What Crossbars do I Need to Use My Hullavator on My 2023 Subaru Forester?

Updated 04/03/2026 | Published 03/25/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(124)

$899.95

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 58" Long

(533)

$169.33

Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(43)

$544.90

Question:

Is the 2006 Hullavator Pro compatible with Malone MPG 203 crossbars?

asked by: T. M

Expert Reply:

Hello T.M.,

We have found that the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount # TH898 can run into fitment issues with the Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 58" Long # MPG202, so I cannot recommend this set-up.

If you have raised rails that run front to back on your 2023 Subaru Forester, you will want to go with the Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2 # TH54ZA.

The 50" bars should be plenty to give you the 4-8" of overhang needed for the Hullavator to work (please see attached image). I would still measure the distance between your raised rails just to be certain.

We used to recommend the Malone bars with the Hullavator, but we have found that they do not work well together because of the feet on the Malone bars.

What kind of kayak do you have? Do you have a favorite body of water you like to go out on?