Thule Kayak Carrier: Hull-a-Port Pro

Spend more time out on the water with the Thule HullaPort rooftop kayak carrier. This high-performance, easy to use kayak rack features a wide mouth J-profile for simple loading and unloading. Thick all-weather pads provide maximum kayak protection while durable straps keep your kayak firmly secured while in transit. Each kayak roof rack comes with all load straps and is designed to fit all Thule rack systems and most factory racks. Confidently transport your favorite water sport gear with a kayak carrier from Thule.

The Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is a premium vertical-oriented carrier designed for easy installation, economic use of space, easy loading and unloading on any vehicle and a folding fuel efficient design. Featuring a folding J-profile, the 835PRO Hull-a-Port PRO provides for easy-to-access angled loading from the side of the vehicle, a maximum total of up to four kayaks per vehicle, depending on available space (additional 835PRO carriers sold separately) and a folding design that improves gas mileage by minimizing wind resistance Additional features include: 100 percent tool-free installation, rust-resistant coating and hardware and four touchpoints of adjustable padding.

The Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port PRO Rooftop Kayak Carrier is the right kayak carrying solution for paddlers whose concerns in a carrier are split between efficiency and ease of use. Designed around two folding J-profile Hull-a-Port carrier assemblies, each attached to a roof rack load bar and containing four adjustable touchpoints of padding, the Hull-a-Port PRO allows kayaks of all shapes and sizes to safely lean on their sides, with the cockpit facing out. This vertical stowage position is safe, aerodynamic and secure in transport and poses no danger of warping to boats when they are stowed correctly. Vertical stowage and transport also efficiently uses the precious space atop your roof rack, allowing for up to four Hull-a-Port PRO carriers to be used at once on certain vehicles, or leaving room for other roof rack accessories to share space with the 835PRO.

The Thule Hull-a-Port PRO Rooftop Kayak Carrier features completely tool-free installation. Its two J-profile cradles can be mounted quickly and securely using only a combination of bolts and mounting knobs on virtually any roof rack, including all Thule base racks, round cross bars and factory installed roof racks with cross bars. It also includes two straps to secure each end of kayaks to J-profile Hull-a-Port PRO assemblies and your roof rack, as well as bow and stern ¼-inch rope tiedowns with hooks, and ratcheting attachments to further secure mounted kayaks at the front and rear via your bumper, tow hook or trailer hitch by way of your kayak's grab handles.

The Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port PRO Rooftop Kayak Carrier provides a foldable design for increased overhead clearance and improved fuel economy. It can carry 1 kayak and requires 1 person to load and unload. The carrier is compatible with Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks.

J-style kayak carrier creates more room on the load bar PFD lever (pull, fold, done) for rapid folding and improved overhead clearance Accommodates kayaks up to 34 inches wide and 75 pounds J-profile for easy loading Quick on and off hardware Includes two ratcheting bow and stern tie downs and two straps with buckle protectors Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks

Do these come as a pair, or do I have to buy two of them for my 12 foot long kayak?
It comes as a pair. So one is all you would need for one kayak.

There is no mention or pictures of front and rear bumper straps. Are they included in the packaging? Are they even needed?
Yes, there are front and rear bumper cords with pulleys for tying to the front and rear bumpers. I don't use them for this purpose because I firmly strap our kayaks so that the straps are in front and behind the raised cockpit flanges. This keeps the kayaks from sliding back and forth in the mounts. I check the tightness periodically when taking rest stops during our travels. I've never found a need to use the tie down cords. I use them for other uses. We typically travel about 65 mph when the kayaks are mounted and we're towing the travel trailer. And we've been in some 50+ mph head winds that add to the 65 mph car speed forces with no issues.

Can you use these on thule aeroblades? Hi Ladii Rose, you are able to use the Hullaport Pro on Thule AeroBlade bars.

I also am debating on the 835pro vs the 883 it looks like the pro offers more padding or is the pocket where extra straps go?
I am not familiar with the 883. The 835pro has excellent padding and provides a place to tuck those pesky long ends of the tie down straps to be tucked in between the padding where they won't fly out and have the risk of loosening the secure tie down. We love them and the fold down option allows the car to be stored in the garage. (Plus it looks better).... We carry 2 Current Design 12 foot kayaks (plastic) without any issues. The weight and height of our vehicle requires both of us to load, but it's not a problem. Hope this helps.