We've all used sawhorses to camp chairs to folding cots trying to get our yaks stable for rigging and storage.  Herb Reyes has adapted a folding PVC cradle that's cheap, easy to fabricate, and works like a charm!

MATERIALS:

 - Miter saw

- Drill and ¼” bit

- Thin diameter rope and lighter

- 2x adjustable strap

- PVC Primer/Cement

- 15” zipties

- (2) Large diameter pool noodle with hollow body

- Blade or knife

- (8) 1-1/2” PVC elbow

- 1-1/2” PVC SCH 40

            - (2) 36”  <A>

            - (2) 45”  <A>

            - (2) 31-1/2”  <B>

            - (2) 41”        <B>

- (4) 1” Flat washer (hole size depending on your rope size)

- (8) 1” Flat washer

- (2) 4-5/8” x ¼ Lag Bolt (Choose ones with short threaded part)

- (2) ¼” Nut

STEPS:

1.     Using a miter saw (regular hand saw if miter saw not available) cut PVC pipe in lengths mentioned above. Make two separate rectangular frames using PVC elbows. The smaller frame <B> should fit snug inside the larger frame <A>. Make any necessary adjustments/cuts for good fit. Once you’re satisfied, glue the pieces together using PVC cement.

2.     Lay the two frames on top of a flat surface and mark the middle section of the shorter sides of the frame. Hold them together and drill a ¼” hole through them. Insert the 2 lag bolts through the holes made. Make sure you use flat washers on both ends and 2 in between. Finish off with a bolt.

3.     Wrap the two adjustable straps on the top portion of your frames. Using a sharp knife or blade, make a slit on one side of the pool noodles. Cut them to size and enclose the upper part of the frame (the one with the straps) with the pool noodles. It is important that you buy the thin walled large pool noodles to accommodate the size of the pvc pipe. Finish off with zip ties.

4.     OPTIONAL: (Not really necessary, but I added this for added support and rigidity).

Drill four holes on the base of your frame. Run a small diameter rope through them (easier if you burn the end of the rope with a lighter). Insert washers and tie a knot to anchor in place. I have the two frames distanced at 25” apart when opened. Adjust the upper straps accordingly to accommodate different kayak widths.

ENJOY!!!

Herbert Reyes