Kayaking is an absolutely fun sport, especially if you’ve just bought a wonderful inflatable or hardshell kayak of your own. That said, you might be wondering where to store your kayak, what with the rains or winter coming. With space at a premium in urban jungles, keeping a kayak indoors is no easy task. What’s more, storing it in the garage is also difficult, especially if you don’t want it to come in the way. This is where the nifty invention that is a kayak hoist comes in. The best kayak ceiling hoists, especially for your patio or your garage, can save you a lot of space. This is especially true since kayaks occupy a lot of space on the ground or even if they lean up against the walls. Kayak hoists allow you to literally hoist your kayak to the ceiling, making for an inventive, space-saving storage idea.
Just like the Best Kayak Outdoor Storage Racks are ideal for summers, these hoists make for a great storage option throughout the year. Investing in a good hoist is no mean feat, which is why we’ve even put together a handy buying guide for you too. To that end, here are the 13 best kayak ceiling hoists for your garage.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Hoists for Your Garage?
Kayak accessories, especially those that are designed for making your kayak storage and transport easier need to be chosen with care. Right from the Best Kayak Cockpit Covers and Best Kayak Carts, Wheels, and Trolleys to the Best Kayaking Anchors and now kayaking hoists, there are a lot of considerations that you need to look at while buying them. Kayaking hoists have a number of aspects you need to look at before buying – the size of your kayak, how often you use it, how large your garage space is, and the number of kayaks you need to store, how big your garage space is and often you use your kayak. So, what all should you watch out for when buying kayaking hoists?
Kinds of kayaking hoists
Basically, there are two kinds of kayak hoists to choose from – electric and manual kayak hoists. Electric kayaking hoists are the more convenient of the two since they don’t require any manual working. The process is automatic, allowing you to easily operate it alone by simply strapping the kayak in and letting the hoist do the heavy lifting. That said, they’re more expensive and require electricity to work. Manual hoists, on the other hand, require your strength to load and unload the boat. While the hoist does make it a lot easier, you’ll still need a load of upper body physical strength to get the work done. The only plus point is that they’re considerably cheaper than the electric ones and don’t require a power sourced o run.
Set-up and assembly
It takes a fair amount of effort to assemble and set up kayaking hoists. Luckily, most of them come with extremely detailed and descriptive self-help manuals for assisting you during the setup. What’s more, they also come with all the components you’ll need to set the kayak hoist system up. Perhaps the sole aspect you need to consider is the surface material that you’ll attach it to for determining the kind of screws, bolts, and nuts you’ll need for installation. If you’re still not confident, especially about the weight, then do call a professional and don’t attempt to do it yourself.
Space
For installing a contraption as complicated as a kayaking hoist, you need to have access to a large and safe space. To begin with, the place should be free of moisture and dry. hence, make sure that your kayak completely dries before hoisting it up after a kayaking expedition, as you don’t want it to attract mold. Moreover, the place should have a relatively stable temperature and not get too hot or too cold. Plus, the wall or the ceiling you’re hoisting the pulley system on needs to be able to withstand the weight and keep it in place. Finally, the place needs to have easy access so you can load and unload your kayak smoothly. After all, you don’t want to keep hitting your hands or legs or worse, your head on other things while trying to get your kayak down or up, do you?
Maximum weight capacity
Finally, one of the most important aspects you need to check while buying kayak ceiling hoists for your garage is its weight capacity. In addition to that, you also need to double-check the weight-bearing capacity of the surface on which the kayak hoist sits. The kayak’s weight shouldn’t exceed the capacities, or it could lead to the entire system breaking.
What is the best kayak hoist for your garage?
Our vote would go to the Vivohome Heavy Duty Ceiling Mount System that evenly lifts kayaks of all kinds and hoists them up to the ceilings, Besides rubber hooks that don’t scratch the kayak, the hoist system also features stong-braided nylon ripes for durability, a safety locking mechanism, and has a 125 lbs weight capacity. However, the best part about it is that its lock can even hold the kayak in place when the rope and wall lie at a 45-degree angle.
Racor PHL-1R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift
13
The Racor PHL-1R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift is one of the best and most versatile kayak hoists on this list. This hoist system features a 4 x 4 feet platform that’s as convenient as it’s inimitable as the others on the market. This ceiling-mounted system allows you to not only load kayaks but even keep other items on it and keep things out of the way too. What’s more, the steel platform has a weight capacity of 250 lbs and comes with all the components and equipment you need to install the whole system. Thus, it’ll free up a lot of space in your garage, using the ceiling space very efficiently.
Going further, the pulley system is very smooth, despite being a manual one that can be easily lifted or lowered with a nifty hand crank. Thus, it’s ideal even for those who don’t have enough upper body strength. Finally, the brand even offers a 100 percent money-back lifetime guarantee.
Pros:
- Versatile.
- Comes with all components to install.
- Convenient pulley system.
- Sturdy.
Cons:
- The platform needs to be balanced before use.
Harken Kayak Lift System
12
If you want a simple yet affordable kayak ceiling hoist for your garage, then the Harken Kayak Lift System is ideal. With a weight capacity of a whopping 145 lbs, this system is perfect for garages with a maximum height of 12 feet. So, if you have a smaller garage, then this hoist system is ideal for storing your kayak. The best part is that this manual hoist system is designed as a one-man operation, thanks to the four-point system and patented design that lifts and lowers the platform evenly. Helping with the security factor is the inbuilt safety feature, so you won’t have to worry about your kayaks suddenly dropping from the ceiling!
What’s more, the hooks on the contraption boast a rubber coating, ensuring that the system doesn’t scratch your kayak or puncture it in any way. Moreover, the straps are both strong and durable and hold up well. Double-braided ropes, stainless-steel hardware, and a self-locking safety cleat round up the features of this amazing product.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use.
- Durable and double-braided strong straps.
- Locking mechanism.
Cons:
- None!
CargoLoc Garage Kayak Hoists
11
Another of the best kayak hoists is the heavy-duty CargoLoc Garage Kayak Hoist, which is one amazing all-in-one system that can not only hold your kayak but a lot of other things. The straightforward and simple design consists of robust latches and a smooth and well-oiled pulley system. It comes with installation hardware as well as two eight-feet braided straps that are as strong and they’re durable. However, what you’ll really like is the safe rope locking mechanism that prevents accidental release and any mishaps from occurring.
With an impressive weight-bearing capacity of 100 lbs, the system even comes with rubber-coated hooks on the side. So, no matter whether you have a hardshell kayak or an inflatable one, you don’t have to worry about scratches, abrasions, or punctures. A solid steel construction ensures that this system can be used in spaces with ceiling heights of as much as 14 feet.
Pros:
- Excellent engineering.
- Rubber-coated hooks don’t harm your kayak.
- Locking mechanism for safety.
- Easy to install and use.
Cons:
- Not the most weight capacity on this list.
Suspenz Ceiling Hoister
10
If your kayak doesn’t weigh more than 90 lbs, then one of the best kayak ceiling hoists for the garage is the Suspenz Ceiling Hoister. As the name suggests, this versatile yet well-designed and top-notch storage hoist offers excellent value-for-money. To begin with, the hoist has a host of multiple uses, and it can be used to store everything from kayaks and boats to even bikes, ladders, and more. It comes with a pair of durable straps which, when paired with a single control rope ensure an easy one-person operation. Moreover, even the hooks are long-lasting, so you can count on it to support your kayaks.
Going further, the entire package comes with a hoist rope, saddles, and mounting brackets for easy installation and setup. There’s even an impressive locking mechanism on the pulley to prevent any accidental releases. Rounding up the features of this hoist system is the lifetime warranty that comes along with it. The best part? In this contraption, your kayak can fit between the top of the garage door and the ceiling, or beneath the open garage door, or even perpendicular in front of the garage.
Pros:
- Comes with mounting brackets, a hoist rope, and straps.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Solid and durable.
- Easy to lift and lower.
Cons:
- Supports only up to 90 lbs.
RAD Sportz 1004 Kayak Hoist And Storage Rack
9
With a weight capacity of a whopping 125 lbs, the RAD Sportz 1004 Kayak Hoist and Storage Rack is one of the most versatile and overall best kayak hoists on this list. So, even if you have a traditional, heavy-duty kayak, then this hoist works perfectly for that too. For a product that costs just $40, this hoist system packs in a whole lot of features. The hoist is also very easy to install, and you’ll only need the essential tools. Mount it on your garage ceiling, and you’re good to go.
The heavy-duty straps can secure your kayak in place so it doesn’t accidentally fall. You can also find a safety feature on the hoist system so that you can lock the rope in place. So whenever you accidentally release the lock, your kayak won’t fall! We also love that both hook and straps have a rubber coating, so it doesn’t scratch your kayak!
Pros:
- The locking mechanism is safe and secure.
- Easy-to-lift pulley system.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- The product comes with hard to understand instruction manual
RAD Sportz 1003 Kayak & Canoe Garage Hoist
8
RAD Sportz makes the best kayak ceiling hoists for garages, which is why we have another one from its kitty on this list – the RAD Sportz 1003 Kayak & Canoe Garage Hoist. This affordable manual hoist system which costs all of $30 is an excellent option for storing your boat if you’re on a tight budget. To begin with, the kit features all the hardware that you require to install it, including durable straps, a hoist rope, hooks, etc. What’s more, the straps are well-designed to not suffer wear and tear and will balance your kayak nicely. If that wasn’t enough, even the hooks are rubber-coated to prevent scratches and abrasions on your gear, or from accidentally puncturing it.
Going further, this kayak hoist can easily lift boats and canoes that weigh up to 125 lbs, which is perfect even for the heaviest and traditional kayaks. The handy locking mechanism further adds to the safety factor, which essentially prevents the load from being released accidentally. Finally, this system can be mounted directly onto ceilings up to 12 feet high.
Pros:
- Comes with a pair of durable straps.
- Locking mechanism.
- Rubber-coated hooks.
- Manual kayak hoist.
Cons:
- None!
Vivohome Heavy Duty Ceiling Mount System
7
If you want one of the best kayak hoists with a good weight capacity, then check out the Vivohome Heavy Duty Ceiling Mount System. Featuring a well-designed and well-oiled manual pulley system, the hoist boasts rubber-coated iron hooks that can easily balance out and lift both ends of your kayak at the same time. What’s more, the rubber coating makes sure that no scratches or abrasions appear on your kayak, and that it suffers no punctures. The best part, however, is that the system can hold weights of up to 125 lbs, and features strong-braided nylon ropes that keep the entire system stable.
Perfect for ceilings up to 10 feet in height, this hoist system also has a safety locking mechanism that helps in preventing accidental drops while hoisting the kayak up or getting it down. Furthermore, the lock is even designed so that it can hold the boat in place even when the wall and the rope lie at a 45-degree angle. Rounding up the features are the handy instructions and all necessary hardware that come along with it, allowing you to install it easily.
Pros:
- Includes all instructions and hardware.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Well-designed manual pulley system.
Cons:
- None, really.
Partsam Lift Electric Hoist Crane System
6
What makes the Partsam Electric Hoist Crane System one of the best kayak ceiling hoists for your garage? For one, it has the largest weight capacity not just on this list, but beyond it too – a whopping 440 lbs! That basically translates to a lifting strength of 220 lbs on each line. The electric hoist system comes with a pair of U-shaped mounting brackets that don’t need to attach directly to the ceiling, but rather to a wooden or metal bar on the ceiling. Plus, the bar needs to measure less than 1.73 x 1.73 inches. What makes this system easy to operate is that all you need to do is push a button on the remote control and flip a switch for the 4.9-feet long cable for raising or lowering the hoist.
What makes the contraption safe is that it even has a red button that stops the entire mechanism in case of an emergency. While the button initially comes locked in the position, it can be released by simply twisting the button. Finally, the two sling straps allow you to lift various items easily via the durable lifting cable.
Pros:
- The electric lift system is easy to operate.
- No manual lifting needed.
- High weight capacity.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Harken Jeep Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist
5
One of the most versatile manual kayak hoists is the Harken Jeep Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist. The four-point hoist system perfect for lifting kayaks evenly even if the weight isn’t equally balanced or distributed. So, this might just be perfect for lifting kayaks that are heavier at one end. The entire kit even comes with all accessories you need for setting up this system, with the exception of tools. This includes a robust, double-braided nylon rope and stainless-steel hardware.
With a lift capacity of 145 lbs, the hoist system is designed so that it’s easy to operate on your own. Furthermore, it even has an anti-drop system that automatically ends up locking in case you happen to drop the rope while lowering or raising the system.
Pros:
- Anti-drop locking mechanism for safety.
- Lifts even uneven weights and kayaks evenly.
- Includes hardware and instructions for setup.
Cons:
- Some users said that the shackle was missing.
Powerfly Kayak Hoist System
4
The easy to install Powerfly Kayak Hoist System is one of the quickest best kayak ceiling hoists for garage. It takes but a few minutes to use this manual pulley system to hoist your boats and canoes to the ceiling. The contraption is secured with adjustable straps attached to high-quality stainless steel hooks. Moreover, the hooks are wrapped in plastic for preventing your kayak from getting scratched or punctured. The eight-meter long rope is double-braided, ensuring that it’s both durable and long-lasting. With a weight capacity of 125 lbs, you can surely store the heaviest of traditional kayaks on this system.
Since the kit comes with the mounting hardware as well as the instructions, the installation and setup are easy as well. Finally, both the pulley system and the metal brackets are absolutely heavy-duty, which means that this system can be used for many years to come.
Pros:
- Easy to install.
- Comes with hardware and instructions.
- Fully adjustable with heavy-duty hooks and pulleys.
Cons:
- Slightly difficult for a single person to use.
MrHardware Kayak Hoist
3
This great little Kayak Hoist from MrHardware has all the features that you’ll need for a great hoist system – and that too for a price of just $34! With a weight capacity of 100 lbs, it’s ideal for storing smaller, single-person kayaks on the ceiling of your garage freeing up ground space. The well-designed pulley system allows you to easily move the hoist up and down, while the rubber-coated hooks prevent your inflatable or hardshell kayak from getting scratched or punctured.
However, there’s a lot more to this excellent hoist system. It boasts a safe locking mechanism that prevents the contraption from crashing down in case of accidental releases. The best part? It can be installed on ceilings as high as 12 feet.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use.
- Safe locking mechanism.
- Rubber-coated hooks prevent the kayak from getting scratched or punctured.
Cons:
- Some users said that the rope could be stronger.
Extreme Max 3004 Kayak Hoist
2
If you’re on a tight budget and have a smaller kayak, then go for the Extreme Max 3004 Kayak Hoist. One of the best kayak ceiling hoists for your garage, this hoist system from outdoor gear brand Extreme Max can lift up to 120 lbs in weight. So, if you have a lighter or smaller one-person kayak, then this system has plenty of power to lift your boat up, and then some. What’s more, the pulley system is evenly managed, which means that both sides lift at the same time. This is ideal if your kayak weighs more on one side, something that the hoist will even out and something that you can manage single-handed.
Despite being priced so low at $25, this hoist system has all the features of premium products. One particular feature that stands out is the powder-coated stainless-steel locking mechanism. It ensures that the contraption doesn’t crash to the ground in case of accidental releases, thus last you for years together.
Pros:
- Robust stainless-steel locking mechanism.
- Very reasonably priced.
- Pulley system is evenly managed.
Cons:
- Not ideal for tandem kayaks.
Bike Lane Kayak Hoist
1
Finally, we come to the top of the list of best kayak hoists, a spot that is occupied by the heavy-duty Bike Lane Kayak Hoist. This durable and powerful kayak hoist system can easily be installed on your ceiling and comes with all instructions and components for the same. With a maximum weight carrying capacity of 100 lbs, you can easily stash single-person or lighter kayaks on this system. The best part? It can be installed on ceilings as high as 12 feet.
However, that’s not all. The hoist system also features rubber-coated hooks that protect your kayak from getting scratches, abrasions, or even from getting punctured. Moreover, the durable straps ensure that your kayak is securely held up. Rounding up the features is the safe locking mechanism that prevents the kayak from falling down in case of accidental releases.
Pros:
- Safe locking mechanism.
- Rubber hooks keep kayak safe.
Cons:
- None.
