Thule DockGrip Kayak Rack
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A versatile, horizontal kayak carrier with large cushioned, flexible pads, the Thule DockGrip kayak rack conforms to a large range of hull shapes as well as stand up paddle boards (SUPs).
Shop similar products- Can carry a variety of hull shapes as well as SUPs, thanks to 2 independent pivoting saddles with angle-setting lever
- Large, flexible, cushioned pads protect the hull
- Easily secure the kayak or SUP using the center load straps with car-protective buckle bumpers and quickdraw bow and stern tie-downs
- Fits a variety of Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks thanks to the T-track and FlipFit brackets (bars sold separately)
- Accommodates kayaks up to 36 in. (90cm) wide and 85 lbs. (38.5kg).
Imported.
| Best Use | Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8 x 5.75 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 7 lbs. 9.6 oz. |
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Bombproof.
This kayak carrier is excellent. The pads hold the kayak underneath and conform to the shape of the sides. The boat is held very securely.
Not as good as previous product, Thule Set to Go
Bought this as replacement for Thule Set to Go, for one reason: they will mount with t slot bolts on aero bar. With Set to Go, the rack towers limit where you can clamp the kayak mounts around the bar. will be returning the Dock Grip. The boat pads freely swivel all the time, I prefer stationary, stable, hull conforming saddles. Also, the contact area for pad to boat is about half what you get with the Set to Go. Those swivel pads might work with a plastic or heavy glass sea kayak, but not with racing kayaks. As usual, the improved product is inferior to its predecessor.
Works Well!
I bought this product for a two door Jeep Wrangler with a Rhino Rack SG 2 Bar Roof Rack. I think it works pretty great, part of my thinks it’s a bit overpriced and two foam blocks could do the same job, but I do appreciate this product and the ratchet devices for the bow and stern work great. The system slides into my grooves on my rack so there was no need for the other equipment.
Works well for our tandem/double kayaks.
These work well for us. We have 20’ and 21-1/2’ tandem sea kayaks.These saddles work great with either kayak. We chose this saddle for both front and rear racks as we wanted maximum grip and large contact area with the hull (to lower the pressure on the hull). We put old Smartwool socks over the rubber surface on the saddles and the boats slide on and off easily. We then take the socks off once the boats are located.
Way better than the previous version
Personally, I have been using all the various Thule saddles for over 20 years. These are by far the best ones yet. They are not the slide in type though, you need to set them on, thus no big paddle like pads but larger than previous models. Take kayaks to Seattle all the time and these work even in the high winds of the Columbia River gorge. Excellent product
Exceeded expectations - Great for Cars/Crossovers
Have used numerous J hooks in the past but picked these up a little over 3 years ago so this is long term review. To date, well over 10,000 miles traveling with a kayak strapped in, easily approaching 1000 uses since I spend 200+ days a year on the water. Have used with both a 12.5’ touring and whitewater boats. Have never had an issue with loading or locking mechanisms on each pad that shifts to different hull frames nicely. Replaced multiple tie down straps over the years but zero issues with the hardware or pads. Sits on an Aero bar with the T-slots. Takes me couple minutes to put on the bar or remove. By far my favorite rack option, loadings a breeze. If you can lift your yak to the height of your vehicle (have a cross trek) the easiest way to load is to set your pads to the appropriate angle and then flip the pads on the side you’re loading from outward. This way you lift the kayak and place on its side onto the pads and then push it over and rolls into the pads on the other side. I’ve never once loaded kayak from rear of the car so no advice if you have to go this route besides put a towel down over your windshield. Have bought a second set to replace another pair of J hooks since these continue to work great. Definitely recommended especially on cars or crossovers, or if you’re tall and have an SUV it’ll work well, I’m too short to lift the kayak up that high though.
Peace of mind, even with a heavy boat.
For a while now, I've had one DockGrip and one (competitor) J cradle to transport two boats. I've always preferred the DockGrip, and finally ponied up for a second. This transports a somewhat heavy boat, but it's always felt secure, loaded easily, and been a breeze to take off and put on each season. I've never worried about the boat on the DockGrip like I have the one on the J. Additionally, Thule includes a pretty high quality and comprehensive tie down kit. I'd not only recommend this to a friend, I recommended it to myself...and bought a second.
Dock Grip is perfect for my kayak
I have been wanting this kayak rack for a long time and finally bit the bullet and ordered it. I am so happy that I did! This is a great kayak rack! I am a 5’3” woman and I can load my kayak on top of my compact SUV by myself and be ready to roll in about 20 minutes. The dock grip holds my kayak so well that I don’t feel I need to over tighten the cam straps, which is something I felt I had to do with other racks.
Perfect solution for watercraft flexibility
Works great...almost too well. ;) The grip is quite strong, so one must get past the rear carriers as you can't keep sliding your craft from the rear (as in the Dock Glide, which I found too slippery). Would be great to have rear units with a slightly lighter "grip." I was looking to find an option that would allow me to load my SUP or YAK single handedly. I'm 48 yrs. old with a compromised back. The addition of the Dock Grip allows me to keep my j hooks when I am loading multiple boats (preferably utilizing them with another set of hands). The option to arrange the angle of fhe Dock grips is key for laying my SUP flat and fits my 2019 Pungo hull nearly perfectly. The Dock grips are replacing simple crossbar pads that were not supportive enough of the newer kayak hull shape. So, now I can confidently transport my vessels securely without worrying about denting them. I would recommend!
Daddles
these kayak saddles are too high for my Rav4. I cannot lift my kayak high enough to get it on the saddles. I need to use a stool and then it is very difficult to get on and off the stool while lifting the kayak.