While it is easy enough to buy a kayak stand for one or more kayaks, it is significantly more economical and creative to craft one at home. It helps, therefore, to get the right quality of materials alongside a clear set of instructions to be able to build an easy cost-effective option at home.
A DIY kayak stand will hardly take 20 minutes to half an hour for more inexperienced people, and it will be well under $30, ensuring that you save a lot of money in the process.
Essential Materials
There are a few tools that are essential for making the easy, DIY stand for your kayak and they are as follows:
- A measuring tape
- Strong marker
- A rubber mallet
- A pair of ratcheting pipe cutters or a hand saw although they are prone to making more mess to clean.
Besides the above-mentioned tools, you will also have to get the right materials to make the stand. The materials required are as follows:
- Two-inch-wide PVC tubing which measures ten feet in length
- Two “X” connectors
- Four “T” connectors
- Eight-inch-wide PVC caps
- Light and thin strap which is durable
- A knife
- PVC cement
Step 1: Measure and cut
- Cut out 4 pieces of PVC tubing which are 16 inches in length each
- Repeat with 8 pieces of PVC tubing which are 7 inches in length each
- Repeat with 2 pieces measuring 5 feet in length each
Step 2: “X” connectors
The PVC cement has to be applied to the inside of the “X” connectors; this should be conducted in a well-ventilated area to avoid toxic fumes. Before attaching, it is essential to put some of the cement on the sides of the tubes which will be going into the connector.
Next, take the two lengths of 16-inch PVC tube which you had cut earlier, and attach them to the connector to form a “V” in one direction. Repeat the process on the other side, attaching two more of the 7 inches long tubing to create a smaller “V”. The cement will hardly take a few minutes to dry and should be set aside to do so.
Step 3: Assembly
Before cementing every joint it is necessary to do a dry run and assemble; the rest is easy to follow.
The smaller “V” made with the 7 inches tubes can now be connected to the “T” connector. Ensure that they are facing the right direction before cementing the 7-inch pieces to the “T”.
Attach two more of the 7-inch PVC tubes to the “T” connectors, after which you can attach the PVC caps on the base.
Using the knife, cut long straps to attach to the open ends of the 16 inches tube; use the caps to secure the straps into the 16-inch tubes with the help of the rubber mallet. Repeat this process until the “X” for the other side is also complete.
It is time to attach the 5-foot long PVC tubing. Attach it to the two “X” for the front and the back, which has been equipped with the straps. Attach the two ends of the 5-foot tube into the “T” connectors on the “X”; repeat with the other 5-foot tube to complete the stand.
If you wish to cement the whole structure, that is an option. However, it will not be a collapsible option for better storage when not in use. These do not wear down easily, although the straps can warp over time.
The best option for kayakers
This DIY kayak stand is easy and sturdy and can hold up to 16-feet tandem, without hassle. The kayaks should be stored upside down on the stand o when outside. In case you are interested in making small upgrades to your fishing kayak to enhance your kayaking experience then you should go for it. Remember, upgrades like a DIY kayak stand are an inexpensive and easy option, and it offers a cost-efficient storage solution.
I think you might have mixed your instructions up with the wrong pictures. There are nothing but 90 elbows and no 7″ pieces, no X connectors, etc. Very confusing when photos don’t match what you are trying to instruct to make. Try again.