The Kayak Hoist - A good idea made better!

   I picked up a kayak hoist system for my garage so I could free up my sawhorses for other projects. While I was inspecting the parts, to make sure I had everything, I found that I had all the hardware ready to do the job.

   The kit costs $30 at Bass Pro Shops. You can get a kayak hoist system here:
http://www.basspro.com/Attwood-Kayak-and-Canoe-Hoist-System/product/11080210591717/

   I followed the directions exactly, but when it came to the installing the straps, I found out that the straps are NOT adjustable. So, I designed a better way to raise my kayak higher without the straps (which are useless). When you're done with new system, you should be able to get your car in the garage.

   This is how I did it.  Let's get started.

* * * NOTE: I designed this system to hold my Hobie Mirage Outback kayak which is 33" wide. Please measure the width of your kayak first to get the desired width in which you intend to use.

Parts you will need for this project:

( 2 ) 2" x 4" x 8 ft. long
( 2 ) 5/16" Lag Thread Screw Hooks
( 2 ) # 2 Screw Eyes (5/16" Lag Thread)
( 2 ) 7 ft. long Vinyl Covered Playground Chains
( 2 ) Double Framing Brackets
( 1 ) Box of 4" Deck Screws
( 1 ) Box of 1½" Wood Screws

1.) You will need ( 2 ) 2" x 4" at 8' long.

 2.)  Measure to 40" long and cut. You will need ( 2 ) pieces at 40" in length.

 3.) After you've made your cut, measure to 20" (halfway point) and mark. Make sure you're centered both length & width.

 4.) From the center, measure about 2½" to the left, and to the right. Mark those areas good.

 5.) This is what you should have: One mark at 17½" long, and the other mark at 22½" long.

6.) Flip the board over and make a mark at 1" from the outer edge. Also, making sure this mark is centered correctly.

 7.)  7.) Start drilling your holes using a 5/16" drill bit.

 8.) I chose Lag Thread Screw Hooks, because they're rated at 125 lbs each. You will need ( 4 ) of these.

9.)  Place ( 2 ) Eye Screw Hooks at the ends of each board.

10.)  Once you guide the screws in straight, use a wrench to thread the hook in the rest of the way, until the thread doesn't show anymore.

11.)  This is what the hooks should look like when you're done. A little bit of the screw's hook tip may show on the opposite side.

 12.) Flip the board over and drill the holes for the # 2 Eye Screws using a 5/16" drill bit. You will need ( 4 ) these.

 13.) These are the # 2 Screw Eyes I used. These are also rated for 125 lbs. and are 5/16" thick.

14.)  Use a wrench to tighten the screw eyes flush with the wood. When done, the screw eyes should be level side by side.

15.)  This is the finished product. Two hooks at the bottom edges, and two eye hooks in the middle facing forward.

16.)  This is a double framing bracket. You will need ( 2 ) of these to do one kayak lift. This bracket will be modified into fitting a single beam.

17.)  Bend 1 of the ends of the Double Framing Bracket out straight. You may want to hammer it out flat so it will lay down flush with the board's surface.

 18.) Depending on your garage's beam width, you will need ( 2 ) 2" x 6" x 15" long boards for a support surface, to be mounted above the rafters, for the modified framing bracket that will hold the new lift brackets in place. Use decking screws that are at least 4" in length. The framing bracket may need to be hammered into shape as seen in this photo.

    You will need a 2" x 4" x 72" long. Be sure to measure at least 22" away from any lighting equipment. Measure at least 1" away from the nearest beam. Secure all boards with 1½" wood screws.

19.)  This is what the new location will give you: clearance from the overhead lights to give you an additional 8" in height. Notice the height of the OLD bracket's location (Left) - compared to the NEW location (Right).

20.)  Place the lift hooks through the screw eyes on top. Next, take ( 2 ) Vinyl Covered Playground Chains ( 7' L) and hook up to the eye hooks.

I chose the chains with the vinyl, so as to protect the kayak's body from excessive scratching that regular chains might cause, and to prevent rust build up on the chain if you use your kayak on saltwater.

Next, lift the kayak as high as it will go. Notice that it doesn't interfere with the light or the garage door when raised.

This is what the finished project looks like:

1.) Clears the overhead light
2.) Clears the garage door
3.) Almost a full 6' off the ground!

* Notice the other kayak in the background and how much height you gain from this new idea. The blue kayak is almost flush with the ceiling, whereas the tan kayak is not.

21.) When you finish installing the kit, and hoisting your kayak as high as it will go, you should have enough room to fit your car in your garage.

   Now, your kayak is protected from the elements and is out of sight from curious thieves.

   If you have any questions about this article, feel free to email me.  - J