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Kayak Rack Plans

by Ovidiu

 

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

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Kayak Rack Plan

Building-a-kayak-rack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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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6 comments

Lisette Gagnon -

I would like to buy one of your plan but I don’t seem to be able to do it.

Reply
Nick -

Will this rack support a full size aluminum Canoe?

Reply
Liz gehlsen -

I noticed on the plans that the measurement for the bottom brace is 45° and the top measurement is 60° – is this correct?

Reply
Ovidiu -

The plans are correct

Reply
Aaron Zuwala -

How exactly does a 7” carriage bolt fit through 2 pieces 2” think and 1 piece 4” thick?

Reply
Ovidiu -

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

Reply

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