Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
- The popular J style carrier maximizes load bar space for other carriers
- Great kayak protection with adjustable foam padding
- Easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle with best fitting universal mounting system
- Includes ratcheting bow and stern tie down and two load straps with buckle protectors
- Fits thule standard bars rapid aero bars round bars most factory installed racks
The popular J style carrier has been redesigned for improved value while maintaining great performanceRedesigned for improved value while maintaining great performance, the rooftop-mounted Thule 835XTR Hullaport Kayak Carrier maximizes load bar space for other carriers. It fits Thule square, Aero, Yakima round, and most factory installed cross bars. The 835XTR offers great kayak protection with adjustable foam padding, and it’s easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle with its universal mounting
Rating: 
(out of 5 reviews)
List Price: $ 149.95
Price: $ 124.95
#1 by Duffman on July 22, 2010 - 1:23 pm
Review by Duffman for Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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I have a Thule Roof Rack on my ’08 CR-V and this Kayak carrier fits on it quickly and securely. As far as the kayak, I have a 13′ Necky Manitou and it seats very well in the J-hooks. The supplied straps for each J-hook and the two ratcheting straps for either end of the boat really help to secure it down.
There is virtually no movement when traveling over bumps and >70 mph on the highway. In fact, it moves far less than my bikes do when they are on the roof rack. Getting the boat off is a breeze too (assuming it’s light enough and your car isn’t too tall for you). You unlatch the 4 straps and lift the boat right off, takes all of 45 seconds.
As far as wind noise of the J-hooks when you DON’T have a kayak on the roof – you don’t even need to worry about it. Each J-hook fits on top of the rack and a plate swings underneath the roof rack and gets screwed to the J-hook via a thumb screw. And that is the beauty of it… when the kayak isn’t on the roof, you undo one thumbscrew, swing the plate around, take the whole J-hook off and toss it in your car/truck. Saves on gas mileage and noise. Putting it back on takes 1 minute. The whole installation and removal of the J-hooks is so fast that getting the more expensive 835PRO with the fold-down J-hooks almost seems useless. Why fold it down and have someone steal it right off your car (these do not have thule locks or any lock for that matter) when you can just take it off in 20 seconds and lock it in your vehicle!
For those worried about locking the kayak to protect from theft while transporting, I have seen specific “Kayak Locks” made for J-hook style carriers that wrap around the kayak and roof rack (which I’m assuming the roof rack is locked to your roof…it should be!). They fit snugly too so you can’t lift anything off the rack to get at the J-hooks. They are around $50 or so but they keep your $1000+ investment secure!
#2 by David Burnsworth on July 22, 2010 - 2:08 pm
Review by David Burnsworth for Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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These racks are great. A little tough to lift a 14 ft. kayak up on top of the van by myself, maybe rollers and saddles would be easier on a high roof. These work very well though, holds the boat very securely.
#3 by Rusty on July 22, 2010 - 2:52 pm
Review by Rusty for Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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The Thule Hullaport kayak rack system was easy to install on my 4Runner’s factory roof rack, and it feels stable and secure. I like the quality and ease of use for the cost.
#4 by M. Erb on July 22, 2010 - 3:01 pm
Review by M. Erb for Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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I own a 2003 Honda CRV and have the Thule base rack. Previously to buying the Hullaport I had been carrying my kayak right on top of the base rack, hull down, using foam pads sitting on top of the rack bars. It worked just fine that way but it was a real bear getting my kayak on the rack by myself.. and I have a relatively light kayak at 48 pounds (Kevlar Current Designs Solstice GTHV).
I decided to buy the Hullaport and am very happy that I did. Now instead of struggling to get my kayak on my rooftop carrier, I have a much easier time lifting it up and plopping it into the J-style Hullaport. The load straps with quick release buckle are substantial and do the job of securely holding the kayak to the Hullaport. The additional bow and stern lines with ratchets are a really convenient way of giving added security when you’re hauling your boat. My kayak is absolutely solid when enroute.
As for worrying about someone stealing my Hullaport racks, no worries. It is a simple matter of unscrewing a single screw to remove and stow them inside my vehicle, or as I more often do, I take the entire rack off and stow the whole shebang inside my car. I just can’t be bothered with the whole locking thing and would rather just take the rack off when not in use. It takes about 1 minute and to me, is worth the small amount of time it takes.
Thule racks are of very high quality and come with a terrific warranty. You’ll pay a bit more than other racks but I believe that the quality and flexibility of the racks speaks for itself.
#5 by Michael Campbell on July 22, 2010 - 3:49 pm
Review by Michael Campbell for Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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Great kayak carrier. Easy to install on factory roof rack. Holds
kayak very securely.