Building a Kayak Rack using wood is a cheap, easy and useful addition to your outside boat storage.
You will need: the materials specified below and 1-3 days to complete your kayak rack project. Please see our below guide for step by step instructions.
These instructions are for a 4-kayak rack (up to a maximum of 5), but you can adjust the number as needed.
If you intend to use your rack for a long time, we recommend buying high-quality and durable products (since it is supposed to be outside exposed to all sorts of weather). Buy materials like pinewood, cedar, or redwood or other durable woods. For design options, read: How to paint a kayak.
How to Build A Wooden Kayak Rack
Step 1 – Making Your Site & Setting The Poles
Firstly, mark the site where you are going to construct the kayak.
The formation that you are going to make is patterned to hold on to four (4) kayaks and will be harbored under the ground using two 4″ x 4″, 8ft coercion-treated posts.
Given that the extension arms are joint precisely to these two principal support posts, the part where you get the spacing correct is necessary. Quantify your kayaks to assure that the posts are up to a point enough apart to unburden the cockpit area but won’t obstruct any storehouse section.
You can use 1.5 metres (or 5 feet) of spacing.
Step 2 – Grounding The Posts
Bury the posts in the ground.
This is undoubtedly the most difficult part, but the most important, as these posts will be the starting point of the whole construction. For the above calculations, dig about 6.3cm (or 2-1/2 inches) under the ground and it will hold up to 5 kayaks maximum.
Based on your location and type of soil, you might want to use a manual post-hole digger or even a tractor to dig.
Once you’ve dug the holes, you can clean out all of the extra rough dirt and add some tiny stones in the hole you made so it can keep the posts off the dirt around.
Step 3 – Line Up The Posts
Keep the posts lined up and straight.
To manage your posts in one line, use two 90cm x 45cm long (2×4 inches) boards. Beginning with your first post, place a board on one as well as other sides of the post, running parallel towards the second post.
These boards will actively take measures to guide to assure that both of the post fronts are in one line. When assured, you can join them to the posts utilizing pressure-treated classified wood screws.
Having both posts set underground and the two boards flowing across the bottom, the main support of your wooden kayak is pretty much done.
Step 4 – Notches Preparation For Support
Now you’re onto the preparation of the notches for the support arm.
For your build, trim joint mortise (hole/slot) pockets under the erect polls by fastening the arms exactly onto the poll-face.
Cutting the pockets might take a lot of work, but this is worth it by strengthening the hold-up by dispersing the heaviness onto the polls and not on to the screws. Additionally, by having the arms sturdily joined within the pocket, it should prevent the boards from dropping or leaning down below unequal loads.
Step 5 – Make The Cuts
Now that you have taken your measurements, it’s time to make cuts.
These are the most important cuts in the whole process, so take your time.
By using the breadth of the board as an escort, you can place one mark on the top of the board and another on the bottom. The centre will be detached so your board will fill up this gap accurately.
Set the deepness on your circular saw (make sure it is equal to the thickness of the board) and carefully make your bottom and top cuts.
Within these cuts, make a lot of cuts in between them.
These little layers will then break down and reveal your pocket.
Step 6 – Breaking The Layers
Break the layers by slowly beating the wood downwards. This will snap them light, allowing you to easily remove them.
Step 7 – Refining The Ridges
Clean up the notch.
A keen rip-off makes fast work of any major spots left in the case. Utilise the chisel to detach the unequal crest left behind. This is necessary for a snug fit between the arm and post. Finish with with some sandpaper, and you have your clean pocket!
Step 8 – Attaching The Support Arms With Screws
Now that you have cut all the notches, its time to tighten the support arms and the posts.
For screws we recommend SPAX wood screws, available on Amazon or any hardware store near you.
Remember that the supporting arms will be resting on these cutouts. The job of the screws is to keep the arms from dropping out of notches. The weight of the kayaks will be held up by your vertical posts.
These notches will also balance the arms in case of uneven loading.
Step 9 – Apply Protective Stain
Now it’s time to finish the kayak rack.
Apply a protective wood stain. You can use any you prefer.
A wood stain is needed because it helps give additional protection and provides a nice finish.
Conclusion
You have successfully built your kayak rack – making it easy to store your kayaks and keep them off the ground. Well done 🙂