This step by step diy project is about kayak rack plans. I have designed this kayak rack so you can build it with basic tools and materials in just one weekend. Moreover, you can make adjustments to the plans so it suits your needs. You can easily fit this rack to an already existing wall, with minimal modifications. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.
Projects made from these plans
Kayak Rack Plan
Building-a-kayak-rack
Cut List
- A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 72″ long POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60″ long, 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 38″ long BASE
- C – 8 piece of 2×6 lumber – 40″ long HORIZONTAL SUPPORTS
- D – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 27″ long BRACES
- E – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 48 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 16″ long BACK
Shopping List
- 7 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 6′
- 2 piece of of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 7″ carriage bolts
- wood glue, stain/paint
- wood filler
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
One weekend
Related:
Kayak Rack – Video!
Build a kayak rack
Fitting-the-vertical-supports
First of all, you need to build the frame for the kayak rack. Use 4×4 lumber for the vertical posts and 2×6 lumber for the base beams. Use a jigsaw to round the exposed corners and then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Fit the 4×4 posts between the beams and check if the corners are square. Plumb the posts vertically. Drill pilot holes through the base beams and through the post and insert 7″ carriage bolts.
Fitting the base beam
Fit a piece of 4×4 lumber between the 2×6 beams, as shown in the diagram, so you create a super rigid base. Drill pilot holes through the beams and then insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
Building the supports
Use 2×6 lumber for the horizontal supports. Use a miter saw to make a 15 degree cut to one end of the beams. Round the exposed corner with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Fitting the supports
Fit the supports to the vertical posts, as shown in the diagram. Use 7″ carriage bolts to secure the supports into place.
Fitting-the-braces
Use 4×4 lumber for the braces. Use a miter saw to make angle cuts to the braces, as show in the diagram. Fit the braces to the kayak support, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to get the job done properly. Set the miter at 60 degree for the top cut. Set the miter at 45 for the bottom cut.
Fitting the back supports
After building the two sides of the kayak rack, you need to assemble it together by fitting the 4×4 supports to the back of the structure. Drill pocket holes and use 2 1/2″ screws to lock the beams into place. Fit 4×4 braces to enhance the rigidity of the rack frame.
Kayak rack plans
Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of stain over the components, so you protect them from the weather elements.
Kayak rack plans – front view
This compact kayak storage rack will hold up to 3 kayaks. The frame of the rack is made from wood, so it should be easy to assemble and keep the costs down.
Kayak rack plans – Back view
This is a simple project anyone should be able to build in a few hours without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your particular own needs.
Kayak rack – free plans
If you want to attach the rack to an already existing wall, you just need to make a few adjustments to the base. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.
This woodworking project was about kayak rack plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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8 comments
I would like to buy one of your plan but I don’t seem to be able to do it.
Will this rack support a full size aluminum Canoe?
The cut list included the 16” braces x 4 pcs in with the 48 1/2” x4x4. The 16” bracing really should be identified separately as Ted out and n marked as F.
With using the recommended 4x4s I used a more heavy duty bolt screw at a longer length to go through 4×4 to a second 4×4 The 2 1/2” wood screws are fine to go from the 2 x 6 but not the 4 x 4 for the long term strength and sturdiness I wanted.
I noticed on the plans that the measurement for the bottom brace is 45° and the top measurement is 60° – is this correct?
The plans are correct
How exactly does a 7” carriage bolt fit through 2 pieces 2” think and 1 piece 4” thick?
4×4 lumber is 3 1/2″ thick and 2×6 is 1 1/2″ thick. See in the top menu the actual dimensions of lumber
How many carriage bolts are needed? My count is 6, but I’d like confirmation since it is not specified.