2 Kayak Storage Rack
I needed a rack which would accommodate two Hobie kayaks and some of the gear that goes with owning fishing kayaks. It also needed to be on wheels so that I could move it around the garage.
I'd seen a few nice designs on the web, so decided to have a crack at it.
After a quick measure up based on the size of the Hobie Outback, the widest of the two kayaks, I drew up a plan and worked out the list of materials that I would need.
Wood purchased I started by making most of the cuts and separating into two halfs ready for the build. I used 2.5" (64mm) x 4.5" (114mm) pine throughout for this project.
First part of the build was to contruct the two end sections. All glued and screwed and angles checked as constructed.
Then the horizontal's were added, glued and screwed, these had been cut to exactly the same lengths so getting square was easy. Three on the bottom section, one at the top below the top rack added later.
The top rails were added, screwed but the diagonal sections not fixed. The two plastic pipe runners were then added, these would make sliding the Hobie Outback on to the rack much easier and support the hull whilst stored. The pipes were held by clamps until I was happy with the placement and then a single screw at each end added to hold, it's good that they can roll a little when sliding the kayak on.
The Outback was slid in place and the diagonals adjusted so they were clear of the Outback.
Note the uprights needed to extend above the rack so that they stop the second kayak from falling off the back of the rack when slid on. The top rack was bolted with coach bolts, there is a lot of weight up there.
In hindsight I should have used thicker wood on the uprights, it works but there is a bit of flexibility, more so with the Hobie Revolution 16 loaded.
Finishing touches
Tongue and groove were added along the bottom section so that my YakAttack Black Pak, H-Crate and other gear is raised off the floor, once laid in position to check fit, the wood was then screwed in position, front and back to stop any warping.
I then added a set of 4 Swivel Casters to the bottom of the rack so that I can move the whole thing loaded around the garage giving easy access to the racking behind.
All the wood has been left untreated, I should have sealed it I guess, it only gets dripped on never a good soaking. So far so good.
The height of my rack allows the Revolution 16 to just fit inside the garage and the up and over door to be lowered, worth noting that it didn't fit with the bow facing the garage door, it does easily when turned around on the rack, bow facing the end wall. The Revolution 16 is stored upside down.
