Share
THULE RACKS 10% OFF SALE GOING ON NOW!
+ free shipping on orders of $99 & over (contiguous US only)
*Thule luggage excluded from 10% off sale
*Thule cargo roof boxes excluded from free shipping program
The Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack system received the Silver Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA), one of the most prestigious, global awards for innovation in product design. The all-new 897XT Thule Hullavator replaces the previous 897 Hullavator design with new enhancements and now offers greater kayak size capacity and protection with a more robust latching mechanism.
The Hullavator kayak rack system is a lift-assist system that brings the load platform down to your level and enables anyone to load and unload any type of kayak without assistance from anyone else. For many solo and tandem kayak paddlers one of the biggest challenges they face isn't on the water, but the loading of their boat on their vehicle's car roof rack. The 897XT Thule Hullavater kayak rack lift system functions without any contact to the vehicle and dramatically reduces traditional loading height by more than 3 feet, simultaneously reducing the power needed to load a kayak to the vehicle's roof rack. The gas-assist struts lift 90% of the boat's weight!
The Thule Hullavator mounts directly to all of Thule Racks load bars (including square, elliptical Rapid Aero & Xsporter truck racks) and Yakima Racks round cross bars. Only takes up approximately 25 inches of load bar space so other gear carriers (or a 2nd Hullavator kayak rack) can live next to it on the roof rack load bars at the same time. Everything is included for a complete kayak carrier system with gas-assist struts, boat cradles with padded support, mounting hardware, boat straps, and ratcheting bow/stern tie downs all included. Please note that the Thule 897XT Hullavator is not compatible with factory roof racks. Locks to the base rack load bars using a two pack of Thule locks (not included; see accessory add-ons below).
- Works with all types of kayaks including touring, sit-on-top, tandem, whitewater, sea & recreational kayaks etc.
- The Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak carrier reduces lift height required to load and unload a kayak by three feet!
Reduces effort required to lift kayak with gas assist shocks that help raise boat onto the vehicle roof rack. gas-assist struts lift 90% of the boat's weight! - No need to reach top of vehicle to secure boat to carrier – kayak strapping is easily done with carrier in down position.
- Thule Hullavater offers superior boat protection with cradles and integrated padded support.
- Mount side by side with other gear carriers (or a second 897XT system) as the carrier only requires approximately 25 inches of roof rack load bar space.
- Compatible with any boat up to 34" wide and 75 lbs.
- Everything is included for a complete kayak carrier system with gas-assist struts, kayak cradles with padded support, mounting hardware, boat straps, and ratcheting bow/stern tie downs all included.
- Attaches to all of Thule Racks load bars (including square, elliptical Rapid Aero & Xsporter) and Yakima Racks round bars. The Thule Hullavater is not compatible with factory roof racks.
- Locks to the base rack load bars using a two pack of Thule locks (not included; see accessory add-ons below).
- Easy to follow Thule 897XT Hullavator installation instructions manual included.
- Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty!
» Thule Hullavator Installation Instructions
» Thule Kayak Racks Comparison Chart
Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Rack Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the Thule 897XT Hullavater kayak rack system.
Contribute Your Review of the Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier |
» all Thule 897XT Hullavator reviews
Couldn't Do It Without It!
this Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack review by T.Stout8
vehicle year/make/model: 2004 Land Rover Discovery II
item(s) transported: kayak
In the past it took two people and a picnic table or small ladders to get the kayaks on the roof! Now I can do the whole thing alone....amazing! Also once installed, the mechanisms easily come off so truck can go in garage and they can be safely stored. Directions as usual a bit cryptic.
Hullavater - Your ticket to Freedom
this Thule 897XT Hullavator review by Mark Indermill
vehicle year/make/model: 2008 Toyota Highlander
item(s) transported: Kayak
Without this product, getting out on the water alone would be impossible. Transporting a kayak with two people is easy enough, but when you want a little quite time by yourself, the Hullavater is an absolute necessity. Besides that, its fun to pronounce.
Get on the water fast!
this Thule 897XT Hullavater review by Jon & Ann
vehicle year/make/model: 2006 Chevy Silverado
item(s) transported: Two 18'6" Sea Kayaks
Easy install and we could not be happier with this Thule product. They take a little getting used to but they make loading and securing your boats a snap. Some one offered to load our boats for us at the takeout! Get the locks while you're at it.
Awesome Racks But Heavy To Take On And Off
this Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack review by Susan
vehicle year/make/model: 2011 Toyota RAV-4
item(s) transported: 2 kayaks
As avid paddlers in our 60's, we decided to treat ourselves with two sets of Thule Hullavator kayak carriers. No more lifting of kayaks above our heads! Although the racks are awesome in getting the kayaks on top of the car and off, they are very heavy to take on and off (I prefer to take them off when riding around town due to a 'rattling' noise and my friends remarking that they looked as if my RAV4 had sprouted a set of 'moose antlers' :-). If made with lighter materials, they would be perfect!
Couldn't live without it
this Thule Hullavator review by Maria Quintana
vehicle year/make/model: 2004 Jeep Cherokee
item(s) transported: Kayak
I am single and rather small, and I can say that without the Hullavator, I couldn’t paddle alone, simply because I can’t get the boat on the roof of my Cherokee without help. It was certainly a big investment for me, but one that has paid off. I would recommend it to anyone who paddles alone and has trouble lifting a heavy boat up high. Fortunately I already had a Thule rack system on my roof as it won’t work with factory bars. The device isn’t without a few quirks however. You need to make sure it is locked when down or it will spring up which is startling more than anything. The other thing is that is tends to whistle rather loudly, but fortunately, the whole thing can be removed by simply pulling out a pin on each of the arms. Again, without the Hullavator, I could only paddle with others, which would limit how often I go, and I like to go as often as possible.
Thank You Thule
this Thule Hullavator review by Ken and Linda
vehicle year/make/model: 2007 Chevy Tahoe
item(s) transported: Kayak
I'm generally not one to write reviews, but I felt obligated to let the world know about the hullavator. It is by far the best lift assist product currently available for kayaks and it is a life saver. We're getting on in our years and my wife and I are not able to lift heavy objects over our heads such as kayaks, but we're still perfectly able to paddle them. We were thinking of selling the boats for the sole reason that transporting them and lifting them was too difficult, but a friend recommended we look at the Hullavater. We soon realized that with its help, we could continue to paddle, so we bought two, and we have been nothing short of elated. Thank you Thule!!
Product Discussion
Discuss the Thule 897XT Hullavater kayak rack lifting assist system. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
» all Thule 897XT Hullavator discussion posts
ORS Crew explains - Accommodates kayaks up to 34" wide. / While Thule advertises a max load weigh of 75 lbs, it can actually handle 100 lbs. / Now features an electro-plated bar mount assembly that won’t ever rust. / The mounting bolts are purposely offset so assembly automatically centers itself on the bar as it tightens.
Vin asks - How tall are the saddles without a kayak? Is there an easy way to remove the slide/lift assembly when not in use? Concerned about garage clearance.
ORS Crew answers - They sit up about 18” above the bar. They are easy to remove when not in use via the wingknobs.
Willow asks - Just wondering what the noise level is with this system when on the highway loaded and unloaded. Anyone have an opinion?
KJR says - I have this carrier and don't notice any noise from it both when the kayak is loaded and when just the carrier is on the roof.
Wavsalr asks - Has anyone had experience using the Hullavator with a Hobie Tandem Island? I know the TI's width is within the Hullavator's specs; can it handle the weight?
ORS Crew answers - It handles boats up to 34" wide and 75 lbs., so this carrier is not recommended for the Hobie Tandem Island. Instead, look at a kayak saddles carrier such as the Thule 883 Glide & Set or Thule 884 Roll Model.
Vickie asks - I want to use the Hullavater on my 2011 Jeep Liberty factory side rails. What base rack cross bar system do I need?
ORS Crew answers - Go with the Thule 45058 Crossroad roof rack. It includes a pair of 58" cross bars and mounts easily to the 2011 Jeep Liberty side rails. You then attach the Hullavator to the CrossRoad crossbars (FYI, you would enough room to attach two Hullavators to carry 2 kayaks on the 58 inch bars if you ever have the need).
Karen asks - I have a 2004 Toyota Highlander LS with factory rack system. What all do I need to add the Hullavator and one other kayak rack to load and transport 2 recreatonal kayaks?
ORS Crew answers - You will want to first install the Thule 45058 Crossroad roof rack system to the 2004 Toyota Highlander side rails (the Hullavator is not compatible with factory rack cross bars). The 45058 has a pair of cross bars that are 58 inches long, enough room to attach the Hullavator and then also attaching another kayak carrier of your choice next to it (you can also attach another Hullavator if you want two side-loading kayak lift assist systems for loading both the kayaks).
Jay asks - Will this work for carrying a canoe?
ORS Crew answers - This won't work for a canoe. Another good possible option for canoes is the Yakima ShowBoat Roller.
Bill West asks - I am looking for a kayak roof rack that will fit a 2008 Nissan Xterra, that will carry 2--10', 48lb kayaks. I also want it to have the side-loading lift assist. Could you tell me what I need to accomplish this? My cross bars measure 3-1/2" wide and are oval. The side bars are round. Would 2 Thule 897XT Hullavators fit the 08 Xterra and allow 2 kayaks to fit on the roof?
ORS Crew answers - The two 897XT Hullavator lift assist kayak rack systems are a superb option. The only piece missing is the Thule 45058 Crossroad base rack system, which attaches to the 2008 Nissan XTerra side rails and provides the crossbars to attach the Hullavators to. The crossbars are also 58", the proper length for both Hullavators and carrying the two kayaks. Your 2008 Nissan XTerra factory crossbars are not long enough. The Hullavator will not mount to the factory crossbars either.
Ruthie asks - I have an '07 Toyota FJ Cruiser and am wondering if the 897XT Hullavater kayak rack system would work with my roof rack (from the Toyota factory... make for FJ).
ORS Crew answers - Unfortunately the Hullavator does not work on factory rack crossbars, including your 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. You will first need to mount either the Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack system or the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad roof rack system to the 07 Toyota FJ Cruiser side rails. The Hullavator will then attach to the Crossroad load bars. (Both the 450 CrossRoad and 450R Rapid Crossroad work exactly the same except the regular 450 Crossroad uses the classic square load bars and the 450R Rapid Crossroad uses the premium aerodynamic Rapid Aero load bars.
Courtney asks - We have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and we want to be able to use our 2 Thule Hullavators with the vehicle. Will this work? If so, what do we need for using the Hullavators on the '12 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
ORS Crew answers - Assuming you have the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the flush side rails (the two rails that run from front to back of the rooftop near the roof edges on the driver side and passenger side, and 'flush' meaning that they are flush against the rooftop instead of raised with space between the siderails and the rooftop). You simply need to install either the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system or the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system to the flush side rails. Both systems use the same Podium Fit Kit (select the 4019 Podium Fit Kit for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee) for attachment to the side rails. Both systems also include a Podium Foot Pack and pair of load bars. The only difference is the 460 Podium system uses the regular square Thule bars bars (select the 58" length) and the 460R Rapid Podium System uses the premium silent AeroBlade bars (select the ARB53 AeroBlade bars length). You'll be able to then attach your two Thule Hullavator kayak sets to either of these bar styles.
Product Videos
ORS Racks Direct Demonstration Video & Review featuring the Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack. Movie shows features including how the gas lift assist lowers loading height by more than 3' compared to traditional kayak carriers, drastically reducing the effort required to load a kayak to the vehicle's roof rack by 50%. Thule 897XT Hullavator mounts directly to all Thule Racks load bars (including square, elliptical Rapid Aero & Xsporter truck rack crossbars) and also Yakima Racks round crossbars. Includes all components for a complete kayak rack system with gas lift assist, padded support cradles, mounting hardware, pair of securing straps, and pair of ratcheting bow & stern tie down straps. The Hullavater kayak rack system will lock to base rack crossbars using a 2-pack of Thule locks (not included; sold separately).
|
Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Thule Hullavator Customer Install Pics
 | ||
| ||
| ||
Ford Escape Hybrid Roof Rack Kayak Rack System using Thule 450 CrossRoad & 897XT Hullavator | | |
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| BMW X3 Roof Rack for Kayak with Thule 450 CrossRoad System and Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Rack |
Accessories
| ||
All Thule Locks for Car Racks - Including Bike Ski Snowboard Kayak Canoe Locks etc. | | SteelCore Straps - 12' Steel Core Locking Straps for Roof Racks |
| ||
Lashlock Car Roof Rack Locking Systems - Looking for kayak locks, canoe locks or surfboard locks? - The Lash Lock is your answer | | Canoe-Kayak Lasso Security Cable System - Kayak Lock / Canoe Lock for Roof Racks |
| ||
Thule Boat Accessories for Kayak & Canoe Car Racks | | Malone Garage Wall-Mount Racks - 2011 Malone JDock Hybrid Kayak Hanger & Multi-Gear Storage Rack - MPG317 |
| ||
Wall Kayak Hangers - 2011 Riverside Kayak Hanger (also a sailboard, SUP, surfboard & ladder hanger) | | Thule Roof Rack Accessories - 2012 Thule 232 Step Up Wheel Step |
| ||
All Kayak Carts & Canoe Carts for Transporting Canoes & Kayaks to the Water | | Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
Thule Hullavator includes everything for a complete kayak rack attachment system with lift system, padded support, mounting hardware, boat straps, and ratcheting bow/stern tie downs all included.
Attaches to all of Thule Racks load bars (including square, oval Rapid Aero & Xsporter pickup truck rack) and Yakima Racks round base rack bars. The Thule 897XT Hullavator is not compatible with factory roof racks.
Can lock to the base rack load bars using a two pack of Thule locks (not included; see accessory add-ons above).
We recommend either the SteelCore lock straps, Kayak Lasso or the Lashlock kayak lock system (not included; see accessory add-ons above) to protect your boat from theft.
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Thule Racks automated fit guide to quickly order the correct Thule roof rack base system and/or kayak carrier if you don't currently have one installed:
