How to Make a Kayak Hanger

A kayak can be difficult to store as it can take up a lot of space in your garage. Storing the kayak on its hull places unwanted stress on the underside leading to deformation or warping, thereby affecting the performance of the craft in subsequent years. The preferred method for kayak storage is to place the boat on an angle with a supportive structure behind the craft to absorb some of the weight and provide stability. Ease of access is important to the paddler who uses the kayak often and then tucks it securely away after a day on the water. A homemade wall mount system is an easily installed solution.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 heavy duty arm hangers
  • Steel screws, #12, 3 inch
  • Stud finder (optional)
  • Measuring tape
  • Electric drill
  • Hand or laser level
  • 2 bungee cords
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the location of the wall studs in your garage. If your garage walls are plastered or paneled, use a stud finder to determine the placement of your arm hangers. Mark stud locations with a pencil.

    • 2

      Measure the overall length of your kayak. Place pencil marks on the wall where the bow and stern of the kayak will be once the boat is hung.

    • 3

      Measure the location of the cockpit(s) in relation to the bow and stern. In a single passenger kayak, your arm hangers will be placed on the wall so that the single cockpit is supported by two hangers. In a double kayak, one hanger will be centrally placed to support each of the two cockpit holes.

    • 4

      Line up your first arm hanger on the wall so it will be screwed into the wall stud at a convenient height for you to lift the kayak on and off. Mark the screw locations with a pencil.

    • 5

      Drill pilot holes at the marked locations using a bit smaller than the diameter of the #12 screws. This will prevent splitting of the stud.

    • 6

      Screw the first arm hanger onto the wall.

    • 7

      Line up the second arm hanger using your level and marked stud locations. Install as in Steps 4,5 and 6.

    • 8

      Hang one hook of your bungee cords on each your wall hangers so that the other hook hangs down against the wall.

    • 9

      Hang your kayak cockpit side in on the arm hooks. Wrap the bungee cords around the kayak and attach the hooks on the opposite end to the arm hanger inside the kayak. This system will provide secure attachment and easy release for your kayak when it is needed.