Best Kayak Load Assist for A Heavy Tandem Kayak

Updated 09/09/2026 | Published 09/05/2026

Question:

We have a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 145 tandem kayak. It weighs approximately 75. I’m 75 years old, 5’8” tall and weigh 170. I’d like to know which kayak load assist system you recommend for this kayak. A Thule Hullavator Pro or Yakima Show Down.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

Hey John, thanks for reaching out. Between those two options, I definitely recommend the Thule Hullavator Pro # TH898 for your Wilderness Systems Pamlico 145. Your kayak is right at the Hullavator’s 75 lb capacity, so it is within the weight rating and is a great match for what you are trying to accomplish.

The big reason I prefer the Hullavator here is the amount of help it gives you. Its gas struts support 40 lbs of the kayak’s weight, and the arms lower the kayak up to 3 feet down the side of the vehicle. That means you can load and secure the kayak around waist height, then let the Hullavator help lift it onto the roof instead of wrestling a 75 lb tandem kayak overhead.

The Yakima ShowDown is a nice system and is rated for 80 lbs, but it only provides about 30-45% load assistance, depending on the width of the kayak, and lowers 26". For a kayak this heavy, I like the more substantial 40 lb assist and greater lowering distance of the Hullavator. At 75 years old and loading a 75 lb kayak, I think the Hullavator is going to make getting on the water a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

You'll just need to make sure your vehicle is equipped with a compatible roof rack system if you don't have one already.

What is the year, make and model of your vehicle?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
(click to enlarge)

John G.

9/8/2026

I appreciate your recommendation. I’d install the Hullavator on our 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The roof rack system isn’t as high as one on an SUV. The 40” drop would place the 2 support arms 26” off the ground. I don’t know think it would be easy for me to release & raise both support arms from this low position. Your thoughts?

Jesse M.

9/9/2026

@JohnG I think your concern is valid. The Hullavator is designed to lower the kayak up to about 3 feet and use gas struts to assist with roughly 40 lbs of the kayak's weight. On a taller SUV that normally puts the handles around waist height, which is where the system really shines. On your Bolt EV, if your measurements put the handles only about 26" off the ground, you are going to be bending or crouching quite a bit to release them and start the upward motion. The gas assist will take over as you stand and raise the kayak, but you still have to squeeze both handles and begin lifting from that low position. So it really comes down to how comfortable you are physically performing that task. I can recommend a roof rack for you. Does your Bolt EV have the factory raised or flush rails on the roof? Or is it a naked roof?

John

9/9/2026

Thanks for your response. We have a roof rack system on our Chevy Bolt. I think Ill try a Yakima Boatloader that a friend has.

Jesse M.

9/9/2026

@John Good call. Let me know how it goes!