Kayak stands

I have seen some clever use of PVC for kayak stands but I also know that PVC gets to be very brittle in a short period of time. I have used it for various projects where this was not a problem but wanted something more durable for working on kayaks. I found the Suspenz line of racks which are very comprehensive and well designed.

I bought a set of their 34" high (when open) large workstation stands (oddly named) for use with our two Revo 13 boats. Buying direct from the Suspenz (Atlanta, GA) using their online e-store I paid no sales tax and a only $9.95 in shipping. I expected it to take a week or more for them to arrive but I got them the second day after placing the order. Turns out that they also warehouse in Sacramento (and should be charging sales tax).

Their stands are not something I would recommend for carrying around in a small car where space is at a premium but they fit fine in the back of my truck's extended cab. They are definitely sturdy enough to support the boat with no worries.

I have a kayak rack I built in the backyard that is set in concrete and uses 4.x4 PT lumber for storing up to 3 boats, but for washing off the boats, or setting them up or rigging them the Suspenz workstation stands work very well. They hold the boat 34" off the ground which is enough to comfortably work on them an be able to access the hull if need be.

I looked at the type of stands that have 4 rods and stow more compactly but they seem a lot less sturdy and more likely to tip over. I decided it was not worth the risk with my boats.

Try a Harbor Freight stand. I have one of these for my Kilroy. It's cheap and it works great. I would recommend replacing the foam with the thicker pool noodles. It puts your yak right around chest level, makes it really easy to do any mods.

I don't like to buy things that are going to end up in the landfill in a year or two. The Harbor Freight ones are going to rust up and they won't support a kayak nearly as well as the Suspenz stands which have a broader base. Last thing I want is to go cheap and damage my kayaks.

I built a couple of these with 2x4. Fairly easy to make. I have zero trust in pvc due to bad experience.