Wow! Someone who knows how to build AND make a very useful and logical video. This person is an educator - more focused on sharing her knowledge than making cutsy intros and "all about me" video snippets with audio drowned out by music. Thanks a ton. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the video.
I'm so stoked to finally see a DIY for building something with power tools done by a woman! I don't have any of these tools or a real garage to work in, but you inspire me!
I've been planning on building some new kayak/canoe racks here myself in my woodshop. Nearly 15 kayaks, canoes on hand here right now and a couple of the current racks are showing their age. Also, being a full time paddle builder, I need to build a few new display racks for my paddles.
Well Done April. I made mine with wheels and PVC runners under the kayak for support. I can wheel it out and it's height is the same as my truck bed so I can just push the kayak in from the cart. Just a couple ideas for the future.
There are a dozen 1 man kayak's at a local center that need racks making, and you have given me the inspiration to make them. thank you April , oh heaven forbid if i make space for a radio lol.
I've notched out joints with that exact same technique many times. It's encouraging to see someone else do it as well. A suggestion is that you could save the notching in this design by replacing the 4x4's with 2x4's. There would still be more than enough structure.
Nice video again April. I made one similar to yours but in the end I dismantled it and screwed two 2x4s to the garage wall and hung my two kayaks from four lorry cargo straps. They take up less room this way.......
I bought the ISOTunes Pro headset you pitched a couple vids back. Yes, took advanatge of the WilkerDo special. Wow! Lightweight, wear for hours don't know they are there, great sound quality. Thanks for the lead, rock on.
: D Hey good to hear the awesome feedback. I love mine and so far everybody who has purchased them that I hear from has loved them as well. Glad you were able to use the discount!
Yes! So needed this. We have to hoist our kayaks up under the roof of the back porch, which means they generally get stacked on the floor of the back porch.
Nice project. Good structural tips on how to build a rack to store things. Might be good for aging fresh cut hardwood. Shame to lose deck space. Nicely done project as always.
I would rather lose unused deck space than lose very used and limited shop space. This works really well for my set up however I am already thinking about another storage solution for them and might try it in the future.
April Wilkerson You are only behind my wife as the best. Put the racks on the back of the shop with a roof maybe? Tarp the sides to keep UV rays from destroying the boats. Sacrificial tarps are cheaper than boats.
So I've been watching your channel for the past year or so and LOVE your content. I was itching to build some Kayak storage and did a simple google search. I got So excited when I saw you at the top of the results. I should have known you'd have a solution. Thanks for the awesome how to's. You have the best attitude and it shows in your work. Thanks again!
I don't have a kayak ... yet ... but I do have a canoe. This video has me thinking, this would be a better way for me to store my canoe. Thanks April! Great Build to watch!
Small portable Kayak Dolly transporter next? Aluminum or wood construction? Something light that you can break down or fold while transporting to and from the truck. Only reason I say aluminum is since the yak gets wet wood would expand/contract unless sealed etc. enjoying the yaking vids! Awesome hobby that I enjoy myself. 👍
I don't know, I'm from Southern California (don't worry, not one of those weird Californians) but I could swear I hear an "L" every time she says "Sawl." That counts as an accent, right? :)
Hi April!!! I watch your videos and wonder how you are doing good carpentry work. You're doing it playfully. Thank you for your videos. Shoot still. And I wish you success in carpentry
I already thought that you did not answer me. I just admire your work. And desire to do it all. But the difficulties in the translation I have. As you have guessed already I'm from Russia. Successful works You April.
Thank you so much! I just made this rack on Monday and I can't stop looking at it. I've reclaimed so much room in my garage being able to put all my kayak in one space!
I do have a kayak and am planning on building a rack to mount to the side of the shed..think ill probably go with you design. Thanks. Love the vids btw.
Nicely done! How well do you think this design would hold up if you stored your yaks outside rather than under covered protection. If you were storing your yaks outside and needed to deal with the elements (sun, rain, etc), would you do anything differently?
Sure, I would grab one of those UV covers for them and wrap them up before placing them on the rack. This will protect them from sun, animals, and water. : )
Been looking for weeks for just the right rack to build for our very small space, and with some mods,(after looking at tons and tons of designs) this is what I'm basing my design off of. Sturdy, efficient and not complicated to put together. My question though, is could the angle braces be pulled in to a 45 angle to reduce the overall length of the arms? I'm trying to save every possible inch... it's a really small garage!
April, use soap or wax on the threads, makes it a lot easier to drive screws in. A router also makes those dado/notches much easier to cut out as well too.
Hi April. Love your channel. I just purchased the plans and am building this tomorrow. One question. The shopping list states 2 -4x4x8 and those 2 are cut down to 55.25". It appears that the rest of the 4x4 is waste after each cut. Would it be more cost effective to purchase only 1-4x4x12 to reduce waste?
Fantastic video, thanks so much! Outstanding artistry in building, I currently have two kayaks haphazardly thrown under the porch so am very excited to get into this project!
I'm building this now with Pressure Treated wood. Would a router set at a depth of 1 inch work just as good if not better that the saw and chisel method you used? The PT wood is extremely wet and heavy to work with.
Hi April, been a fan for some time now and actually modeled my Queen Bed w/ Storage after yours. Just wondering, (maybe previously asked) Why do you not wear any of the thin Nitrile or Latex coated gloves? Better grip and protect those hands....
Hi Great Idea and video. As far as the pads go there is a source at Walmart where they have those puzzle looking pads you walk on. Very cheap I used mine to line my tool drawers.
I actually lost mine like 2 weeks later... I took it off to "wash" my hands with acetone and never found it... I didn't wanna tell you :( I'll need a new one next time! :)
Nice project April, I'm pondering whether to go this route ... my back section of my basement is turning into my workshop so this means out go the kayak's or as you put it, maybe time to build Yak Rak ... lol
Hi April, I noticed you have a Milwaukee Miter saw now-- I wondered if you like it better than the Rigid you used to have Thank you for the videos--awesome as usual Tim
April, just a thought; you could mirror the arms and mount it on a small utility trailer for travel. Nice project, keep up the good work I enjoy your videos. One other question, what is the background music you use for some of your videos?
Before I buy the plans, can I make this with a 10" non-sliding mitre, or do I need a sliding mitre for the long angle cuts? (I'm brand new to woodworking.) Thanks.
Very nice, as always! You are a cool maker chick - an inspiration to my grand daughter. BTW, I plan to use your ideas for a rack on my dock. I will put a sunbrella curtain to shut out the UV. Thanks for all your work making these.
We store our kayaks outside on a covered rack (due to lack of garage space). 303 UV Protectant for Paddleboards and Kayaks does wonders to help keep UVs off, even if they're not in direct sunlight.
it is a good practical design, as for padding, pool noodles work wonders for padding 2 X 4s or even cheap folding sawhorses. Just cut a slice out and push it on.
Well that stereo plans were given to my buddy who camps here in Florida when doing dirt biking. And he feels with all the moisture and humidity down here it is a real good idea. So all those people against well start thinking outside the box or cooler baaaa
How do you like that Milwaukee miter saw? I have a 12" Bosch but would love to trade it for something more compact and cordless. Have several 9.0amp batteries too.
This is awesome! I have a kayak, and would love to use it more. Mines fibreglass though, so it's heavier. It's also a two person one (but I never take anyone in it)
Given me good ideas for my white water kayaks just need to make it shorter and use bottom for a boat Going to make mini shed of end of my workshop for kit
Have you considered building your own kayak or canoe? There are a few designs floating around for cedar strip canoes, I'm sure you could adapt the cedar strip style to build a kayak. Although it might turn out to be a bit longer term project than usual.
hi April, just discovered your channel .. VERY cool.. lot of people kayaking here at my local "lake" Loch Lomond here in Scotland, but they are mostly inflatables... no need for a "yak rak " here.. just a foot pump lol all the best from Scotland :O)
Hey there! I'm new to woodworking. Why at 0:37 sec mark are you making lots of narrow cuts and chiseling chunks out to create the notches on the ends of the 4x4's? Why not just make 2 perpendicular cuts with a circular saw/hand saw? Thanks!
The cut depth for the second cut would be deeper than a 7.25" blade can reach. Handsaw would work, but it is difficult to keep the cut straight and flat.
Are you going to Build a New Shop at some Point? I would Love to see you build it from the Ground up. Something like a 2 Car Garage, only Special! Like only you Can do! Thanks April!
Wow! Someone who knows how to build AND make a very useful and logical video. This person is an educator - more focused on sharing her knowledge than making cutsy intros and "all about me" video snippets with audio drowned out by music. Thanks a ton. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the video.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you enjoy them. Cheers!
I don't even have a kayak, nor do I even go boating. I just watch and like to show support to the excellent builder.
: ) Thank you for the support.
Thank you for your work
Me too !
Mikhail Galatinov *SAME*
glad I'm not the only one who does this too, lol
I'm so stoked to finally see a DIY for building something with power tools done by a woman! I don't have any of these tools or a real garage to work in, but you inspire me!
I've been planning on building some new kayak/canoe racks here myself in my woodshop. Nearly 15 kayaks, canoes on hand here right now and a couple of the current racks are showing their age.
Also, being a full time paddle builder, I need to build a few new display racks for my paddles.
Well Done April. I made mine with wheels and PVC runners under the kayak for support. I can wheel it out and it's height is the same as my truck bed so I can just push the kayak in from the cart. Just a couple ideas for the future.
There are a dozen 1 man kayak's at a local center that need racks making, and you have given me the inspiration to make them. thank you April , oh heaven forbid if i make space for a radio lol.
; ) hehehe
I've notched out joints with that exact same technique many times. It's encouraging to see someone else do it as well. A suggestion is that you could save the notching in this design by replacing the 4x4's with 2x4's. There would still be more than enough structure.
Nice video again April. I made one similar to yours but in the end I dismantled it and screwed two 2x4s to the garage wall and hung my two kayaks from four lorry cargo straps. They take up less room this way.......
I bought the ISOTunes Pro headset you pitched a couple vids back. Yes, took advanatge of the WilkerDo special. Wow! Lightweight, wear for hours don't know they are there, great sound quality. Thanks for the lead, rock on.
: D Hey good to hear the awesome feedback. I love mine and so far everybody who has purchased them that I hear from has loved them as well. Glad you were able to use the discount!
Yes! So needed this. We have to hoist our kayaks up under the roof of the back porch, which means they generally get stacked on the floor of the back porch.
Made this rack today, the plans were easy to read and understand. The video also helped. Thank you
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.
Nice project. Good structural tips on how to build a rack to store things. Might be good for aging fresh cut hardwood. Shame to lose deck space. Nicely done project as always.
I would rather lose unused deck space than lose very used and limited shop space. This works really well for my set up however I am already thinking about another storage solution for them and might try it in the future.
April Wilkerson
You are only behind my wife as the best. Put the racks on the back of the shop with a roof maybe? Tarp the sides to keep UV rays from destroying the boats. Sacrificial tarps are cheaper than boats.
Anthony Butera
Agreed on both the tarp (another build video maybe for a roll-up tarp?) and the secondary use to dry wood.
So I've been watching your channel for the past year or so and LOVE your content. I was itching to build some Kayak storage and did a simple google search. I got So excited when I saw you at the top of the results. I should have known you'd have a solution. Thanks for the awesome how to's. You have the best attitude and it shows in your work. Thanks again!
Well done. I like your no nonsense get to the point type instructional video.
Just bought 3 and this helps a lot thank you April! Your the best!🙌🙌
Awesome! Glad you found it useful.
Pretty slick and strong. I like y'all s stone portion of your home.
You have incredible ideas and you are a very talented builder
Your videos make me so happy :) Someday I'll own my own garage and tools/materials. I cant wait to make things! Its such a fulfilling hobby.
Thank you for this video - I built this today and it's perfect. Solved my garage storage issue!
Awesome! Glad it helped!
Neat project! If my cousin gets another Kayak, I'm definitely making her one of these.
Nice design. The pickets really complete it.
I don't have a kayak ... yet ... but I do have a canoe. This video has me thinking, this would be a better way for me to store my canoe. Thanks April! Great Build to watch!
So simple and effective! Thanks April! Purchased your plans! Thanks,
Glad you enjoyed the video. Have fun building it! Cheers!
OUTSTANDING, you made that look easy.
Like the rack, like the new logo even better.......you go girl.
The end result looks like a great idea. I may adapt it for storing snowboards during Snow Season up here in the North.
Small portable Kayak Dolly transporter next? Aluminum or wood construction? Something light that you can break down or fold while transporting to and from the truck. Only reason I say aluminum is since the yak gets wet wood would expand/contract unless sealed etc. enjoying the yaking vids! Awesome hobby that I enjoy myself. 👍
Greetings from South Texas. Well done! Nice to hear a TH-camr without an accent 👍
I don't know, I'm from Southern California (don't worry, not one of those weird Californians) but I could swear I hear an "L" every time she says "Sawl." That counts as an accent, right? :)
Well designed, well explained, shot & edited
Hi April!!! I watch your videos and wonder how you are doing good carpentry work. You're doing it playfully. Thank you for your videos. Shoot still. And I wish you success in carpentry
Nothing wrong with having fun while working. ; ) Thank you.
I already thought that you did not answer me. I just admire your work. And desire to do it all. But the difficulties in the translation I have. As you have guessed already I'm from Russia. Successful works You April.
Great project! It's great to see you find a new hobby and then make everything you need for it (stereo, yak rak, trailer, ...). Very inspiring!
Thank you so much! I just made this rack on Monday and I can't stop looking at it. I've reclaimed so much room in my garage being able to put all my kayak in one space!
I do have a kayak and am planning on building a rack to mount to the side of the shed..think ill probably go with you design. Thanks. Love the vids btw.
Glad you like it. : )
Nicely done! How well do you think this design would hold up if you stored your yaks outside rather than under covered protection. If you were storing your yaks outside and needed to deal with the elements (sun, rain, etc), would you do anything differently?
Sure, I would grab one of those UV covers for them and wrap them up before placing them on the rack. This will protect them from sun, animals, and water. : )
I don't own a kayak, much less two kayaks, that would necessitate the need for an entire rack! But you do you! Nice work.
Also, if you have wind in your area, a bungee (or other) tie strap might be a good addition. Nice job April.
This area gets plenty of wind but so far nothing has moved the yaks. : )
Another awesome build. April never disappoints..
That could hold a house boat! Well done!
Been looking for weeks for just the right rack to build for our very small space, and with some mods,(after looking at tons and tons of designs) this is what I'm basing my design off of. Sturdy, efficient and not complicated to put together. My question though, is could the angle braces be pulled in to a 45 angle to reduce the overall length of the arms? I'm trying to save every possible inch... it's a really small garage!
April, use soap or wax on the threads, makes it a lot easier to drive screws in. A router also makes those dado/notches much easier to cut out as well too.
START TO BUILD YOUR NEW SHOP AND MAKE VIDEOS ALL ABOUT IT I CANT WAIT
Like the idea! I built one with a roof being it is outside. I can def use some of your idea for my next one!
I have a kayak on my back porch as we speak, so this is a project i will very likely do. Thanks
Hi April. Love your channel. I just purchased the plans and am building this tomorrow. One question. The shopping list states 2 -4x4x8 and those 2 are cut down to 55.25". It appears that the rest of the 4x4 is waste after each cut. Would it be more cost effective to purchase only 1-4x4x12 to reduce waste?
Super, simple et rapide...cela me donne d'autres idées d'appliquation. Et de plus vous etes toujours aussi ravissante.
Fantastic video, thanks so much! Outstanding artistry in building, I currently have two kayaks haphazardly thrown under the porch so am very excited to get into this project!
That was a great video. I don't have those tools but enjoyed watching you create this. It's a great Yak Stand!!
Awesome, thank you!
That is perfect very nice we need a rack like that too.👍 thank you
Awesome job April! 👍
Thanks Fred. : )
I like it. Good use of space.
Nice plan April, Thanks
Very nice. It looks great. It looks pretty sturdy also. Great video!
I'm building this now with Pressure Treated wood. Would a router set at a depth of 1 inch work just as good if not better that the saw and chisel method you used? The PT wood is extremely wet and heavy to work with.
This looks like a simpler Design & Technique than some other Kayak Racks I have seen.
Hi April, been a fan for some time now and actually modeled my Queen Bed w/ Storage after yours. Just wondering, (maybe previously asked) Why do you not wear any of the thin Nitrile or Latex coated gloves? Better grip and protect those hands....
Hi Great Idea and video. As far as the pads go there is a source at Walmart where they have those puzzle looking pads you walk on. Very cheap I used mine to line my tool drawers.
That Kayak Rack came out beautiful! I can't wait to see your shop build. Chris
Well done and looks like a excellent solid build. I would just put on stain and a couple coats of poly. Not much of a paint kinda guy.
I hear ya but the problem with anything going outside is the task of having to refinish it. Paint will last a lot longer than stain and clear outside.
A great place to store boats!
I used your idea. Thanks. Garage has so much room now. Esp with the under storage.
I wanna live in a place like that, I'm in love! Great project April!
You'll have to come visit!
April Wilkerson yes 100% 😍 (say hi to Cody)
Hello my brotha.....are you still part of the O-ring club? I've yet to replace my second one I gave you : ) Come visit!
I actually lost mine like 2 weeks later... I took it off to "wash" my hands with acetone and never found it... I didn't wanna tell you :(
I'll need a new one next time! :)
A trick: watch movies at Flixzone. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.
This is exactly what I need to build for all my kayaks. Thank you
Nice project April, I'm pondering whether to go this route ... my back section of my basement is turning into my workshop so this means out go the kayak's or as you put it, maybe time to build Yak Rak ... lol
Hi April,
I noticed you have a Milwaukee Miter saw now-- I wondered if you like it better than the Rigid you used to have
Thank you for the videos--awesome as usual
Tim
April, just a thought; you could mirror the arms and mount it on a small utility trailer for travel. Nice project, keep up the good work I enjoy your videos. One other question, what is the background music you use for some of your videos?
Before I buy the plans, can I make this with a 10" non-sliding mitre, or do I need a sliding mitre for the long angle cuts? (I'm brand new to woodworking.) Thanks.
What a great idea! I hope to get us a couple of kayaks soon.
Nice Job. Love the cuts you did.
I admire your talent, good video
Thank you so much for this video, now my kayak can have the house it always deserved.
Very nice, as always! You are a cool maker chick - an inspiration to my grand daughter.
BTW, I plan to use your ideas for a rack on my dock. I will put a sunbrella curtain to shut out the UV.
Thanks for all your work making these.
We store our kayaks outside on a covered rack (due to lack of garage space). 303 UV Protectant for Paddleboards and Kayaks does wonders to help keep UVs off, even if they're not in direct sunlight.
Great project. Love the Yak Rack. I don't need on as I don't have any Yaks, but still a constructive construction.
it is a good practical design, as for padding, pool noodles work wonders for padding 2 X 4s or even cheap folding sawhorses. Just cut a slice out and push it on.
This was a great looking project.
Well that stereo plans were given to my buddy who camps here in Florida when doing dirt biking. And he feels with all the moisture and humidity down here it is a real good idea. So all those people against well start thinking outside the box or cooler baaaa
Going to be making mine this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh yeah I bought the plans lol.
Hope you enjoy it!
Nice simple project.
A simple and functional project, great job April! But you should have installed a radio in it to drown out the trolls from last week's project video 😉
: ) Hahaha, well I hope all of them catch my jab at least.
Cool project April.
Yes excellent... I've missed you April. What I would like to see from you is actually building a "Boat." Any chance ?
I just built one using your design. Love it!!!
Pretty cool, this helps me today. Was looking to build something. Found a fit and looks fun to build. THANKS!!
How do you like that Milwaukee miter saw? I have a 12" Bosch but would love to trade it for something more compact and cordless. Have several 9.0amp batteries too.
This is awesome! I have a kayak, and would love to use it more. Mines fibreglass though, so it's heavier. It's also a two person one (but I never take anyone in it)
Great video and explanation of the build process. Thank you, April.
Given me good ideas for my white water kayaks just need to make it shorter and use bottom for a boat
Going to make mini shed of end of my workshop for kit
Have you considered building your own kayak or canoe? There are a few designs floating around for cedar strip canoes, I'm sure you could adapt the cedar strip style to build a kayak. Although it might turn out to be a bit longer term project than usual.
Great work, thanks for taking the time and sharing!!!!
Nice job. One thing I would do differently is add an angled piece or pieces across the back to prevent racking toward the ends.
Looks great and looks just fine on the deck area !! Yay :)
: ) Thank you
hi April, just discovered your channel .. VERY cool..
lot of people kayaking here at my local "lake" Loch Lomond here in Scotland, but they are mostly inflatables... no need for a "yak rak " here.. just a foot pump lol
all the best from Scotland :O)
Do you think this could be adapted to hold 3 kayaks and a paddle board?
Hey there! I'm new to woodworking. Why at 0:37 sec mark are you making lots of narrow cuts and chiseling chunks out to create the notches on the ends of the 4x4's? Why not just make 2 perpendicular cuts with a circular saw/hand saw? Thanks!
The cut depth for the second cut would be deeper than a 7.25" blade can reach. Handsaw would work, but it is difficult to keep the cut straight and flat.
McKenzie Keith Ah! That makes sense. Thank you!
I need one of these. One day I will build my own Canoe and I will need a larger rack :)
Are you going to Build a New Shop at some Point? I would Love to see you build it from the Ground up. Something like a 2 Car Garage, only Special! Like only you Can do! Thanks April!
Yep I plan on building it from the ground up and also filming it all. However, I have to wait until the heat of summer passes so I don't kill over.
Hi April Great build as always, we'll be watching for more ideas, thanks for sharing.Blessings! !!!!!!
I think the bottom supports look better that they are not flipped around. For the sake of uniformity (is that even a word??) nice Yak Rak!
Nicely done looks good
Love it, I think I'll have to build one now too!
Awesome! Enjoy the build. Thanks for watching.