Kayak Rack Ideas

The feel of a paddle pulling through water and the lapping of waves against a hull epitomize kayaking. The exercise, scenery, and calming nature of kayaking are some of the many reasons that individuals begin the sport, whether professionally or recreationally. However, serious kayakers usually purchase their own, and must find a means of storing it both during the season and in the winter. There are a variety of options for kayak racks, each with their own pros and cons.

  1. Wood Rack

    • A wood rack is the most affordable means of supporting a kayak. Simple two-by-four boards can be hammered together to build a box-shaped frame, held off the floor by additional two-by-fours cut to the same height or larger four-by-fours for extra stability. Ensure that the wood is sanded where it meets the kayak to prevent any splinters or damages to the kayak when placing it on or taking it off of the rack. Simple saw horses can also be used, but are only practical as a short-term rack.

    Metal Rack

    • Metal racks should only be used under a cover or when storing a kayak indoors. Even if treated with a rust-proof paint, the continuous placing and removal of the kayak from the rack can chip the paint and allow moisture in, creating rust. Metal is the most expensive way to store a kayak, but it is the strongest. These cannot be created at home unless your own specialized tools, such as a welder. However, you can purchase them pre-made, but they are expensive -- on average between $100 and $200.

    Plastic Rack

    • A simple rack can be made from plastic piping, generally PVC. This is the lightest rack for storing a kayak, but it is also the weakest. It also allows for pool noodles to be placed over the arms of the rack, creating padding for the kayak. Be sure to sand the ends of the PVC piping to keep it from catching on things.

    Muti-Kayak Rack

    • While one kayak is standard for an individual, many families often have one for each person. When storing the kayaks, it is nonsensical to give each its own storage rack. Rather, a tiered storage rack is the solution to storing several kayaks in a limited space. This frame can be made from either wood or metal, or mixed with some plastic framing. A full plastic rack is not advisable due to the strain placed on it through holding up several kayaks.