[Kelly Robertson]

Hi Sue, I have had a hullavator for a few years and love it.  I mostly leave them on throughout the paddling season.  I do need to avoid underground parking as my car is often over height, depending on the garage.  I am able to install and uninstall the  hullavators by myself, but it is definitely awkward and much easier with two people.  If you purchase from Rack Stop in N Van, they will install or remove your racks seasonally as needed for no charge.  I’ve had really good service from them.  I can meet up with you if you want a demo to see if it works for you.

[Kylie Williams]

Hi Sue. I bought a hullavator recently from Rack Attack and it’s great. I can load and unload solo on a large SUV. Like Caity, my kayak isn’t super-light and I often kayak solo, so it makes a big difference. Also, the Rack Attack person who installed it gave me a tutorial on taking the hinged portion on and off – the pin problem mentioned above – and it’s tricky but doable. I recommend.

[Clark Perry-Bater]

Hi Sue,

My partner has a Hullavator on her car (a large SUV). She leaves the bars for the rack on the car year-round, but removes the hinged portion (that actually holds the kayak) when not carrying her kayak. We find it cumbersome/awkward to line up the holes in the rack and insert the pin that holds it all together before loading a boat. It’s almost a 2-person operation, although I’ve done it by myself once. I guess it depends on the height of the roof. A lower roof would make it easier.

Once the rack is all set up, it’s a piece of cake to lift the boat up onto the rack (you have to manoeuvre both front and back lifters together).

Hope that helps.

Clark

[Caity Milton]

Hi Sue, I bought the Thule Hullavator about 3 years ago and it was the best purchase ever! I’m short (5ft), single (which means a lot of solo paddling), and my kayak is heavy (55 lbs/25kg). It has allowed me to get out on the water more often while keeping me and my car safer from wonky fixed cradle manuvering 🙂 Cheers!

[Sue Johnson]

I am considering buying a hullavator.  Does anyone have experience or comments that you could pass on?  Thanks!

Sue J

[Cynthia Materi]

Jordan

John is trying it on tonight. I will let you know.
Cynthia

[Jordan Rosenfeld]

Hi Cynthia!  I’ll buy it if John doesn’t want it.  It’s easy to replace gaskets.

JORDAN 🙂

[Ken Bigelow]

Yes, Sunday the 12th

Just a day trip with rain, fire, and questionable life choices.

I’ve got a spare drysuit if that’s the blocker.

[Quirine Schuyff]

Do you mean Sunday the 12th? Just a day trip correct?

Maybe….Just need to figure out something first. My drysuit is in for repair….

 

[Philip Kubik]

Sadly, club member Rhys Scott died on March 20. Although Rhys and his wife Sara only started kayaking a few years ago, they were active SKABC members until Rhys was stricken by cancer two years ago.

A celebration of life will be held for Rhys at 2:30 PM on Sunday, April 12 at First Baptist Church, 969 Burrard St., Vancouver. In keeping with Rhys’s attitude to life, the dress code is “joyful colours”. SKABC members are invited to attend.

[John McIntyre]

I found it on Craigslist.  I would need to try it on for fit.   My phone number is 604.561.5431.  John

 

[Ken Bigelow]

Not for everyone, but perfect for the right ones.

Heading out for a 10–15 NM paddle into Howe Sound this Sunday.

There may be rain, There will be a fire. There will be hot food.

The rest we’ll figure out on the water.

Launch: Porteau Cove Boat Launch

Time: 8:00 AM

If that sounds like a good way to spend the day, you’re welcome to join.

As always, you are responsible for your own safety, gear, and decision making.

[Cynthia Materi]

A person 5’8” used it but there was more room. If you look at the Kokatat website for their large blue suits you should be able to get the measurements. Not sure how to send a photo.   It is also up on Craigslist under boat parts with a photo.

[John McIntyre]

Do you have a photo?  How tall was the person it was made for?  – John

[Cynthia Materi]

Men’s Large. Good condition but needs new gaskets and booties.

[Author]

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