Kayak Carrier Recommendation for a BigWater PDL 132 Kayak

Published 09/12/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount

(114)

$899.95

Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs

(124)

$199.99

Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long

(508)

$359.99

Yakima BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(36)

$298.95

Question:

Hi. I have a tip for you. Hullavator Pro specs stated it can carriers a 36 inch wide kayak but it is cannot. I have tried. I have a Bigwater 132 PDL kayak. Can you make a cradle replacement with a longer arms? Thanks,

asked by: Loi T

Expert Reply:

Thank you for reaching out about this!

While I would normally agree that something needs to be updated, it's important to note that the Thule Hullavator Pro # TH898 also has a 75 lb weight capacity and from what I was able to find it looks like your BigWater PDL 132 exceeds that by at least 10 lbs depending on the exact model - so you'll want to avoid using the Hullavator Pro with your boat. If you do have a model that is at or under the 75 lb mark please send in some photos so I can see how you have everything set up. There aren't any wider cradle setups from Thule for this.

As an alternative I recommend using the Yakima BigCatch # Y04091 which is still a saddle-style carrier, but it boasts an impressive weight capacity of 150 lbs, and since the cradles are adjustable along the crossbars you can be confident this is the best solution for your BigWater PDL 132.

This still leaves you with needing a load assist so for your heavy boat I recommend using either the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist # RTL002 to load from the rear of your vehicle, or the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL to load from the side of your vehicle.