Thule Top Deck Kayak Saddles
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A great alternative to full-feature kayak saddles, this Thule Top Deck Kayak carrier includes everything you need to transport a kayak safely and securely.
Shop similar products- Custom-designed saddle conforms to multiple hull shapes
- Integrated rubber pads provide maximum kayak protection
- Virtually eliminates hot spots with the large contact surface area
- Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory-installed cross bars
- Complete carrier for 1 boat includes 4 saddles, all mounting hardware, heavy-duty straps and bow and stern tie-downs
Made in USA.
| Best Use | Kayaking |
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Safe & Secure at 75MPH speeds.
The REI salesperson mentioned it would require about 10 min per saddle (4 total) to install but with all the time required for sizing/spacing and adjusting, it took me nearly an hour. But, I'm a safety freak! The installation is very simple; nothing too complex. The saddles are fixed and do not contour to the boat/kayak--hence, there was a lot of time required for adjustments. I used the saddles to transport my 1-man kayak on top of my 4Runner from Portland to Seattle with no problems, maxing at speeds of up to 75MPH, and with the two straps only; attachment ropes were not used. The kayak did not move/pivot/rotate at all during transport. Great product and price! But for added security, may want to purchase additional tie-down straps.
Basic and Bare Bones
This product does what it says, but is markedly less substantial and full-featured than other similar products made by Thule. Straps do not have rubber bumpers on them to protect car top. Front and back ropes just have s-hooks and no ratchet device. If you're looking for something a step up from a foam blocks on top of your vehicle with some cords thrown in, this will do the job. If you're looking for something more heirloom, upgrade to another Thule product.
Top Deck Kayak Saddles hold steady
Top Deck Kayak Saddles, installed within 15 minutes onto a Thule crossbar setup, work as advertised. Easy to load single 16.5 foot kayak by myself. I'm not sure how long the plastic will hold over the years and plan to remove the saddles during off-season. Wish the loading straps came with a bumper to not ping off the vehicle during loading, but being more careful somewhat helps. This product works fine.
Frustrated with product defect
My Top Deck came with a defective bolt such that I could not tighten the attachment. When I called REI to ask for a replacement they said they didn't have single bolts, i needed to bring the whole kit in which means uninstalling it from the roof and driving back to the store. The trule web site requires I register the product then file a complicated warranty claim, all for a .50 cent bolt. Or I could buy a .50 cent bolt and pay $4.50 for postage. All WAY TOO much work for having paid 100 bucks for a product I currently can not use.
Good for the Price
Angle of pads are not adjustable, so you need to play with how far apart you mount them. Once in place they held our large 2 man touring Kayak securely.
GREAT
Just put them on your rack good and tight then put you toys on top. Fits most roof racks that I have found so far.
No good for fiberglass kayaks
Left black rubber marks on my kayak, which have been very difficult to remove. Rubber is starting to come off of the carrier with very little use. I used these for my paddleboard as well, and that seems to be a better fit, although I still had trouble with the black marks.