How to Make Hanging Kayak Storage

Whether you prefer a sit on top (SOT), traditional cockpit or one of each, kayaking is a fun sport suitable for a wide age range of paddlers. As kayaks can range in cost from $300 to well more than $1,000, it is necessary to properly care for and store your boat when it is not in the water. Proper storage is essential to avoid accidental damage that could impact the longevity of your kayak. Hanging a kayak is a simple and effective means of storage that can easily be rigged by most paddlers.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Rope or nylon strapping (old tie downs)
  • Drill with bit
  • Eye screws
  • Pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a location on a wall that will provide enough room for you to hang your kayak. Locate the support studs in the wall and select three that are located near the center of the space you will be using. Many walls are constructed with studs located at 16 inches on center. It will typically be necessary to skip a stud in between to gain the width needed to support the kayak.

    • 2

      Measure a location on the wall that will provide the desired amount of height when mounted on the wall. Use a tape measure to transfer the same height to the other wall stud location you will be using to hang the kayak.

    • 3

      Drill a hole that is slightly smaller in diameter than the eye screws you will be screwing into the wall. Use a drill and bit to make a pilot hole that is at least half the length of the eye screw. Drill a second hole in the other wall stud location you will be using. Insert the eye screws completely into the holes; use a pair of pliers if necessary to help turn the eye screws in completely.

    • 4

      Determine the proper length of the strap or rope by pulling it around the kayak near the cockpit. Add 1 1/2 to 2 feet to this length and cut with scissors or a knife. Tie a snap onto one end of the rope or strap and secure the snap to the eye screw.

    • 5

      Attach a second snap to the other end of the rope or cord and allow it to hang down freely for the time being. Repeat the process by attaching a snap to both ends of a second length of rope or strap and attach one end to the other eye screw.

    • 6

      Raise one end of the kayak, pull the strap or rope around the boat and secure the snap to the eye screw. Raise the opposite end of the boat, placing the weight on the end supported by the wall strap or rope. Pull the rope or strap around the boat and secure the snap to the eye screw.