Do It Yourself storage rack

vincent · Post by **vincent** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:08 pm

Wanted a storage rack to hold 2 kayaks plus paddles..but didn't want it to be on the wall. I wanted a free standing unit..but I don't know how to weld..that would have been easy right...my family cringes when I brake out the saws and hammers..I not the best carpenter in the world..Had a basic design in mind..56" tall...by 48" wide...by 33" footprint. Cut the 2x4 and picked up 4 ladder racks from Lowes...the are in the shape of a C and you have to saw off the smallest end and place the plastic caps back on the pipe...place the bottom rack flush with the feet of the rack..this will help to brace the rack..I still need to make it a little more stable and add casters to the bottom..but all in all 5 2x4s and 4 ladder racks..totals cost around 37.00

MarkT · Post by **MarkT** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:09 pm

Nice rack!

Bos · Post by **Bos** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:11 pm

That ought to work, looks good. Are you going to put some casters on it? Someone posted a pic last year of a PCV rack. Didn't look bad either.
Bos

BJ · Post by BJ » Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:11 pm

I slapped this together with PVC...I added the boards to the bottom with the idea if adding casters as well but haven't gotten around to it.

The nice thing about the bottom level is that I just put one end close to the opening and push it in...it slides in so smoothly...

Looks like yours takes up less space but I don't even bother trying to get a car in the garage,

Fla-Fish · Post by **Fla-Fish** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:49 pm

vincent put some cross braces in. 1x2" screw one on the inside and one on the outside. Like a big X on the back side. Will make it a lot more solid.

Xibalba · Post by **Xibalba** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:00 pm

I thouhgt that it is better to hang the kayak, either in a "sling" or suspended via 2 pulley system.
Flip

vincent · Post by **vincent** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 7:30 am

Flip..you are correct however you definitely want it on it's side rather than a 4 point lift system. I slapped that together last nite in about 1hr..Modifications that I still need to do are...Add 2" nylon straps..Add the straps from the point of the hooks back to the rack..and then from side to side in an X shape. Once this is in place the kayak won't actually rest on the J bars..but rather in the sling made by the straps. And I'm gonna add padding to the bars and cross bars where needed ( I don't want to add much more weight to the upper section..Im not getting much side to side wobble) and caster feet on the bottom..and a paddle rack...I might lower the upper rack tonite as well...I did add stud braces to the sides when putting it together.

Duncan · Post by **Duncan** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:57 pm

nice job ,try a diagonal brace on the back would make it alot stronger been kickin the idea around for awhile now I,m inspired

DelSol · Post by **DelSol** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:48 pm

THANK YOU VINCENT. I built mine today and it looks and works awesome!

Post by **Tombo** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:52 pm

Delsol25, congrats on a simple and efficient storage system.

WATER HOG · Post by **WATER HOG** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 3:42 pm

cool rack, easy to use . here is mine kind of a pain in the butt ,I need the floor space ,so up it goes !

vincent · Post by **vincent** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:11 pm

DelSol..awesome..was kinda easy huh...add coasters to the feet..they helped alot.

Assault the Salt · Post by **Assault the Salt** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:23 pm

I have the pulley system rigged up, just wondering how to attatch it to the yak, w/straps that go around the yak? What about warping in the summer ect....

WATER HOG · Post by **WATER HOG** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:30 pm

they don't spend much time up there in the summer , there in the water with me in one , It is really pretty cool in my workshop lots of air movement .

FISHMAN · Post by **FISHMAN** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:41 pm

Here are my Shevels.

SanAn.Fish · Post by **SanAn.Fish** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:52 pm

WOW, all I can say is I am inspired.

BUT - MY QUESTION IS, IN GENERAL IT IS OK TO STORE THE YAK ON IT'S SIDE LIKE THAT, OF COURSE WITH THE MAIN SUPPORT TOWARDS THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE YAK? I KNOW ALL MFG'S SAY THIS AND THAT, BUT IF I BUILD ONE OF THESE WILL MY YAK BE OK YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT FOR A FEW YEARS?

FISHMAN · Post by **FISHMAN** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 6:04 pm

Yes! they should be ok. Their are four kayaks on my the wall and two on the floor.

SanAn.Fish · Post by **SanAn.Fish** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 6:34 pm

Good, thanks FISHMAN.

VINCENT: Find you a local welder, think of a name for that puppy, apply for a patent (you can say patent pending -or don't and just start selling them here), offer 2,3 and 4 rack models and sell that puppy. If you could figure out an efficient build model for around $100, I am you first customer!!!!

For those who actually live on the coast, do stainless at a little more in price. If ya can make it "ship-able", ya never know those Florida boys might like to buy a few....hahahaha.

How about square steel with holes so you can adjust the racks (pre-fabbed - you get two with the kit, and can buy two more at $10/each) OH - caster too, extra $25.

The Vincent Space Saving WaterCraft Rack
The V-Rack
The TKF-V 1000

Hold on, I just started my adult beverage enjoyment for this Friday evening...I'll think of some good names.

vincent · Post by **vincent** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:04 pm

Wait a minute Fishman..did your lure selection grow..seems like you hid all the good stuff when I came to visit last week.. :shock:

Smart move..

FISHMAN · Post by **FISHMAN** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:35 pm

No! I just didn't let you stay in their long enough. :lol:

Baystalker · Post by **Baystalker** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:57 pm

Made mine today thanks for the idea came out great used what I had left over that I saved from other projects.

redloon · Post by **redloon** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:31 pm

I picked up all of my rack materials today. I will build it Sunday. The brackets are called '2 in one' shelf hangars by Crawford. Lowe's part #154695. They cost $4.97 at the Kingwood Lowe's. I am using treated lumber since mine will be outside. I also am using deck screws for assembly, in case I ever need to tear it down. Even with the added cost of treated lumber, my total cost wil be under $45.00. Thanks for the idea Vincent! Redloon.

bluebull · Post by **bluebull** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:38 pm

Nice work. They all look good...

vincent · Post by **vincent** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 7:46 am

great work...since mine's on coasters...I put 2 big L shaped hooks on the back to hold the paddles...and placed various other cup hooks on the back for paddle leash..hang the seats..and bow lines and waders so they can dry out.

fledermaus98 · Post by **fledermaus98** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 8:45 am

Does anyone have a good idea for hanging storage? I need the floor space. I have a WS Tarpon 140.

Thanks!

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