Spending time on the water for a river trip or a fantastic day on a flatwater paddle is what we’re all stoked about each season. But getting your kayak to the water can be a hassle and maybe even a safety concern.
I’m the new owner of a sweet roof rack system with some help from AQ Alberta Aquabatics and Roof Racks Calgary. I have a small car and a couple of kayaks that I need to cart around efficiently and safely in a “no hassle way.”
Thule Roof Rack and Hull-a-Port XT
Thule Cross Bar
My search to find the best system to transport both touring and recreational kayaks had me looking at a variety rack options for a bare roof vehicle. I landed on Thule Wing Bar Evo 135.
Thule Wing Bar Evo Clamp Roof Rack for Bare Roof
$834.85
The Thule Evo Clamp roof rack system is designed to fit most vehicles with bare or naked roofs.. The Wing Bar system is one of Thules quietest and sleekest looking bar types. For most vehicles it has a dynamic load… Read More
These cross bars are exceptionally quiet because, unlike square cross bars, this Thule design is built like an airplane wing and routes the air flow to decrease noise. This also helps with fuel economy by reducing drag.
The internal structure of the bar offers exceptional strength and has the capacity to carry up to 165 lbs., dependent on your vehicle’s roof weight capacity. The aero blade design is compatible with all other Thule accessories and with most other manufactures as well.
Thule Cross Bar Feet
The load carrier feet are easy to attach to both the cross bar and the vehicle. Once the foot pack is installed with the correct fit kit for your vehicle, the Thule torque limiter tool is used to tighten the system to your roof.
When the rack is secured safely and properly, you’ll hear a click indicating the system is tightened just right! The torque limiter tool comes with the foot pack and no other tools are needed to attach or remove the cross bar from your vehicle.
The Kayak Carrier
After exploring different kayak carrier systems, I finally chose the Thule Hull-a-Port XT. It is a super sweet, versatile adjustable folding J Rack system. When not in use it folds into a flat, low profile position that contributes to a quiet ride. The carrier attaches to the cross bars with clamps that tighten using a star driver that pulls out from its base.
There are two other positions, depending on the number of kayaks you plan to carry.
When transporting a single kayak, the large grab handles allow you to position the Thule Hull-a-Port XT in its “J Rack Style Position” so the kayak rests in the cradle at a slight angle.
When transporting two kayaks, the “Stacker Upright Position” is used where both kayaks sit on edge. There is still room on the cross bars for a cargo box to transport gear on the far side of the roof rack. The Thule Hull-a-Port XT supports a single boat weighing up to 75 lbs. or two boats with a combined weight of 130 lbs.
The Hull-a-Port XT comes with one set of tie down straps that have buckle bumpers to protect your kayak. Additionally, it includes bow and stern tie downs for one boat. These offer added safety for longer boats.
J Rack Style Angled Position for One Boat
Stacker Upright Position for Two Boats
Plus Room for a Cargo Box
Vehicle Anchor Points
For vehicles with no easy bow and stern tie down anchor points, an easy solution is to pick up a set of Thule Quick Loops. These loops offer an anchor point by attaching under the hood and trunk to secure longer boats, especially for highway travel.
Thule Quick Loop 530
$39.95
Long loop strap provides anchor point for boat and load straps on vehicles without undercarriage attachment points. Specifications Model number 530 Features Boat bow & stern tie-down loops that are fastened inside the vehicle hood or trunk hatch and protrude… Read More
Thule Roof Rack Locks
While I haven't purchased locks yet, Thule has various lock packages that you can add to cross bars and other roof rack accessories. These package sets (2, 4, 6, or 8 locks) are keyed the same so you don’t have a pocketful of keys to pack around.
$59.95
Install or replace all lock cylinders on your Thule products and use the same key for all. Specifications Model number 450200 Model number 450400 Model number 450600 Model number 450800 Features Set of 2 locks, all using the same key… Read MoreThule One-Key System
The Loading and Strapping
Here’s a great video starring the ever popular Tom Stewart from Aquabatics serving up a quick tip about how to get your boat up and onto the Hull-a-Port XT and tie it down safely.
Pros
- Thule products are well designed and easy to use
- Thule Wing Bar Evo 135 Cross Bars come in two color options (silver or black)
- Quiet ride and fuel saving
- Lockable with a one key system
- The Hull-a-Port XT kayak carrier is fully assembled out of the box
- Coated to resist rust
- Fits most other cross bar styles
- Integrated catch strap for easy tie down
- Low profile fold down position
Cons
- Thule is a bit on the pricy side, but from my perspective, worth the additional cost.
I hope that offered some info for anyone trying to sort out options to get your boat/s to the water and back. Oh, and the best Pro of all is that AQ Outdoors provides super sweet friendly customer service and installation. Bonus!!
“create your own momentum”
Bryan Hume
https://www.facebook.com/bryan.hume.5/
https://www.instagram.com/brhume.yyc/
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
