How to Strap a Kayak onto a Thule J-Style Rack

Thule Hull-a-port J-style racks offer a secure way of transporting whitewater, recreational and touring kayaks. The J-style rack not only holds the kayak securely, but protects the hull from distortion, which can be a problem when strapping a kayak to the cross bars of a factory or aftermarket roof rack. By cradling the hull in place the J-style rack more evenly distributes the tension of the tie-down straps. Thule J-style racks also have cushions to protect the kayak from scratches.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak
  • Thule J-style rack mounted to your vehicle
  • 2 strap assembles with buckles
  • 2 lengths of 1/4-inch rope
  • 2 attachment straps with loops
  • 2 hooks
  • 2 ratchets with hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the top pad on the J-style rack so the centerline of the kayak will rest in the middle of the pad.

    • 2

      Feed the strap assembly through the top of the carrier above the top pad. Do this for both cradles.

    • 3

      Place the kayak on the rack with the cockpit facing out toward you and centered between the two rack cradles.

    • 4

      Bring the strap assemblies over the kayak and feed them through the bottom of the carrier or around the roof rack cross bar. This will depend on the model of J-style rack being used.

    • 5

      Push the buckle bumper out of the way and thread the end of the strap through the buckle, pulling tight. Pull the bumper back in place.

    • 6

      Tie one hook to the end of each length of rope.

    • 7

      Attach one hook to the bow and one to the stern. Use the attachment straps included with the rack if needed to prevent damaging your kayak.

    • 8

      Feed the free end of each rope up through the bottom of the rachets while rotating the spool in a clockwise direction until the rope comes out the top.

    • 9

      Attach the ratchet hooks to the bottom of the bumpers or to tow hooks and draw the ropes tight.