak; up to 2 carriers per vehicle; limited lifetime warranty
Here is my evolution of racks (originally posted here:
I've just finished trying solutions for getting my 60lb poly Tempest 170 on the roof (almost always solo).
First I used inflatable roof racks from Malone, which get the job done surprisingly well, but lifting the 17 foot boat up there remained a challenge.
Second I shifted to J racks as i hated watching the hull deform a bit (temporarily only) by tying the poly boat down on the inflatable. So I got these Malone J Racks. I like these racks, but they add a few inches to the height needed to lift the boat. I could do it, but tended to scrape the car and boat up a bit. That and eventually I was going to injure my back.
Third I got the Malone Telos Load Assist which seemed like a nice, more affordable solution to load assist than the Thule Hullavator. It can be moved from side to side and vehicle to vehicle so the more boats you are loading (requiring Malone J racks) the cheaper it is effectively. The Telos system works, but ins't perfect. It was still scratching my boat up too much, and my side mirror even when folded in. Honestly for smaller boats it would have been just fine.
Finally I caved and returned the Telos and ordered the Thule Hullavator (Note that you can get it cheaper from other places than amazon, but Amazon is convenient to link to for reviews and such). It is silly how pricey it is, but it simply works. I don't risk my back or my gear when loading or unloading, and it is cake to work with.
It has now been around a year and I am SO happy with the final solution.Going out solo even in strong winds is now feasible and injury free!
Does the dislike so far J-cradles in this tread include when used for poly sea kayaks? My understanding is that they should be transported on the side to avoid stress on the boat, where glass boats should be hull down.
Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Roof Rack Mount Carrier. Used these for years.
https://www.amazon.com/Thule-897XT-Hullavator-Kayak-Carrier/dp/B000QV1WSM
Not cheap but you'll get your money's worth and never worry.