Thule 895 DockGrip Kayak and SUP Carrier, Fits All Hull Shapes, 85 lb Capacity Review (2026)

Who this carrier is for

The DockGrip is aimed at kayak and SUP owners who already have roof crossbars, whether factory, aero, square or round, and want a sturdier way to carry a heavier hull than foam blocks allow. Because it uses four pivoting saddles rather than a fixed cradle, it works across sea kayaks, recreational boats, fishing kayaks loaded with gear and stand up paddleboards up to 36 inches wide, all on the same hardware. It is not the right pick for someone who needs a complete roof rack system from scratch, since crossbars are not included, and it is more carrier than a light touring kayak really needs, where a simpler foam block setup would save money.

Capacity, materials and mounting hardware

Thule rates the DockGrip to carry up to 85 pounds, enough for a heavier fishing kayak loaded with a seat, electronics and gear, and the saddles are built from UV resistant, glass reinforced nylon paired with stainless steel hardware so they hold up to years of sun and road exposure. Flexible rubber pads on each saddle cushion the hull and grip it in place once the tie downs are tightened. Mounting uses Thule's FlipFit brackets with integrated hand knobs alongside T-track hardware, which together fit round, square, aero and elliptical bars along with most factory crossbars, so it is not locked to Thule branded bars alone.

Setup and everyday loading

Each saddle has an angle setting lever so the pair can be tilted to cradle the actual curve of your hull rather than forcing a flat foam block against a rounded surface, which is where the extra weight capacity and stability over basic blocks comes from. In the box are two load straps with padded buckles for the main hold down, plus two ratcheting bow and stern tie downs to lock the kayak against the front and rear bumpers so it cannot shift under braking or crosswind. Loading is a two person job for anything near the weight limit, and the saddles need an occasional check that the angle levers have not loosened after repeated loading and unloading.

How it compares with other kayak carriers

Thule's own DockGlide saddle is the closest sibling, sharing the same padded saddle concept but rated to only 75 pounds and built for hulls up to the same 36 inch width, so the DockGrip is the better choice specifically because it carries more weight. Against a J style folding carrier like the IKURAM, the DockGrip costs more but spreads the load across flexible pivoting pads instead of a rigid J cradle, which matters more for a heavy fishing kayak than a light recreational boat. Basic foam block kits are the cheapest route for a single light kayak, but they do not match the DockGrip's capacity or the security of dedicated bow and stern tie downs.

Verdict and who should look elsewhere

Choose the DockGrip if you already have roof crossbars and are carrying a heavier fishing kayak, a loaded touring kayak or a SUP board and want padded, hull hugging support backed by a stated 85 pound rating. It is not the right purchase if you do not yet own crossbars, since those are a separate cost on top of this carrier, and it is more than a light recreational kayak needs when a basic foam block kit would do the job for less. Shoppers who specifically want a slightly cheaper Thule saddle for a lighter boat should look at the DockGlide instead.

Frequently asked questions