Thule Hull-A-Port Pro review

By dreeder22398128 Ranked #995 - Car Racks October 29, 2008

I have two pairs of these. They work perfectly. They really secure the kayaks well. The appear to be well made and should last for quite awhile. I bought the Hull-A-Port Pro's so that I would be able to drive into the garage. I could not clear the garage opening with the regular J-style Thule kayak rack mounted on my SUV. However, I have encountered one small problem. And this is probably only a issue when the Hull-A-Port Pro is mounted on an SUV or tall truck. It is difficult to reach the release bar which locks and unlocks the upright sport arm. The support arm can be swung up when the bar is pulled. However you have to pull the release bar AND flip the support arm up at the same time. You can't pull the release bar and then swing up the arm. Try it that way and the release bar pops back into place locking the arm down. On a sedan or station wagon that would probably not be a problem as it would be easy to reach both the bar and the arm simultaneously. However it is a bit of reach (I'm 6') on my Saturn Vue. I can reach the release bar but when I try to flip the arm up the release bar locks again. It is a two handed operation and my wing span is to short. I have resorted to taking a plastic milk crate with me...it holds my bilge pump, water bottles, PFD's etc. I can stand on the crate and reach both the bar and swing arm at the same time. Other than this minor problem (and it would probably not be an issue on a sedan or wagon) the Hull-A-Port is great. Easy installation, looks good and it truly secures the boats well. I carry one 9 footer and a 12 footer. If it is a short trip I don't even bother with the front tie down. (Thule recommends using both front and rear tie downs). Once the kayak is secured I can grab it and yank it hard enough to rock the vehicle. Would certainly recommend this product to others.

View Details: Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Folding Kayak Carrier

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