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This carrier with built-in lift assist takes the strain out of loading a kayak onto your roof rack. Arms with gas struts let you load and tie down kayak at waist level, then easily lift it onto your roof. Tie-downs included. Mounts to most crossbars.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Your vehicle's roof must have a load capacity of at least 130 lbs to use the Hullavator.
The Hullavator Pro gives your back and shoulders some relief as it helps you lift your boat onto your vehicle's roof rack. And you won't need to stand on your running boards or a step stool to position and tie down your boat. This carrier with lift assist comes down along the side of your vehicle so that you can load your boat and strap it to the carrier at waist height. The arms of the cradle adjust to accommodate your boat's hull, and padding helps protect your boat from getting scratched. Folding arms with gas struts deliver your boat in the cradles up onto your roof for transport.
Installation onto Existing Crossbars
The Hullavator Pro installs on top of your existing crossbars. This system mounts onto square and round roof rack crossbars with included hardware, and it slides into the channels of AeroBlade crossbars. To ensure there is sufficient clearance between your vehicle and the Hullavator when it is lowered, your crossbars must extend between 4" and 8" beyond the feet.
A pivot pin secures the arms of the carrier to the bar mount assembly and allows the rotation necessary to reel your kayak onto your roof rack.
Lift Assist with Gas Struts
Gas struts eliminate the majority of lifting required to mount your kayak onto your roof rack. Cradles roll out and down to a vertical position along the side of your vehicle so that you can load your kayak - cockpit out - into the carrier at waist height.
To lower the cradles, remove the release pins and squeeze the handles. The arms will unfold to lower the cradles down to the side of your vehicle.
To adjust the cradles, loosen the knobs and slide the upper arms of the cradle along the built-in track.
Squeeze the handles on both arms and lift your boat in the cradles straight up to roof height. The gas struts will assist you. Rotate your kayak onto the roof and gently lower the cradles onto the roof assembly. Pull the handles so that the arms snap into place for transport. Secure the Hullavator on the roof with the pin and clip.
You can add 2 One-Key System locks (sold separately) to secure the basket to your roof rack.
Padding and Tie-Downs
Tie-down straps with buckles are included for securing your kayak in the cradles. You can tie your boat down when it's at the side of your vehicle, so you don't have to reach up or throw the straps over the roof. Loop these straps through the arms of the cradles and around the hull of your boat. The straps have padded buckles that let you tighten the straps and secure your boat.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Anthony
12/7/2019
Its been a year. So far so good. the only complain I have is the rubber pads left black marks on bottom front of my kayak. It is very narrow in front even the bars are adjusted down to minimum, the bottom of kayak is rested on those rubbers leaving black marks.
Colin
10/29/2023
A year on and remain pleased with the rack. Recently had people ask me to demonstrate it to them. My only observation would be that when the rack is locked on top there is a small amount of play but easily resolved when strapping the kayaks down to the base. For the Rhino rack check the clamp tightness after you first use.
Mike L.
11/14/2023
Harold
10/2/2022
Update.. after one year still working great, lets this old man get 2 kayaks off the top off a very high truck.
Thomas
12/3/2020
One year later it still works great. I transferred the rack to our SUV and it is even easier to reach. I would definitely buy again.
Bobg
12/3/2017
The Hullavator has worked very well. I just purchased a second one so I can carry two kayaks.
Rachael H.
12/4/2017
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Lazer S.
5/13/2026
Glad we could help get you back out on the water! And I hear you about the Thule instructions. They are not the easiest to follow, so I'm glad you found some videos that made it easier. ^___^ What kind of kayak do you have? I did a little of that in my youth, but it wasn't really for me. It was pretty fun playing around in the low surf in Southern California though!