ThuleHull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Built for strength from high quality materials. Bought the older version first ( 2 bolt bottom clamp and two rivets ) that was discontinued, from a local shop, and it came with a ratcheting pulley block hook on bow and stern tie line and they can be adjusted precisely with ease as the day heats up the kayak or cools it down. Then I bought the 834 ( improved 4 bolt bottom clamp) version, which is identical in shape ( rack itself not the bottom clamp ) and hole patterns for mounting are the same too, exactly what I hoped for, because I had pre built 4 adapter plates for both sides of my trooper, except the 834 didn't include the " ratcheting pulley block ".

Love this, easy to install and use....but my wife can't lift her kayak enough to use it by herself but that is not a product issue.

After recently visiting my local sporting goods store, my wife and I decided that we were going to invest in a pair of kayaks. This, however, meant that the search for a way to transport them was on. I immediately came home and started searching the internet for roof rack systems and decided to go with Thule after about a week of internal debate, measuring, and paging through website after website.I also decided to settle on the Hull-A-Port 834 because most of the reviews looked great, it was at a reasonable price point, and it appeared pretty sturdy. I decided to order through Amazon because Thule couldn't get me a definite arrival date and I needed them in order to pick up my kayaks. That being said, I was a little disappointed when Amazon then told me it would be about a week to get my order. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when they showed up at my house 5 days early.So, here are the Pro's and Con's of this rig.Pro's-They are very well made, sturdy metal and what seems to be a heavy duty resin or plastic.-When we picked the kayaks up and finally got everything strapped down appropriately, the kayaks did not budge even a centimeter.-The included straps (for around the body of the kayaks) are heavy duty and easy to use.-The provided cushion on the top is made of a high quality nylon and keeps the bottom of the kayak from rubbing against the metal.-Once affixed to the roof, they are quite sturdy. (I may have gone under a drive through with a low hanging bar, and they took the slight impact without damage to them, my roof rack, or my roof, PHEW!).Con's-The directions are not very informative.-If you happen to be using these with the Aeroblade you need to purchase the Xadapter11, which is an additional $25 per pair.-They are a pain to screw into the Aeroblade due to the placement of the bolts. You are only able to get about a quarter turn in with the included allen wrench (which has a special head, and is therefore some what irreplaceable).-Since they do not fold down, you have to either go through the tedious process of screwing them on and off your roof rack every time you need them, or you have to hope you are not going to be driving anywhere with low clearance.- The ropes that are included for the front and back of the kayaks are a bit irritating to tie down to the front and back of your vehicle. The material it is made out of does not allow for a good knot and they feel a bit flimsy. I will most likely replace them with a higher grade strap from Thule before traveling a considerable distance.That being said, I think these are a great solution to my needs, however if I had to do it again, I probably would have sprung for the more expensive ones that fold down when not in use. These, however, get the job done well.

Solidly constructed, I've clamped it quite tightly and haven't bent, damaged either the rack or my kayaks in a year or two of use. I got a very good price, about 60% of store cost I paid for my first pair (two kayaks). Straps are well-made too, solid webbing, well-stitched, and substantial rubber boots around steel buckles to prevent scratching.

The rack itself is great. Easy to install, very stable and the design gives you room on your roof to put another set of racks up for 2 kayaks. The only downside for me is that the cam straps that come with the rack were way too short for my 34 inch tandem kayak. The Straps are only ~9', so it fell just about 2-3 feet too short for me. Maybe mine are bigger kayaks (?), but I can't imagine how the straps that are included could fit any 34 inch kayak. Unfortunately, Thule does not make longer straps, so you'll have to invest in longer straps if you have a larger kayak.In case you want to figure out if the included straps are long enough for you... The length from the inside base of the J cradle, to the inside of the top bar of the cradle is ~16 inches. So, add the width and height of your kayak, plus the width on the cradle side minus the 16" length of the cradle. Now multiply x2 since you have to double over the straps from the bar of the cradle (so for me it was 34"W + 12"H + 18" (i.e. 34" W - 16" from the cradle) = 10'8" minimum total length just to wrap around the other side and reach the bottom. But also keep in mind you'll need some strap to actually close the buckle, tighten, and tie a knot... ~12' is what I needed.

We have a Honda CR-V with factory roof bars and a 10' kayak and the carrier works perfectly. We do not use the bow/stern straps for short trips but do use them on the highway. It seems as if Thule quietly re-engineered the Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port because that product received some negative reviews (at the very least, the mounting mechanism has been improved). You will not be disappointed with the Thule 834 Hull-a-Port Vertical Kayak Carrier.