Thoughts on this kayak storage method?

Hey guys,

I'm curious whether you think this would be a safe way to store a Hobie Outback without damaging/distorting the hull. I know upside down is best, but I'm looking for a method that will take up less space in a narrow 1 car garage with a relatively low ceiling.

Any other ideas for storing two yaks in a 1 car garage without taking up too much space?

Thanks!

~Alex

I was thinking two small block and tackle attached to rafters, against the least used walls and mooring cleats in front and behind. You could put two appropriate lengths of pvc below each pulley in the ropes below and tie off above it to form a triangle shape.

If you got really fancy with it you could glue in risers on the pvc to fit into your scuppers.

You'd be able to turn your boat upside down and put the pvc in place. The ropes would tighten against the sides and you should be able to easily hoist it up to the rafters. If you put the cleats up high enough you wouldn't run into them when walking around in your garage.

Letting it down by yourself would be easy enough by yourself by holding both ropes and easing it down. Getting it up by yourself might be a bit tricky. You might have to raise one side, tie off, raise the other side, tie off, go back and raise the other side, etc. Until it's flush with your rafters.

Two boats = two sets of block and tackle and 4 cleats.

Great question  Alex, I'm curious too....need to figure out how best to store my 4.7 ultra (16ft)... When I bought mine...I was told to only store them upside-down or right side up....not on its side.... not really sure....glad you brought this up.....

I've bought "Malone J-Dock Hybrid Kayak and Gear Garage Storage Racks" - similar approach, but look a bit easier to load/unload. Still to be installed.

should be safe enough. I used to store a Hobie Revo on its side any my adventure island is currently sitting on its side.

I store my Revo16 sideways against the garage wall on some ladder rack/brackets I wrapped with foam pipe insulation. Lag bolted to 2x4 studs. Been doing this for years with all my Hobies.

The method you have pictured will be fine.

I suspect it depends on temperature. If it is stored in a very hot location, then hanging sideways might be more of an issue. The manufacturer probably just considers the worst case scenario, like being stored in a closed garage in Death Valley in the summer...

I have stored my revo and adventure like this for years, no problem.  Home Depot has 10' long load (like MC) straps, and eye bolts.  Easy to make your own.

I have three yaks (two hobies) stored on their sides. Done it for years you will be fine

I have been using the Suspendz wall mount rack and have been happy with it for my revo 13. I got confirmation from hobie it is an acceptable storage method. Once the rack is mounted and adjusted you can cutoff the remaining lower bar so it doesn't stick out as far. They have a lot of options and good customer service.
http://www.suspenzkayakstorage.com/marine_grade_wall_mounted_rack

Those Suspenz racks look pretty sweet, but they sure ain't cheap.

Anyone out there tried this DIY wood rack? Looks like a clean and simple design, but not sure how it would handle a couple heavy sit on top yaks?

http://www.atterberry.net/funstuff/homemade-kayak-storage-rack/

Those Suspenz racks look pretty sweet, but they sure ain't cheap.

Anyone out there tried this DIY wood rack? Looks like a clean and simple design, but not sure how it would handle a couple heavy sit on top yaks?

http://www.atterberry.net/funstuff/homemade-kayak-storage-rack/

I think it would work, but not sure how that will help you in a 1 car garage - how tight is this garage and what type of car you storing in it?  Or would you do it in the backyard/side yard?

Btw, I've used the hanging wall straps before.  They worked fine but it was a pain loading the yaks onto the wall solo.  Also, the plastic clips on mine broke once and my kayak came crashing down. I stopped using those and use the malone J mounts for the wall now, with everything else stored on my trailer.  Not sure if an outback would fit the malone wall mounts though.

Those Suspenz racks look pretty sweet, but they sure ain't cheap.

Anyone out there tried this DIY wood rack? Looks like a clean and simple design, but not sure how it would handle a couple heavy sit on top yaks?

http://www.atterberry.net/funstuff/homemade-kayak-storage-rack/

I think it would work, but not sure how that will help you in a 1 car garage - how tight is this garage and what type of car you storing in it?  Or would you do it in the backyard/side yard?

Btw, I've used the hanging wall straps before.  They worked fine but it was a pain loading the yaks onto the wall solo.  Also, the plastic clips on mine broke once and my kayak came crashing down. I stopped using those and use the malone J mounts for the wall now, with everything else stored on my trailer.  Not sure if an outback would fit the malone wall mounts though.

I have the same setup & the plastic clips broke on me too, but I'm still doing the same thing because I have no choice.  We only have a one car garage w/ no side/back yard, and we have to park a car & 5 kayaks...
The straps don't fit Ash's predator so it's standing on its side on the floor against the wall.

Instead of using expensive $70 Malone J-Dock Hybrid Gear Storage



Or $120 Suspenz MG Deluxe Rack



I use $6 ladder hooks from Home Depot. Inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to install.



http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Heavy-Duty-Padded-Arm-Hanger-18042/202305548

I used longer 3" screws for installation just for peace of mind. I wanted extra cushion for my kayak, so I replaced the thin foam padding with sections of pool noodle, which slips right on. The ladder hooks are long enough that the kayaks actually rest on the pool noodles, and lean back against the wall. So there is no need to strap them down. Stored on their side, there is no hull warping even after a few seasons.

I use $6 ladder hooks from Home Depot. Inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to install.



http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Heavy-Duty-Padded-Arm-Hanger-18042/202305548

I used longer 3" screws for installation just for peace of mind. I wanted extra cushion for my kayak, so I replaced the thin foam padding with sections of pool noodle, which slips right on. The ladder hooks are long enough that the kayaks actually rest on the pool noodles, and lean back against the wall. So there is no need to strap them down. Stored on their side, there is no hull warping even after a few seasons.

That looks like a great idea, Tim!!!
Like Ben said, it's a real pain to clip the straps by myself...