Unique shape fits all types of kayaks-sea or whitewater. Padded to gently cradle your boat. Angled design allows more room for other boats or other carriers.
Submitted by
Roger Pihlaja
a
from Sanford, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
Side mount design permits 3 kayaks or 2 kayaks & 2 mountain bikes to be carried on a Chevy Astro minivan. Side mount also minimizes amount of rainwater (i.e. extra weight!) that can collect inside kayak hulls. Mounts easily to vehicle, cradles kayak hull very well without causing distortion, kayaks are held very securely going down the road, even at expressway speeds. Very adaptable to different kayak sizes & hull lengths.
Weaknesses:
Supplied straps require a bit of fiddling around. Wish it used a winch strap system, but you get used to the supplied straps. Wish the product had provision for locking the kayak to the vehicle. Either the user must be strong enough to set the kayak into the rack by themself or loading/unloading really works better with 2 people. This is particularly true on a tall vehicle like a Chevy Astro.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Not Applicable
Bottom Line:
It gets the job done. I already had a large investment in other Thule roof rack components. Therefore, I didn't seriously look at other products.
I thought the product was a little expensive considering what you get for the money.
Really wish there was some provision for locking the kayak to the vehicle - makes me nervous to leave the kayaks on the vehicles when we stop to go into a restaurant or at a motel for the night.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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