Summer is the perfect time for enjoying a canoe trip down your favorite river. But what do you do with your canoe when you’re not using it? Store it in the backyard shed? Not a good idea – natural elements like rain and snow can damage your canoe. The best way to store your canoe is by building a simple storage rack. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to build a rack that will safely store your canoe. Let’s get started!
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You’ll Need:
- 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber Wood eye bolts Chain Adjustable chain links Drill and bit Pliers Saw
- 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber
- Wood eye bolts
- Chain
- Adjustable chain links
- Drill and bit
- Pliers
- Saw
Step 1
Locate the joists or wood beams running across the ceiling where the canoe rack will be mounted. If dry wall or another material covers the ceiling, locate the wood beams by using a stud finder or finding screws or nails as clues. You want about 4 feet between each supporting eye bolt.
Step 2
Mark at the center point of one joist and another about 4 feet across from the first point, at the nearest joist center point. Subtract 2 feet from the canoe’s length, and make two more marks directly behind the first two. You should have four marks in a rectangle.
Step 3
Drill pilot holes using the wood eye bolts as a references. Screw the eye bolts in securely, making sure there is no play between the eye bolts and the joists. Use pliers to tighten the bolts if necessary.
Step 4
Open the adjustable links and place one on each eye bolt. The chain must be cut at time of purchase and needs to be long enough to allow the canoe to rest between the supports and ceiling. Attach one end of the chain into the adjustable link, and tighten securely. Repeat for the other three links.
Step 5
Cut two pieces of 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber 4 to 6 feet longer than the width of the eye bolts. Mark two locations on the lumber, making sure to keep the distance from the end equal on both sides. Drill a pilot hole, and insert eye bolts into each hole. Repeat the process for the other end of the support.
Step 6
Insert an adjustable link into the hanging end of the chain, lift the lumber and secure with the link. Repeat for the opposite side.
Tips & Warnings
- There should be sufficient clearance beneath the canoe for walking or parking vehicles.
- Use care when working with any type of sharp tools, and wear eye protection. Make sure the bolts and links are securely tightened to avoid potential damage and injury because of the canoe falling.
