Homemade Kayak Stand

I need to get my kayak off the ground. So, I looked around online for a well built kayak stand. The cheapest I could find cost $99. No way, I am paying that much for something I can make myself. Here is what I came up with and I hope this inspire you to do the same.


Materials needed:

(4)    2"x 2"x 8' wood of your choice
(4)    1" x 4' wooden dowel rods
(4)    3/8" x 3 1/2" hex head bolt
(12)  3/8" washer
(4)    3/8" nylon lock nuts
(1)    15' x 2" nylon strap

Tools needed:

Measuring tape
Triangle
Pencil
Mitre saw
Drill
3/8" drill bit
1" drill bit
Rubber mallet
Nail gun w/18 gauge 1 1/2" brads
(2) 3/8" box end wrench
Sandpaper
Wood Glue
Sewing Machine

I know that tools list seems long. If you don't have it, well, I am sure your dad or neighbor can help you out. 

Let's start.

1. Figure out how tall you want your stand to be. Take your 2x2's and measure for the length of your legs. Then measure for the midpoint. That is where you will drill a hole for the bolts to go thru. Also not a bad idea to go ahead and measure where your cross member (wooden dowel rods) will go as well.

2. Once you got all your measurements, it is time to break out and/or plug in the saw. Chop away. Make sure you cut a 45 degree angle on one or both ends for stability.

3. Sand down all the edges. We do not want splinters now, do we?

4. Take a smoke break or do whatever you non-smokers do when you are on a break.

5. Now take a drill with a 3/8" bit on it and drill a hole on the midpoint mark mentioned earlier. Make sure it makes it all the way thru the 2x2. While you have the drill out, go ahead and take a 1" drill bit and drill holes on either end of your legs for the cross members. Make sure you do NOT drill all the way thru. A 3/4" deep hole should suffice. This is where the dowel rods will go.

6. Take your 48" dowel rods and find the midpoint, then add an inch and a half and mark it. Cut on your mark. You will end up with two pieces, one long and one short. This is a good thing, trust me.

7. Take another smoke break and open bottle of beer. This is a good time to ask your wife to work on the nylon straps. Ask her to sew loops on both ends of the nylon straps. They will go on the wooden dowel rods. This is where your kayak is going to rest, so make sure to add a inch for a little slack. The nicer you ask the nicer the stitches will be. Give her a kiss and head on back to the garage.

8. Do a mock up. Take your legs and bolt two together. Make sure you use washers, one on the head, one between the legs and one with the nut. Slide the dowel rods in the holes and form your stand. Check and see if everything is square. If everything looks good then take it apart.

9. Wait for your wife to be done with the straps. Once that is done then slide them on your dowel rods. Mind how the straps will be attached in reference to how the angles on the legs are situated.

10. When you did your mock up, you would have noticed that you have a inner and outer set of legs. This is why the wooden dowel rods are not at equal lengths. Start with the inner set. Lay the legs on the floor then glue and nail the shorter dowel rods on the legs. Use a triangle to make sure all is squared. Once the inner set of legs are done, do the same thing for the outer set.

11. Now assemble the inner set and outer set of legs together. Use the bolts to fasten them. Tighten the nut enough to where it is possible to move the legs in and out.

12. Step back and take a good look at your creation.

13. Repeat steps 1-12 for the second stand. Wait for 24 hour for the glue to set.

14. Test it out. Put your kayak on it. See how she holds.

It wasn't so bad was it? Now your kayak is off the ground for a proper wash down and maintenance. If all went well this stand should last the life of the kayak. Great project with a friend or kid. Hope this write up has been helpful. This is how I did mine, if you have a better idea then go for it. Good luck.