Kayak storage

It has been awhile since I have been on the water, so my kayaks have been sitting on the rack I built in my garage. It was something my brother made out of a few pieces of wood.

It has a few issues however. First the kayaks sit on the edge of the 4x4's. I have tried foam, to distribute the weight, but it eventually compresses. Which has let to my kayaks getting dents in the side. Second moving it is a pain because there is no easy place to grab. Third we did not incorporate a place to put the paddles.

Here is the old stand.

I chose to make a smaller stronger rack out of steel.

The steel was all pre-cut or remnants.

4 5ft 1.5x1.5 square tubing
4 3ft 1.25x1.25 round tubing
3 1ft 1.5x1.5 round tubing
1 3ft 1x1 square tubing

My plan is to cut 1.25" circular holes through the 1.5x1.5 square tubing. I used a drill press, cutting oil, 1.25" hole saw, and a center drill.

I used the center drill to make my initial hole. Then went through the tubing from one side.

What that allows me to do is slide the round tubing through the square tubing, center, and weld.

Its creates a clean and strong connection.

The handle is one of the 1.5" round tubes connected to the 1" square tube. Since they are perpendicular it makes it easier to weld if the square tubing is notched with a 1.5" hole saw.

Here is what I have so far with most all the joints welded. Lots of measuring took place to make sure everything was aligned.

I still have to get and install wheels, weld on the paddle holder, design and implement a way to distribute the weight, and paint it.

Make sure you post a pic with it fully completed and dressed out. This looks sick. I would first have to practice my welding skills before attempting. So far my "Bird Shit" welds don't hold much for very long.

fyi: there's a thread on this already

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=21871.0

fyi: there's a thread on this already

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=21871.0

That's on how you store you kayaks. Not how you made your kayak storage. (hint as to why its in the Craftsmen's Corner) 

fyi: there's a thread on this already

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=21871.0

That's on how you store you kayaks. Not how you made your kayak storage. (hint as to why its in the Craftsmen's Corner) 

you are correct....how about this one?

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=35383.15

*not trying to be a smartass - just trying to consolidate related posts so it's easier for everyone to find (especially for the newbies)

So I got some more stuff today and was able to work on the kayak rack.

There are some casters, metal plates, bolts, 2 1.5"x1.5"x2.5' square tubing, and some fence clamps.

First thing I did was weld  the square tubing to the bottom of the rack. They are the legs for the casters.

Next I marked out where I need to drill holes for the casters on the metal plate.

To make it easier I taped them together before drilling. Then used a center drill to make the initial hole before cutting it to the final size.

Then its as simple as squaring them up on the legs, welding them into place and bolting the casters on.

I still have to paint it, figure out paddle storage, and distribute the weight of the kayaks more evenly.

Its still incomplete but at least the kayaks look good on it so far.

Nice work Ryan! 

May I suggest that you round the edges to the plates that your casters are anchored to.  If you're anything like me, and I hope you're not, you'll catch your ankle or shin on one of those sharp corners. 

Looks great Ryan! Good work!


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