Yakima HullRaiser Aero Kayak Rack Reviews
Yakima Racks has added factory rack compatibility to the 8004039 Yakima HullRaiser and given it a new name and model number - the 8004038 HullRaiser Aero. With the proliferation of factory racks showing up on all sorts on new model vehicles, even sedans, this was a necessary upgrade to keep pace with the competition (namely the Thule 835XT Hull-A-Port and the Thule 825 PortSide kayak racks). What we really like about the HullRiaser Aero is how easy it is to connect to factory rack crossbars. The clamping mechanism is not the Universal MightyMounts. However it is considerably easier to install than the MightyMounts adapters. This isn't all that surprising, given that the Universal MightyMounts are made to work with all kinds of Yakima gear carriers including ski, kayak and bike racks. But the clamps that come packaged with the Hullraiser Aero are engineered specifically for this kayak carrier so it's intuitively designed. The included instructions outline very well how to install as well. The instruction manual does an especially clear job of indicating when you need the longer bolts and when the short ones will work fine (all these bolts and hardware are included). And it also reminds you that the Yakima snap-around clamps are also included if you ever want to transfer the HullRaiser over to a Yakima base rack system with the round Yakima crossbars or to a Thule Racks roof rack with square bars. We tested on Nissan XTerra, Honda Element, Honda Ridgeline & Acura MDX roof rack crossbars. Attachment of kayak carrier was smooth each time. We should also add that Yakima Racks is now also throwing in a pair of bow & stern tie-down straps for added transport security.
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