Transporting kayaks on your car can be a hassle, but products like the Thule Hullavator and Hullavator Pro make it much easier. These vertical kayak carriers securely hold one or two kayaks on your roof rack for easy loading and unloading.
But how do you decide which Thule kayak carrier is the right choice for your needs? We break down the key differences and similarities to help you choose.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hullavator | Hullavator Pro |
| Kayaks Carried | 1 | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 75 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Maximum Hull Width | 30 inches | 36 inches |
| Loading Arms | Pull-pin release | Push-button release |
| Compatible Bars | Round, square, factory racks | Adds aerodynamic bars |
| Price | $399 | $549 |
Overview Of The Thule Hullavator And Hullavator Pro
The Thule Hullavator and Hullavator Pro are very similar vertical-loading kayak carriers. Both feature:
- Padded uprights to protect your kayak
- Adjustable padding to fit different hull shapes
- Arms that slide out to load the kayak and rotate down flat for driving
- Straps to securely fasten the kayak once loaded
- T-tracks for custom positioning of the uprights
The Hullavator Pro builds on the original Hullavator design by adding:
- The ability to carry two kayaks stacked vertically
- Wider 60″ uprights to better fit wider kayaks
- New locking system on the arms for added security
So in short, the Hullavator Pro allows you to carry two kayaks instead of one, and accommodates wider hulls. But there are other subtle differences as well.
Kayak Weight Capacity
The Hullavator has a 75 lb kayak weight capacity, while the Pro has a higher 120 lb capacity. This added capacity allows the Pro to safely transport heavier tandem kayaks.
Hull Compatibility
Thanks to its wider 60″ uprights, the Hullavator Pro can accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide. The standard Hullavator maxes out at 30″ wide kayaks.
So if you have a very wide sit-on-top fishing kayak, for example, the Pro is likely your best option.
Ease Of Loading/Unloading
Loading and unloading a kayak onto a roof rack can be difficult, especially for shorter individuals. This is where vertical carriers like the Hullavator shine since you don’t have to lift the kayak over your head.
Both models feature slide-out loading arms to easily load your kayak. The Hullavator uses a simpler pull-pin release system while the Pro has a new push-button release for added security when transporting two kayaks.
Once you’ve loaded your kayak, four adjustable rubber pads hug the hull tightly when you rotate the arms down. This keeps the kayak safely secured during transport.
Unloading is just as easy – simply lift up the arms, slide out the pads, and remove your kayak.
Vehicle Fit
The standard Hullavator mounts to round, square, and most factory roof racks. The Hullavator Pro fits these racks as well, but also accommodates newer aerodynamic Thule WingBar and Thule AeroBlade crossbars.
So if you have a vehicle with flush-mounted side rails instead of crossbars, the Pro may be necessary to work with your roof rack system.
Price
As you’d expect, the dual-kayak carrying Hullavator Pro costs more than the standard single-kayak model.
The Hullavator retails for around $399 while the Hullavator Pro has an MSRP of $549. So carrying two kayaks comes at a $150 premium.
Carrying A Second Kayak
The biggest difference between the two carriers is the Hullavator Pro’s ability to transport two kayaks.
The Pro comes with an additional pair of adjustable pads to load a second kayak above the first. This allows you to carry two kayaks on your roof using just one carrier.
Bear in mind that the kayaks should be similarly sized and shaped. Transporting a sit-inside and sit-on-top kayak together, for example, won’t work well since they have very different hull shapes.
Also note that adding a second kayak well above your vehicle’s roofline can impact ground clearance and handling. Always double check your crossbar weight limits and drive cautiously.
Safety And Security
Both carriers hold your kayak securely in place with four padded uprights and adjustable rubber straps. This protects your kayak from damage and prevents it from sliding around during transport.
The Hullavator Pro adds an extra locking mechanism on the loading arms. This helps deter theft of your kayaks when parked, though it adds a slight inconvenience when loading and unloading.
Ease Of Installation
These vertical carriers take a little more time to install than basic J-cradle kayak racks. But they still mount to your roof rack system in a straightforward way.
The T-tracks on the carriers let you position the padded uprights to match the width of your kayak’s hull. Adjust them wider to fit wider kayaks on the Pro.
Installation takes about 15-20 minutes once you have the crossbar spacing set. The included instructions provide all the details you need.
You don’t need any special tools – just the provided Allen key to tighten everything securely.
Also Read: Differences Between iRocker And BOTE Paddle Boards.
Usage With Other Roof Accessories
The Hullavator and Hullavator Pro carry one or two kayaks respectively while leaving the rest of your roof rack free.
This allows you to use other carriers like bike racks, cargo boxes, and ski attachments for maximum versatility. Just position the kayak carrier towards the front or rear of your vehicle.
Bear in mind that adding lots of gear on your roof increases wind resistance. Be sure to comply with your roof rack’s weight limits when stacking on multiple accessories.
Appearance
Both carriers feature a black powder coated finish that matches most roof rack designs and color schemes. The padded uprights and gray end caps add nice accents.
Since the Hullavator only holds one kayak, it has a lower profile on your roof. The Hullavator Pro sits taller and wider when loaded with two boats.
So if you’re concerned about aesthetics, the lower profile Hullavator may look sleeker on certain vehicles. But functionally, the Pro works very well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can install two Thule Hullavators on your roof rack to carry two individual kayaks. This is a great option if you have two very wide kayaks that don’t fit well stacked on the Hullavator Pro. Just position them side by side with adequate spacing in between.
The standard Thule Hullavator has a 75 lb weight capacity, while the Hullavator Pro can handle up to 120 lbs.
It is possible to install two Hullavators on a roof rack to carry two kayaks side-by-side. Just ensure your roof rack’s weight limits can handle the load, and watch for potential clearance issues.
The Hullavator Pro has 60″ width uprights, allowing it to accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide. The standard Hullavator maxes out at 30″ wide kayaks.
Also watch the video!
Our Recommendation
For most people transporting one kayak, we recommend the simpler, more affordable Thule Hullavator. It securely holds kayaks up to 30″ wide and 75 lbs for effortless loading.
But if you need to carry two kayaks or have an extremely wide hull over 30″, invest in the Hullavator Pro. The dual loading functionality and wider pads make it very versatile.
You really can’t go wrong with either Thule carrier. Just make sure to measure your hull width and account for your vehicle’s roof load capacity before deciding. And be sure to strap down the bow and stern once loaded for optimal security.