Customer Reviews

Thule 883 Glide & Set Rooftop Kayak Carrier

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was not sure which type of rooftop carrier to purchase to transport my new kayak. I was expecially concerned because I am 5'4" and have to lift a kayak to the top of a RAV4. The carrier was easy to install on my factory installed mount and my boat slides on and off with ease. (I do carry a small step stool to make it easier to tie-down the boat.) This product comes with quick draw bow and stern tie downs so you do not need to order a separate set unless you want to have a spare. (note: In putting together the rack - the directions indicated using the longest set of screws/bolts - but the shorter ones were much better for my vehicle.) This was a great purchase for me - easy to install and easy to use.

I have tried Blocks, Yakima Racks and now the Thule. Firstly, I love that Thule has a complete package, so that I don't have to figure out which items to mix and match. Secondly, this makes it possible to load a kayak alone with very little effort. I did buy the Thule Mat to help slide the kayak on the roof of my van.

Please keep in mind, as the name implies that this is a KAYAK ROOF RACK, not for bikes, Canoes, or surf boards. So ONLY FOR KAYAKS. This is for the common everyday variety Hard shell plastic Kayaks. Anything else will not work. If you have a Wooden Sea Kayak, this is not for you in my opinion. I don't think the saddle material was designed for it. Wood has a different coefficient of Friction as Plastic.

But for us people with the garden variety, everyday plastic Kayaks like Hobie, Cobra, Pelican or Ocean, this is perfect.

Pros:
1. Installation - Piece of cake to install. I have factory rook racks, and you just need to put it on top and tighten the knobs. That is it. There are 2 sets of bolts, a long one and a short one. Make sure you use the right length to fit your rack. Instructions are clear and well written and illustrated.

2. Design - Unlike the other load assist systems from Thule or Yakima, these have no moving parts that can break or scratch your kayak. The Hydro Glide in the rear is so smooth that it will not damage your kayak. The front Saddles can be adjusted to fit your kayaks hull so it is a snug fit every time.

3. Quality - Very well made, and does look very good.

Cons:
1. Straps - The Straps work and look nice but I prefer Ratcheting straps. Personal preference.

This is a great product. I have 2 17 foot kayaks. One is narrower than the other, these adjust to the size of each one.
Easy to instal on the base rack. If you are using a bunch of different thule racks, one might want to have a separate set for just kayaks. I have mine set in place and I can get the entire rack off the car with the bars and the crossroad towers without having to reajust the settings of the kayak rack. I can put the rack and the boats on the car and have them tied down in 10 minutes.

I've used this rack for a year, and some long distance hauling. I like the quality, and ease of use so much I bought another. It takes a little time to put on my minivan, but the kayak stays put. The ratcheting ropes fore and aft, are a great feature. Would I buy again: Yes, I just did!

The product worked as expected and I think it is be best way to transport a kayak on a van.

Jack

I no longer have to heft my 14' kayak onto the roof rack of my Expedition. Now I simply slide it into the cradle. This is a terrific racking system that is well worth the cost.

I have been using the Thule Glide and Set all summer on my 2009 Toyota Sienna Van to carry my 13 foot Necky Kayak. This is a great product. It does what it advertises and seems solidly built -- and fits my Toyota factory rails perfectly. Setting it up the first time took ~60 - 90 minutes of playing around. If I use all of the straps (provided) it takes 30 minutes to fully load the kayak and go. If I skip the front and back safety straps for very short slow speed trips it takes ~ 20 minutes.

I put the kayak up on the roof without any assistance -- and adjusting its position is very easy. Once up on the roof the front "set" section really holds the kayak in place (when combined with the ratchet cables provided). I do use a Thule mat on the back of the van in order to protect the paint while putting it on and taking it off.

I bought this rack for my father who had the same rack stolen off his car. He loved the rack. My only suggestion would be to replace the nuts you are able to tighten and loosen by hand and replace them with nuts that will require a wrench. This will hopefully deter thieves from walking off with your rack. Other than that I know my dad was very satisfied with it.

For what this Thule product is I feel it is a little expensive but we needed a carrier so purchased this one-once you get the hang of tying the boat onto the carrier it is easy but took us a while to figure it out as the directions were NOT VERY CLEAR-but it does the job and have used it on road trips lasting over 3 hours each way.

I bought this item because of the adjustability, I figured being able to change the angle to fit my boat exactly would be a good thing. In theory, sure, but unfortunately Thule decided to make the important parts out of cheap crummy plastic.

I paddle a lot - generally at least a few times a week, and transport my 23lb carbon fiber canoe hull (basically the same shape as a racing kayak). Maybe this item would be acceptable to the weekend warrior who only uses it a few times a year, but then why bother with saddles at all? It wasn't long before I was driving down the road and suddenly my boat started wobbling all over the place. I pulled over to discover that the rack arms had flattened. Fortunately I had some duct tape and extra straps with me so I was able to make it home without losing my boat. I took it apart to see what the problem was and found cheap, soft, PLASTIC teeth that had been stripped (coulda seen that coming, what the heck was Thule THINKING???).

Do not - I repeat DO NOT use these racks. I was very lucky my $3000 canoe wasn't damaged. I purchased these racks to protect my canoe, but they'll do just the opposite. I'm going to stick with padded flat racks from now on.