What is the best way to deal with the situation when there isn’t enough room in the garage to keep your kayaks?
Hang them from the roof, of course!
Most single and double-car garages are typically constructed to be just the right size to accommodate your vehicles, with a minimal amount of room for you to enter and exit your vehicle.
Even if there is not a vast amount of space, one can typically still find enough room suited to putting a lot of objects, such as a kayak, in an elevated position.
Kayak hoist systems are created to simplify the task of storing kayaks by taking on the job of lifting them and providing a protective and dependable place for them.
I’m someone who consistently has a hard time carrying my bulky Azul Riot 14-footer, and I can confirm that having it is a complete transformation in many aspects.
The pulley system that comes with it or the motorized one makes it really convenient to take the kayak off the ground and it’s an efficient way to store the kayak securely without occupying too much of the area in my garage.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Kayak Hoist System
A kayak hoist system is typically a combination of two parts:
1) A device for storing the kayak, such as a shelf, hook, or holder.
2) A pulley-and-rope setup that lifts the kayak up from the ground.
The kayak hoist system is attached to the ceiling of your garage, which will free up space that would have been taken up by floor or wall storage.
Setting up your kayak hoist system doesn’t have to be complex; in fact, lots of models come with enough bolts and mountings that it’s a smooth and easy job. You will require some equipment (ladder, stud detector, drill, etc.), yet all in all, it is a work anyone with above average skills can accomplish.
Types of Kayak Hoist Systems:
There are two types of kayak hoist systems to choose from:
Motorized kayaks can be hoisted with the help of an electric motor, lowering and raising the kayak after it has been secured in the sling, straps, or cradle. The efficiency of these systems is clear—they take care of all the difficult work, requiring only a quick press of a button to turn on the engine.
Most hoist systems are outfitted with built-in safety features such as fail-safes and stop-locks, making them secured and firmly in place.
However, be warned: they tend to be much pricier. The price increases due to the cost of the motorized system. They are vulnerable to breakdowns, more difficult to set up, and require an energy source to work.
Manual kayak hoists usually use a rope and pulley system. By tugging on the rope, it goes through the pulley, hence making the process of lifting a kayak easier. You will be called upon to exert your strength to run these systems and make sure you have a secure spot to tie the rope for the kayak lifter to stay in place overhead.
Nevertheless, they are generally more economical and easier to set up, and due to their simplistic design, they hardly ever breakdown. The most significant danger is a mistake on the part of the user (omitting to attach the rope properly), so being meticulous should guarantee that you don’t experience any difficulty with these kayak hoist systems.
What Features Should I Look For?
Weight Capacity
It is essential to bear in mind the load limit of the hoist system prior to installing a kayak hoist. It can be beneficial to be aware of the weight of your kayak before lifting it so that you understand the capacity that the hoist must carry.
It is important to consider the total weight of any more than one kayak you are intending to store with this system.
At times, the total weight that the hoist system can lift may be much higher than that of a single kayak or a number of them combined. The hoist may not be capable of holding more than one kayak at the same time, depending on the configuration of the straps, hooks, or ropes which give the system its suitable position and purpose.
It is important to consider the strength of your ceiling and its capacity to bear weight. It depends on how your garage is made, but you could investigate whether or not there are joists or beams that can withstand the use of a pulley system.
Storage Space
The amount of area available in your garage might be a vital factor to consider when selecting a kayak lift. If you don’t have much room in your garage because of all the stuff that’s already in it, you could use a hoist to store your yak out of the way.
You should take into account the height of the ceiling in your garage when making decisions. It is prudent to pay attention to the ceiling height that is recommended by the maker of the hoist system in order to ensure safety.
It is important to note the dimensions of your vehicle and the spot where the kayak will be suspended if your aim is to store it in the garage. Should you fail to make sure there is ample space to drive beneath, you could accidentally both hurt your car and harm your vessel.
It is beneficial to examine the highest and lowest height restrictions of the pulleys, as certain wares may not function properly in spaces with high ceilings, for example.
In the same way, if your ceiling is lower, a hoist won’t be making that much of a difference in regards to space if you have to crawl underneath it to get by. If your garage ceiling is too low to install a hoist, then wall racks or vertical shelving units are a better choice.
Electric Or Manual Hoist System
One can often find kayak hoists with either a manual or electric lifting system. Most of the time, the type that works best for you will depend on what you like.
An electric hoist system could be preferable if you are concerned that you would have difficulty raising your kayak up to the ceiling by yourself. This can be particularly beneficial if you possess a bulky angling kayak, for instance. Electric hoists can usually simplify the job but they may cost more.
Installation
Chances are you’ll come across directions on how to set up the kayak hoist on your own in the package. One’s need for assistance when installing a lift system may depend on the system itself and may involve getting help from a friend or even someone with expertise in such systems.
Generally, extra equipment, like drills, will be needed in order to use a kayak hoist. It is advised to look over the instructions and make sure there is all the necessary materials for the installation before beginning.
Frequency Of Use
How often do you plan to use your kayak? If you anticipate going kayaking often, you might take into account how simple the hoist setup will be to operate.
It might take some time to drag your kayak down and then lift it back up once you finish using it, so it is probably not something you would want to do every single day. Keep in mind, your garage hoist setup is supposed to streamline things and not complicate them.
However, putting your craft on the ceiling can be a terrific option if you intend to keep it stored away over the winter season, for instance.
5 Best Kayak Hoists For Your Garage
1: Racor Ceiling Storage Heavy Lift (Best Overall)
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Electric/Manual: Manual
- Number of kayaks: 2
This Racor Ceiling Storage system was not intended and created to keep kayaks. It is capable of holding a diversity of objects.
One of its main features is the storage platform. This metal stand is four feet by four feet, creating sixteen square feet of storage space not on the floor. This sturdy base offers the ability to keep objects off the floor, such as storage bins or garden tools.
Due to the stand, it is necessary to mount it precisely and evenly distribute the weight, which can be difficult if one intends to put various things on it.
If the platform isn’t level and even, it could compromise some of the parts over time, causing it to topple over.
This elevator can carry a maximum of 250 pounds and is powered by an arm-cranked pulley system. You can increase the weight using a drill that has the convenience of having a drill driver incorporated into the gear-changing mechanism.
This hoist system comes with all the essential parts for setting it up, however, you need to have your own tools, such as a screwdriver, drill and various wrenches, to finish the job.
Features
- 250 pounds of lift
- Storage platform
- Includes installation hardware
2: Harken Jeep Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist
- Weight Capacity: 145 pounds
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Electric/Manual: Manual
This Harken system is designed to make it simpler to store Jeep hardtops, and is a manual hoist. Nonetheless, due to its four point hoist mechanism, this hoist has multiple uses, including for kayaks and canoes.
These four steps will help you to raise a kayak in an even manner, regardless of the unevenness of the load. This is great for raising kayaks that may not be balanced.
This set includes all the items required for installation, like stainless steel components and long-lasting double-wound nylon cord. You must provide your own tools if you intend to fit the product into your garage.
This hoist has been engineered to be simpler to operate on one’s own and can hold up to 145 pounds. This product includes a fail-safe mechanism that kicks in and immediately secures the rope should it be dropped while being lifted or lowered.
Features
- Includes instructions and hardware
- Lifts uneven loads evenly
- Anti-drop feature
3: Partsam 440 LBS Lift Electric Hoist Crane System
- Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
- Weight: 24.4 pounds
- Electric/Manual: Electric
This Electric Hoist Crane System by Partsam can carry up to 440 pounds and can lift 220 pounds with each rope. This hoist operates on electricity and can be employed to carry various items, including Christmas decorations, storage units, kayaks, and canoes.
U-shaped mounting brackets are included with the electric system. These must be secured to either a metal or wooden beam on the ceiling, rather than being affixed right onto the ceiling itself. The bar must not exceed 44 millimeters (1.73 inches) in both width and length.
This electric hoist is equipped with a remote control and a cable that is 4.9 feet long which comes with a switch to lift and lower. The device also has the added advantage of having a red button which can stop it from running in an urgent situation. The button may start off secured, but it can be unlocked by turning it.
This item is equipped with a pair of sling straps to make it easier to pick up many different things, and the hoisting cord is crafted from zinc-coated, non-twisting steel, which makes it more resilient and robust.
Features
- High weight capacity
- Electric lift system
- Ideal for lifting various items
4: Vivohome Heavy Duty Ceiling Mount System
- Weight Capacity: 125 pounds
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Electric/Manual: Manual
This Vivohome Heavy Duty Ceiling Mount System could be a decent choice for keeping kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and a variety of other items. This kayak has been equipped with a manual pulley mechanism consisting of rubber-covered iron hooks which make it possible to lift both ends of the kayak at once.
This item has a capacity of elevating up to 125 pounds and is equipped with robust nylon cords. This setup is created to work with 10-foot ceiling heights and should not be utilized on ceilings exceeding 12 feet.
This hoist system has a safety lock mechanism which helps to stop accidental falls from happening. The lock is constructed to keep the weight in position when the rope is tied to the wall at an angle of 45 degrees.
The product includes a set of instructions and all the required components to make its setup hassle-free.
Features
- Manual pulley system
- Durable
- Includes hardware and instructions
5: Rad Sports 1003 Kayak & Canoe Garage Hoist (Best Budget Option)
- Rad Sports 1003 Kayak & Canoe Garage Hoist Pin
- Weight Capacity: 125 pounds
- Weight: 6.9 pound
- Electric/Manual: Manual
This Rad Sports 1003 Kayak Garage Hoist will fit in with your budget if you are trying to save money. This hoist is built to hoist, store, and raise single items such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles, ladders, and other items you would like to move away from the ground.
The kit contains all the necessary equipment for you to set it up in the comfort of your own home, and the straps can be modified to conform to the shape of your boat. The set also has hooks with rubber coverings that keep scratches from happening to your equipment.
This particular hoist can handle kayaks of up to 125 pounds in weight, making it suitable for all kinds of watercraft. This item has a useful lock for additional security, which stops the contents from being unintentionally discharged.
This item can be affixed straight onto the timbers on your ceiling, and it is intended to work in areas with ceilings as high as 12 feet.
Features
- Manual kayak hoist
- Rubber coated hooks
- Locking mechanism
- Comes with straps
