Thule  Hull-a-Port XT Kayak Rack

I purchased this rack about 6 months ago and used 3 times before it broke. When I say broke, the rack completely snapped off while driving with a kayak strapped in. Luckily, the straps maintained to keep the kayak from flying into traffic which could have been really bad. However, this also resulted in my Jeep taking some hits. I highly recommend to not purchase this product.

While transporting our single kayak, the clamp teeth on the rack failed and ripped off the car. The kayak went flying down the road, and the Port a Hull slammed against the side of the car denting it. The Port a Hull is unusable now, and even if it was, I'd question ever using it again. We were traveling about 55 mph, and secured it according to the instructions.

The racks mount quickly and securely on our Evo bars. Our Eddyline kayaks fit nicely, were secure and protected from scratches. We used two sets of racks for two kayaks, so I can’t say how it would be to double them up, but I preferred the boats to be angled — it seems to work better with the shapes of the hulls on our boats.

We bought four of these racks to transport our two kayaks. The clamps attach to the crossbars on our SUV. On the way home from a recent trip to Tahoe, a combination of heat and wind caused the clamps (which are screwed and tightened into position) to come lose from the crossbars and the kayak, still strapped onto the Hull-a-Port securely, was hanging down the side of our vehicle. My husband reattached the unit and secured it with bungee cords that we happen to have along. Also, the straps that feed through the top of the rack come out of their guide and it's a pain in the butt to try and get them back in once the kayaks are on the top of the vehicle.

I mounted this on my factory bars of a 2013 kinda CRV works great with my Eddyline Sandpiper. It is super solid on the bars and holds the kayak great as well. The fold down option is great. I notice zero additional noise when the rack is folded down, compared to a slight whistle when up and empty. The unexpected part for me was how much easier folding them down makes it to thread in the stars for loading. Foe me this makes the difference between having to get something out to stand on or not. I got the locks but I doubt I need them. While taking the racks on and off is pretty easy when you know how and have the tool that comes with the rack. Someone who does not know this is going to struggle.

Purchased in March of 2021 and used a few times. Cracks developed in the rack mid 2023 and thankfully I saw them while I was strapping on my kayak for the next trip. (Ended up having to cancel because it was clearly not safe.) And even more thankful that the kayak stayed attached until I got home from the last outing! In the middle of warranty negotiations with Thule now. For the record, I have a pretty light kayak that is under 40 pounds and I've never driven faster then 70 mph while transporting it.

I’ve been using the Hull-a-Port XTs for about a year now. I bought them to replace a pair of Thule 835PROs, which was the previous (now discontinued) version of a folding-J kayak rack. I’m generally pleased with the newer design, though I do have to be careful not to scratch the gelcoat of my fiberglass kayaks if I’m sliding the kayaks across the Hull-a-Port’s hard composite. Otherwise, I find them functional, flexible, and easy to use. I also like the new plastic clamps that came with the bow and stern tie-downs. The old tie downs had a mechanical ratchet that locked the tie down in position; it worked great but was subject to corrosion and rust.

This is ready from the box. The trick is understanding how to start since the directions are insanely lacking in little details so that someone with no experience with the product might find it awkward but, not for long. Fits tight and secure to my factory rails on my 2009 4 Runner. Not a big fan of the cam straps so i am gonna replace them. The rope and clamps work great for the front and end bumpers. I attached under my hood and another clamp on the back hitch. Perfect. The bars lay flat when it is not in use-a must for getting in and out of the garage. I took back my first set of Thule that didn't lay flat . I also want to mention I found this set to grip way better to my rails than then the cheaper version that did not fold down. Enjoy. I would not do 5 stars since they are brand new so who knows how they will do over time and the directions were really not thoughtful. Love them so far though.

this rack fit my old square bars with no problem. re-tightened the torx screws after first couple uses, and now it doesn't budge. need a small step stool to get the boat on top of my car, but that's because the jeep is a bit tall. straps hold very securely.

Bought it for a last minute trip to Bishop and it worked to carry my 10’ fishing kayak. Came with straps, rope and hooks to properly secure it for travel. And it handled well when going 75+ on the hwy. Definitely recommend!