Thule 895 DockGrip Kayak Carrier ($350*)
*Freight $10
The Thule 985 DockGrip is Thule's latest general use watercraft carrier. Suitable for firmly holding either a kayak hull or an SUP. With a T-bolt attachment the carriers slide into the top channel found in many crossbars currently available.
Four self adjusting rubber support pads keep the kayak stable and support the hull during transport.
The cradles have an off-centre pivot so they can be set up for carrying either a deep-v or flat bottom hull profile.
The DockGrip can also be used for the secure carrying of an stand-up paddle board.
The kit is supplied with a pair of 4 metre tie down straps with rubber covers for the buckles to protect the kayak or car roof from any chance of dings.
Thule DockGrip features
- Carries one kayak up to 40kg
- 4 meter tie down straps with buckle cover
- Quick and easy to fit to the roof racks
Compatible with these roof racks:
- Thule Aero and WingBar
- Rhino Aero and Vortex
- Whispbar
- Rola Sports (2005 on)
- Thule/Rhino/Prorack Euro-square bar +FK898 square bar adapter ($52)
What you get
- 2 pairs of cradles
- 2 tie downs
- attachment kits for the above roof racks with T-channel
Fitting instructions
What Steve thinks......
The Thule DockGrip is of a typical high quality that you would expect from Thule. The off centre pivot give the cradles a versatile shape which confirm well to a variety of hull shapes as well as making the cradles suitable for SUPs. The cradles are quick to fit and do the job well.
One of my criticisms of previous Thule kayak cradles was they did not include front and rear tie down straps although making their use mandatory in the instructions. The new DockGrip does include front and rear ties. Unfortunately they are really just a length of cord and a metal hook requiring the user to tie a secure knot under tension. This is a solution but is a bit disappointing for a premium product.
