All -

My local homeowners association down here in Florida somehow got the notion that I know a thing or two about canoes.  Therefore, they are now trying to enlist me in an effort to secure new outdoor canoe rack (or racks) for use on the lake which our neighborhood borders.  They are looking for a six or eight unit rack (s), suitable for both canoes and kayaks.

The old rack currently in use is a home-made, wooden, and falling apart.  All kind of Florida mold and flora species grow on it and around, degrading its integrity.  I keep my two Kevlar canoes down there since it is only a very short distance from my home, it is a locked & fenced-in area, because the annual fee to keep them there is cheap, and also because I don't have much space (vertical or horizontal) left in my garage. 

It would be nice (but not essential) to find a commercially-sold rack that has a UV-protecting "roof."  Sadly, the lady who owns the crummy old fiberglass Mohawk Blazer 16 (a discontinued model) that is 100% covered in lichen and barnacles - a canoe which currently "shields" my canoes (on the rack below it) from falling crap and UV rays - is about to sell (or trash) the danged thing.  So, I'll have to come up with a UV solution no matter what.  I'm thinking a simple tarp would do the trick, if a roof proves impractical or too expensive.

A rack built of PVC piping or maybe aluminum or another durable material would be the best bet for longevity.  Also, I don't think there would be much interest in any "homemade" solution... and I certainly would be the very last person anyone should engage to lead a build-it-yourself project.

Anyway, if you have experience with an outdoor 6-8 unit standing canoe/kayak rack that you can recommend, I would welcome your feedback!

Jimbo   8-)   

Jimbo,

  I'm sure if you went to the local welding/fabrication shop they could build one to your specs. With all the boats/marinas in Fla, I have to think they could build a nice aluminum one that wouldn't rust?

OR you could see if there are any Plumbers/Carpenters who can follow simple plans.
Measure 2x, cut once and fit the pieces first to check them, THEN glue them up.

  This should give you some idea? Far cheaper than a commercial rack.

    (You need to Login or Register

  A simple tarp would work, maybe one that has a reflective surface, Harbor Freight sells them for cheap.
  Problem is then you need to figure a tie-down system, maybe cut tarp to fit because to get the length you need, the tarp will be way wider than you need?

  I did a quick search and found this item. Scroll down into reviews, the first one is from someone who owns a Mad River canoe in AZ.

  For the price, even if it only lasted a few seasons, it would cheaper than making a DIY tarp and the tie downs needed to secure it.

    (You need to Login or Register

I may be looking at something similar while staying in our rental house for the next 8 months.  Hoping to have my Rapidfire and remaining household goods delivered to us Saturday. 

However, in reading the lower-rated reviews on the covering noted earlier, it seems to turns pink rather quickly, esp  in the sun, and apparently can tear rather easily after a few months...

And actually, that PVC structure to hold a canoe or two could work by placing it in the backyard by the fence and putting a "roof" on the top of the PVC structure....not so worried about hot temps here in WA, just the UV and moisture....it could work....

From the reviews on that cover:
Nice cover, a good value, had an issue with sun fading. In short time it went from forest camo to a pink desert rose. Will be interesting to see how it holds up over time. A tight fit on my Eddyline Sea Star for length, but good width. Edit: Company contacted me immediately after my review to apologize for fading and send me replacement. I was definitely NOT expecting anything like that. Five stars on customer service.


  For under $40 if they will stand by it and send you a replacement, I don't see a downside at the very least you might get a idea for a DIY cover and maybe use the bungee cord and tie down straps on your DIY one.

Here's a Tyvek canoe cover for $100.
  (You need to Login or Register

  5 Star rating BUT it says its not for long term outdoor storage??

  Or you could go this route:   (You need to Login or Register

Between the blazing sun, high humidity and high winds you get in Fla, I don't think ANY cover is going to last for very many seasons.

  I think whether you build a PVC rack or buy a rack, having a reflective roof/tarp would go along ways to stopping that sun damage.

















































































 

Jimbo,

Here's a cheap DIY cover idea that anyone can make.
It uses Duck Tape, how can you go wrong with that?  ;) ;D

  You get 2 tarps when done. Take this tarp or similar and fold in half lengthwise. Cut it in half at that seam.

    (You need to Login or Register

Using a good brand of duct tape ( I like Gorilla Brand)  Run tape on BOTH sides of the tarp(s) seam you cut.

Then buy some some of these:   (You need to Login or Register

  Match the plastic grommets on the duct tape edge with the ones on the finished tarp edge. Use whatever you like to attach the tarp sides together.

My 2 cents....Our beloved watercraft deserves a decent home.  Lots of low buck canoe and kayak hoists with enough pullies to gain mechanical advantage, so that anyone can raise them against the ceiling of a garage.    Most hulls are only 15 inches or so deep.
They will be up and out of harms way and the UV rays will have a hard time finding them.  The PVC and other polymers will eventually give in to the UV and start to get brittle and chalk on the surface.

Hard to find what you are looking to for manufactured.  I'd suggest the 8 canoe version from these folks:   (You need to Login or Register and a carport from Versatube:   (You need to Login or Register

Otherwise one of a kind design and construction.

Thanks for the great suggestions, guys!

ST's "build-it-yourself" idea was actually getting some traction with decision-makers as well as BillConner's dynamicdollies.com solution (my strong preference).  HOWEVER, the HOA finance guy just informed the "committee" there is not likely enough left in the budget to do much of anything this year so we need to wait until 2023.

Ugh. Hopefully the old wood rack holds up for a few more months.  Also, maybe I can persuade the owner of that crappy old Mohawk encrusted in lichen to sell me her nasty vessel "as is"?  That way I could just leave it there and keep it as a "capper" to protect my two boats.  That's about all that ancient derelict is good for... and it does that job well!

Anyway, thanks for the ideas, guys, including those UV protection ones.  I may end up going with one of those this year, regardless.  I may tee up this subject, again, next year....

Later & thanks!

Jimbo   8-)