The BEST Kayak Storage - Kayak/Canoe Pulley System for Ceiling

[@ColbyYakFishing]

How do you store your kayaks in your garage?

[@samdotter466]

Hey.That knife is one of my favorite knives of all times! The Gerber bear grills knife. I had the one I assume that's the same one that came with the sheath with the diamond sharpener, and all that the fire starter in the bottom.! I got the upgrade a few years ago for father's day.I got the gerber LMF 2! It's the same monster knives just even More beefy. Got the glass in the handle for cutting through electrical wires. And both knives weren't amazing for splitting firewood!

[@garrygraff3728]

Thank you. I got a new kayak and went to hang it in my carport like my old one. But due to it's weight and other factors I could not get it high enough. I was bummed out and was considering selling my boat so that I could store my kayak in it's place. Then I saw your video and rushed down to the store for a few more eye bolts and in no time all was solved. This set up has the additional advantage of greater security so I don't have to worry about my kayak falling on my truck. You made my day. Heck, you might have made my year. Happy kayaking.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I’m so glad you found a solution that worked for you! Your comment made my day and reminded me of why I used to make videos!

[@Naveronski]

Two years old and this video is still helpful! I put my kayaks next to each other with an eye bolt and carabiner between them and was able to use two ratchet straps vs 4. Might work for some people depending on the width of the kayak and garage.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Oh wow!!!! I love that! And yes, it is crazy that it is still helpful. We just moved and I had to rewatch my own video for the re-install lol

[@GreekSuperman]

Great video, thanks for the tips!!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterdelmonte9832]

A small garage eh? I’m in the U.K. and I’ve never known anyone with a garage as large as yours. Having said that, your solutions are really useful and might just enable me to store my kayak like this with some headroom. Thank you.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I get it! Reminds me of apartment life! Had a random “garage” 300 metres away…did I spell it right? ;)

[@peterdelmonte9832]

@@ColbyYakFishing Funny! In fact I’m so old, the metric system (though obviously superior and more logical in almost every respect) wasn’t what I learned at school so every measurement approximation in my head starts with 5cms=2” or a metre is about a yard plus 3”. Also, I’ve never lived in a flat (apartment!), it’s just that being a small country, our homes are all (unless you are properly wealthy or you live in and old rurally located home) far smaller than yours and built on much smaller plots. Garages are almost all based on a size big enough for one car with the driver’s side door open enough to get out. Many people fix a piece of carpet to their garage wall to protect the door edge. The maximum height inside a garage with a gently pitched roof will be around 8 feet, mostly with open rafters. I’m installing a pulley system now and have bought “your” ratchet straps and my kayak will go deck down as the skeg will go between the rafters giving me another inch or two. Also, as with most electric garage doors on the UK, mine is a roller door so it doesn’t project across the underside of the roof. Your video is, and will, give many like me a new idea I’m sure so thank you again for that.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@peterdelmonte9832 so glad to hear that this video was helpful. Sounds like you have a good handle on your storage solution. I would love to see a picture or 2 of your final product. Feel free to send me on on Instagram.

[@CLOClayton]

Dude actually replies to the comments and questions . That’s awesome

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Indeed I do…indeed

[@CLOClayton]

@@ColbyYakFishing what state do you live/fish/make your videos in?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@CLOClayton GA

[@icantsitstill2146]

Great video and way to actually show what you did and what tools and extra parts/items you purchased. This actually helped me do the install with the same system.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

So glad it helped. I actually just moved and re-did the whole process x2, glad I recorded it lol

[@shaun9156]

Just did this today except we mounted the kayaks on the side wall of the garage. Super awesome.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Way to go! Some times I wish I had space on the side walls…alas

[@you_are_kidding_me_right]

I love when people w/ 2 car garages say they have a small garage. I have a 1 car garage w/ nearly as much stuff as you have. I cannot pull my car in however. Regardless, great system with the kayaks. unfortunately, I gotta put mine under my deck which is elevated. This seems like a good idea for that area.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

lol 1st world problems! Thanks for the comment and yea, I have a buddy who stores his this way under his deck.

[@nealcoppola6748]

There's not a man out there that doesn't make the same stud finder joke. If you don't, there's a problem! I'm in the middle of installing a kayak hoist in my garage as well. I am however using one hoist for two kayaks and have built a "cradle" for the boats to sit in and the hoist will lift the cradle. I have also removed the drywall where the 2x6 (probably overkill) mounts and attached the 2x6 directly to the rafters. Being slightly OCD, the 2x6 and cradle will also be painted to match the garage (gloss white). Thanks for sharing. Excellent video!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I would love to see pics of your set up! I bet it is a “stud” lol

[@nathanrittmaier4897]

Great idea to use ratchet straps and replace the hooks with carabiners. I'm trying to get my kayaks as close to the ceiling as possible so I don't lose access to my cabinets.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I have used this system now for over 6 years and have loved it.

[@graemer66]

Did the same but I used some chain in plastic tube with carabiners to connect to eye bolts after lifting Kayak. Solid as. Graeme in Australia

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Love that! Real smart!!!!

[@gregalm7227]

Having trouble unlocking hoist to bring my kayak down. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

You have to get at a good angle, almost parallel with the boat, and pull both at the same time. Then alternate lowering each rope by themselves until about halfway. This allows the brake to stay open until you can get better positioning.

[@rsibley]

Using the eyebolts and spring links to get it higher is a great idea! I just borrowed this idea and it worked great :)

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Glad that you found something that worked for you! That’s what it is all about!

[@kristenbeachgirl]

This is exactly what I need to do I have the same size garage! Going to start ordering and gathering supplies right now!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

So glad it was helpful!

[@andrewgendek4197]

Great idea so bought same, however I removed the pully units from those metal U brackets and heavy screwed pully unit only to garage roof highering the lift 5 CM I also made rope loops which I took through the scupper holes, looped ends together and connected to same hooks you fitted under the pulleys

[@ColbyYakFishing]

That sounds pretty cool! I used the scuppers for my first kayak.

[@manny3549]

Colby, you are the best!! I was about to return the hardware but then I watched your video...Your idea of daisy straps is what I needed to keep them snug to the ceiling...subscribing!!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Preciate it! Here to help!

[@jbm135]

I have a kayak on my garage ceiling that is almost the same setup as yours. The last 6 inches of lift is the most painful part. I have to lift it with a set of ratchet straps and then use a second set of ratchet straps to lift it all the way to the ceiling. Your idea of replacing the hooks on the pully may help me with this. Thanks for the idea.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I know what you mean, and the closer you can get it to the ceiling by removing the stock hooks, the better.

[@kevinlaughlin889]

Awesome idea! I'll be using this method

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Worked great for me for about 6 years now.

[@cccook4826]

🗣️freaking amazing!!! I will definitely following this for hoisting my second kayak! I knew I could fit it where my garage door is! Love replacing hooks and using eye screws for extra support! This has just moved up to the top of my project list!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

So happy to hear! Hope it works out great for you!!!

[@LiviaPewtress]

Thank you so much for this... I just got my first Kayak and I'm learning lots. I found this super helpful and plan to post my kayak review in the next couple weeks!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I can’t wait to see it. Please let me know when you post!

[@LiviaPewtress]

@@ColbyYakFishing I will. The first of the videos is up, but not public yet... I'll come back when it is. (I've got a new kayak that's not available yet.... it's sooo cool!)

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@LiviaPewtress that’s so exciting! Can’t wait!

[@ttvDaBeanstalk34]

This is perfect for my situation, will probably do this also; Thanks!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Awesome! Hope it works out for you!

[@ttvDaBeanstalk34]

@@ColbyYakFishing Thanks! Out of curiosity, how much clearance do you have between the top of the garage door and your ceiling? I have a larger tandem, and only about 14" to work with.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@ttvDaBeanstalk34 25.5 inches of clearance! My boats are about 13 to 15 in and the pulley system adds about 4 in, even when you hoist it up as far as you can, you still need the ratchet straps to cinch it closer to the ceiling. Once the yaks are snugged to the ceiling (I probably could get them closer) I still have about a few inches. Gonna be tight for you lol

[@ttvDaBeanstalk34]

@@ColbyYakFishing yeah I'm starting to think unless it was only held by ratchet straps there's no way I can do it above my garage doors. Might have to go somewhere else. I appreciate the response, very helpful info, thank you!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@ttvDaBeanstalk34 where you need clearance is right where the door makes the vertical turn to go horizontal. If you can scoot the boat back away from this point in the door, you may be clear, but you will still need to ratchet tight to ceiling.

[@Anihinsdale]

Thanks for a great video! How far away from the center line of the kayak should the eye bolt screws be installed? And how far apart should the screws be lengthwise. Thanks!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Honestly, I eyeballed it on both. I have about 2 feet on either side of the kayak. You just need to make sure of 2 things with the length. Too far apart and the nose or rear will slip out, too close and the same but it will tip out. Also, make sure you screw into a ceiling stud!!!

[@MrJynt0]

Great idea, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

No prob, glad it helped

[@TeejStone]

Lol the stud finder joke got me!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

For you brother!

[@nickwillis773]

I have a feel free and the same clearance issue. Did you use the same small eye bolt concept for the feel free? Great info!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Yup! Same eye bolt! They are snug and have not budged for 5 plus years!

[@cnazworth]

Great video! Thanks for the insight we are having the same issue.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

It has worked extremely well for me!

[@blutorlz3]

I was trying to figure out the garage door situation and the ratchet straps seem easy enough

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Make sure you measure 1st. I tried it in a friend’s garage and we couldn’t clear the door…whoops

[@blutorlz3]

@@ColbyYakFishing I had actually bought a pulley kit before seeing this and returned it for this setup. Everything clears and it costs less than the pulley kit. Both my yaks are out of the way and I can finally get my bimmer back in the garage. No more worrying about hail damage lol

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@blutorlz3 Hail Yea! Glad you got it sorted!

[@heatherallen5111]

Can you please add video on hoisting it up and final tie off? Thanks.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Maybe in a future video I could include some b-roll of me getting it down/putting it up… It’s real simple tho. Just pull down on the rope to disengage the brake (I pull at a little of an angle for better leverage). I don’t tie off the rope, I just get the boat high enough to connect the straps underneath.

[@BlessedFurrBabyMama]

It sounds like you have to get a ladder out to use the kayaks and then to store them again. Is that right?​@@ColbyYakFishing

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@BlessedFurrBabyMama ​​⁠ yes, ladder will be needed to unlatch ratchet straps as well as tighten them once the kayak is hoisted up.

[@PurpleBassThumb]

Great video! Gonna keep this in mind when I own a home in the future!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Had one in my apartment garage too lol

[@amyfreeze9772]

did you have to get on a ladder to tighten the ratchet straps or have you come up with another way to connect and tighten them?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Just a little step ladder to get good leverage.

[@reginapasqualino9565]

Will this work for bikes, too? I need a pulley system for both kayaks & bikes (my 1-door garage is even smaller than yours and I need room!)

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Oh for sure, the link in the description has multi use and comes with hooks for bikes!

[@jasondesco]

I’m having the same issue with garage space. Can you tell me the measurement between your open garage door and the ceiling?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

25.5 inches of clearance! My boats are about 13 to 15 in and the pulley system adds about 4 in, even when you hoist it up as far as you can, you still need the ratchet straps to cinch it closer to the ceiling.

[@bradjohnson918]

do the eye bolts that hold the ratchet straps need to go into studs as well? Or can those just go in drywall?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

These are what hold the weight of the kayak so, yeah…STUDS

[@andrewvelasquez79]

How much clearance do you have from your open garage door to your ceiling?

[@steveeichelberger806]

Nice Shoalie!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Why thank you!

[@privatecitizen8909]

I discovered that by the time I mount the front and rear pulleys and then the lower pulleys, I don’t have much hoisting to do, due to the fact that my workbench is the beneath the joists. So I need to know how you hung your old kayak using the scuppers with straps. Do you have a link or did you use this same product? Thanks!

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I basically took an old ratchet strap and cut 2 strips to size, looped it through the 2 scuppers up front and the other strap through the 2 in the back. I then fit and tied a carabiner to the straps on the deck of the kayak almost flush to the deck. Then used the same pulley hooks and mechanisms I used for the new one to get it snug as possible to the ceiling before using the ratchet straps.

[@privatecitizen8909]

@@ColbyYakFishing thank you kindly for answering. I might just send the box back to Amazon. It arrived today and I soon figured out that it just won’t be heisted that far up but heisting two Hobie Compass kayaks, even 3 feet with no real handles to grip, is a trying experience at age 67. and Hobie does not want me to store them on their sides which was my original plan. You are quite an inventive person and I congratulate you for a fine and instructional video.

[@defenderofthefaith94]

Why size eye and lag screws did you use…What about the caribeener?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Ooof, they were at least 6 in long…maybe zoom in on the vid and see what they say on the tag…

[@joshwagner8468]

Thanks for the tips on doing that. Pretty freaking cool

[@ColbyYakFishing]

It works so well for me and my space!

[@privatecitizen8909]

What is that cinch clasp thing called and can I get it in a local big box store?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I think you are referring to the apparatus that is apart of the pulley system.

[@privatecitizen8909]

@@ColbyYakFishingyes. It’s how you keep it square. I suppose I can use paracord and a trucker’s hitch.

[@rottdogsparky]

Great video

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Thanks!

[@jendeangelo3107]

Any plans to switch to an electric hoist? Was trying to figure out how to ise your system but with a Harbor freight electric winch/hoist versus manual lift.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Oooooo I’ll have to look into that!

[@rodrigoelgu]

could this hold a kayak that weights about 140lb?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Oooof, that’s a girthy girl. Holding her in place might take some bigger/longer eye screws and maybe 3 or 4 straps. But getting her up with the pulleys in this kit is something I can’t answer. I will say that the rope is the worst part, and is an easy replacement, but 140, phew

[@GuyRob6]

How safe / reliable is the braking mechanism on the pulleys? Do you have a backup if it fails or not necessary?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Very! The brakes are simple and prevent any slipping, holding the yak in place.

[@browncrcb]

How big are the lag bolts that hold 2x4 to ceiling?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

5.5 in

[@browncrcb]

@@ColbyYakFishing thanks

[@kjroberts9472]

What size eyelets did you use instead of the hangers it came with?

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Not sure, I took one of the pulleys to the hardware store and found some that I felt would work best

[@luisolivar3214]

How tall is your garage

[@ColbyYakFishing]

A tad over 9ft, but only about 2 feet above the garage door when it is open.

[@dmata3728]

Never suspend a Kayak right side up, you can deform or score the hull over time. Always suspend it upside down so the rigid top rails contact the straps and take the pressure.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I’ve haven’t ever had any issues of the sort. I’ve had one of the kayaks up there for over 2 years, and have been storing it the same way for 10 plus. I live in GA and it gets pretty hot, but again, haven’t run into this. I could see it doing those things to cheaper plastic kayaks potentially…

[@markking7290]

Loved the video. I have the same problem in my one car garage. 8 1/2’ ceiling. Only suggestion is maybe think about ditching the background music. IMHO, doesn’t add anything to the video and sounds a bit cheesy-to me.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

With a name like “Colby” it’s hard not to be “cheesy”…that was bad, sorry. But yea, I agree. Thanks for the feedback and I hope you found something useful!

[@62betcha]

looks like you didn't need to buy a kit. board,5pulleys, straps, eye bolts,biners, links, rope and your talent

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Next time…but sometimes DIY cost more than necessary!

[@Axeltiguere1976]

Stud finder works 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Lol that’s right!

[@nonyabusiness2510]

That's not a small garage. anything bigger than a one car garage is not "small". I have a SMALL one car garage. In fact there is not enough clearance between the garage door and the ceiling to fit a kayak. I have 9 inches. If i go behind the door it almost hits the back wall but I wouldn't have enough clearance to have the benefit of a 2x4.I need zero clearance.It needs to literally have no more than an inch from the ceiling.

[@McFaddis]

There has to be an easier way haha

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Haha nothing DIY is ever easy

[@sde8383]

Why even bother with a pulley system? 4 eye bolts and 2 ratchet straps does the job.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Tried it but heavy kayaks make it more difficult.

[@jimblum6931]

Annoying background music

[@ColbyYakFishing]

I will make sure to consult with you before choosing a soundtrack for future videos.

[@paulg.5997]

Lose the dumb music. It detracts from the video.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

Thanks Karen

[@paulg.5997]

@@ColbyYakFishing your welcome Bozo.

[@ColbyYakFishing]

@@paulg.5997 you’re*