The Docksider


Our Dock Mounted Kayak Lift Rack

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What Type Of Kayak Should I Buy

February 3, 2019 | By Ed Wrobbel, DockCraft Industries LLC

So, you’ve decided to make the plunge; and purchase your own kayak!

Then you go to your local sporting goods store or you shop online only to see the vast selection of kayaks available.  Now what?  How do I decide?

First, you need to decide if you will be kayaking on Flat water or Whitewater rapids.

If you chose Whitewater, I would venture to think that you already know enough to select the kayak of your dreams!   Therefore, we will concentrate more on Kayaks for Flat water adventures.

Flat water kayaks are grouped into two main categories:

Sit-On-Top Kayaks and Sit-In Kayaks.

choosing a kayak

Sit-On-Top Kayaks have seats molded in the top of the Kayak where you sit.  Your whole body is exposed to the sun and water – You will get wet!  These are great for people with long legs.  If you (and your pet) intend to go swimming; these kayaks are easier to get in and out of than Sit -In Kayaks.

Sit-In – Kayaks have a seat within the shell of the Kayak.   Most typically, you sit in a cockpit while your legs are surrounded by the shell of the Kayak.  They are a bit more difficult to get in and out of than Sit-On – Top Kayaks if swimming.  However, the cockpits tend to be roomier than one would imagine.

Next, types of Kayaks:

Recreational Kayaks –

These are designed for the casual paddler interested in recreational activities on a lake or flatwater stream. These kayaks are characterized by having a larger cockpit opening for easy entry and exit and a wider beam / width (27–30 inches) for more stability on the water. They are generally less than twelve feet in length. The weight of these kayaks typically range from 40 to 60 lbs.

The design makes them slower than a longer boat would be, but lighter, more maneuverable, easier to handle in and out of the water, and less expensive. Due to the wider hull, recreational kayaks will not track (maintain a straight line) as well as longer, narrower models.

Touring Kayaks –

Sea / touring kayaks are built to stroll through water for longer miles. The designs provide better speed and gliding experiences for the longer distance, as well as extra storage space for carry-ons.

These Kayaks are typically 12 to 20 feet in length with a beam / width of 18 to 24 inches. They typically weight between 55 and 75 lbs.

This design tends to trade off maneuverability and stability for speed and performance.

Tandem Kayaks –

Tandem Kayaks are typically 13 to 20 foot in length with a beam / width of 30 to 34 inches.

As there is more surface area in contact with the water, these kayaks take a little more energy to paddle.

Typical weight of these kayaks range from 60 to 85 lbs.

Pro’s:

  • Why paddle alone? – It’s easier than paddling a single kayak once the two of you are in sync. Enjoy the experience with someone else!!!  It is less expensive than purchasing two single kayaks.
  • Some manufacturers have a Tandem / Solo Conversion kit.  These allow a person to sit in the middle of the kayak to make it easier for the solo paddler to manage the tandem by themselves.

Con’s:

  • The tandem kayak is also known as the “Divorce kayak”. The biggest con is not having the freedom to do as you please. If you are not ready to work as a team, this definitely is not the kayak suited for you! Your day can turn from fantastic to horrible one paddle at a time and then the blame game starts.

Fishing Kayak –

Most fishing Kayaks are 11 to 16 foot in length with a width of 30 to 38 inches.

The extra width provides more stability for standing and moving around, especially with sit on top kayaks.

Typical weight ranges from 70 to 90 lbs.

The Sit-On-Top Kayak is preferred by many as this type of Kayak allows the angler to easily add accessories, and enables them to get out and wade more easily. However, this can be a wet ride at times!!!

Some anglers prefer the Sit-In Kayak, or cockpit” style Fishing Kayak (they have a much larger cockpit opening than the typical Sit – In Kayak). The cockpit boats are great when fishing cold water, and can be a much drier ride. And, since you’re actually down inside the boat, your center of gravity is lower and stability is often improved. However, being down inside a boat of this type makes it harder to get out should you decide to wade.

Aside from the types of kayaks an option to consider (available from many manufacturers) is a Peddle Drive system (similar to a bicycle).  This option drives built in fins or a propeller to supply your propulsion when peddling.

Beyond understanding the characteristics of the various kayaks there are other factors that need to be considered when purchasing your kayak.

Weight – Make sure that the weight of the kayak is within your means of being able load, store and launch your kayak.

Color – for safety sake!

Choose a color based on safety and the ability to be seen by others on the water. Yellow is the most visible color, followed closely by orange and red.

Blue, green, and even white will seem to blend in with the color of the water or surf.

Transporting your Kayak Home:

Once purchased, you will need to get your Kayak home!  If you do not have a car top carrier (which in most likelihood you could purchase at the location you purchased your Kayak), a pickup truck or a larger SUV, you could always rent a trailer from a local trailer rental agency.

Car topping your kayak to your launching site:

There are several sporting good stores or online stores where you can purchase a car top Carrier for Kayaks.

Do you have waterfront property?

Check out the DockSider Kayak Dock Lift and Storage Rack @ www.DockCraft.com

Our Kayak Lift and Storage rack offers convenient launching and storage capability right where you need it – On your Dock!  We have models that will suit your needs; whether you enter your kayak directly from your dock, or if you board your kayak while you are in the water.

DockCraft Industries patented design allows you to load and lift your Kayak directly from the water. With our leverage assisted design, you only lift a fraction of your kayak weight!  Keep your Dock clear for safe passage.

Watch our videos at https://dockcraft.com/product/kayak-dock-rack/

Half way down the page; select the video’s tab.

And Finally, Kayak Winter Storage –

In the Off Season, you will need to store your Kayak away from the water.

There are many Wall Mount racks available on the internet that will satisfy this purpose.

You could also utilize the DockCraft Wall Mount Conversion Kit.  This Kit will modify your DockSider Dock Lift and Storage Rack to a Wall Mounted Rack.

Use your favorite Browser, and search for: Paddling, Kayak, or Paddle Board – and one of the following:

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A Message from Cindy and Ed

Hi Folks,

My wife, Cindy, and I own DockCraft Industries LLC.

Our company focuses on making the best and most convenient Kayak, Paddleboard, and Canoe Dock Mounted Storage Racks / Lifts that are on the market today.

“Bold statement” you’re probably thinking; perhaps – but also quite challenging; at least for us.

A little background,

Cindy (Master’s Degree in Education) and I (Degree in Engineering and a Master’s in Business) are both retired after 30 years with a Fortune 500 company.

We live on Canandaigua Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes area of New York State.

Of course, we love the water, the activity on the lake, and recreational kayaking!

We had a problem:

We have a break wall requiring 5 steps down to our dock. Although our lake is shallow, knee deep in the Spring at the water’s edge; the steps required us to lug our Kayaks up and down or store them on our dock creating an obstacle course as we maneuver to the end of our dock. 

I had a good idea – So I thought:

Mount a couple of boards on the legs of our dock and have the boards extend beyond the edge of the dock. Then simply lift the kayak onto the boards and tie the kayak down.

My daughter (in her early 30’s) came back from a kayak journey one day and exclaimed – I love to kayak; but, what a pain to launch and lift the kayak to store!
Two reasons:  the cockpit fills with rain and sloshes around when launching, and the weight and bulk of the kayak create a cumbersome situation when lifting on the boards- especially if you try to lift one end and then the other.

“The DockSider” Kayak / Paddle Board Lift & Storage Rack was born!

After my daughters’ statement we got to thinking and watching our neighbors launch their kayaks.

For those with a sick sense of humor – it was actually quite comical.

Our Kayak / Paddle Board Dock Lift and Storage Rack:

  • Clears your Dock decking by sitting on the side of your Dock.
  • Lift with a fraction of the weight due to the patented leverage assist mechanism.
  • Stores at an angle eliminating Rain entering the cockpit.
  • Has height to water distance adjustment via pins and slots; to accommodate different water levels.
  • Our products include models for those that board their Kayak while in the water or from the dock (mucky /stony bottom, or Deep Water).
  • The mounts create loading on the decking of your dock not the side boards.  If your dock can hold you; it will hold your kayak or paddle board.

The patent for our Kayak & Paddle Board Lift / Dock Rack was issued in 2012.

Our primary reason for starting DockCraft Industries is to share our products with those that have a similar problem as ours.

Over the years we have had Thank You letters / emails from:

  • 25 to 80-year old’s
  • Husband and Wives
  • Grand Parents and Grandchildren
  • Customer Neighbors and Friends

It gives us great satisfaction and pleasure hearing that our customers find our racks so useful and convenient.

We hear:

  • I did a Happy Dance!
  • Wow, I use my kayak paddleboard much more now!
  • Unique / Easy to install and use / Great Quality!
  • My 82 year old Mother can now enjoy her Paddle Board!
  • See our Testimonials @ https://dockcraft.com/testimonials/

Our Business is based on our Customers:

  • The customer is the most important person in our company.
  • Without our customers we wouldn’t have a business.
  • The customer is not dependent on us, we are dependent on the customer.
  • We are not doing the customer a favor by serving them, the customer is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.
  • The customer is a person who brings us their wants. It is our job to satisfy these wants to the benefit of Our Customer and to ourselves.

We are here to serve our customers – Email or Call us:

  • If you have any questions or have a unique application relating to our Dock Racks.
  • Have a problem or product idea for your dock or paddling needs; perhaps we could help!
  • Have a particular topic you would like us research and share.
  • Or simply want to share some info about your waterfront.

Thank You for taking time to read this blog.

Our Best to All !

Cindy and Ed

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Holiday Gifts for Paddlers

Whether it be Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, finding a gift for the paddler in your life is pretty easy with online shopping.

Use your favorite Browser, and search for: Paddling, Kayak, or Paddle Board – and one of the following:

  • Holiday Decorations – You can find numerous kayaking or paddleboard ornaments.
  • Back Bands and Seats – Sitting in a kayak for a few hours is not easy on the lower back. Kayak back bands are devices that fit into the seat area of the kayak and provide lower back support similar to those you find for car seats.
  • Apparel – Whatever the weather, the kayaker and paddler needs to be dressed for it. If it’s hot or cold; wet or dry. Remember, layering is key. A couple of thinner layers is better than one thick layer.
    Find layering shirts and pants, wet suits / dry suits, Hats, paddling boots, and more.
  • T Shirts – There is an abundance of websites offering a variety of men’s and women’s Kayak and SUP T shirts.
  • Waterproof Adventure Journals – These Journals are waterproof that let Kayakers, Paddle Boarders, and any outdoor adventure enthusiast to keep notes during and after their trips. The adventure journal is perfect for writing down impressions, routes taken, things seen, people met, etc.
  • Kayak and Paddleboard Racks –
    • Auto Racks; If you have to transport your kayak or paddleboard via a Car or SUV to the water; these racks are a must. There are many companies that offer these units for sale.
    • Dock Racks and Lifts: If you live on the water, these racks offer the convenience of having your Kayak or SUP right at the point of use – over the water. Save your precious dock space.
      At this point I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Docksider Kayak / SUP Lift and Storage Rack. “The DockSider” offers numerous features including lifting assist which reduces the weight being lifted via a patented leverage design.  Also; minimize rain entry into the cockpit as the kayak rolls over during the lift having the bottom facing upward. Shop now.

    and of course

    • Kayaks and Paddle Boards, nothing better than receiving a new one as a gift this time of year!!

    We hope this helps in giving you ideas for this Holiday Season,

    Best – Ed

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Tips for Cold Weather Kayaking

winter kayaking

For us in the Midwest, Northeast, and soon across the country, the weather has turned colder and summer recreational equipment, including kayaks, has been put away for the winter (check out winter storage tips here). For those who love the cold weather and outdoors, though, many will be keeping their kayaks available during the winter months for some winter kayaking.

While kayaking in the winter is not for everyone, it can be quiet and peaceful as the crowds of the warmer months have gone and it’s just you, your kayak, and nature. Many also take up winter kayaking for the challenge as it’s definitely a more difficult endeavor in the winter.

If you are considering cold weather kayaking, it’s extremely important to be aware and prepared. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Be confident.
    Ideally your first time in a kayak will not be in the winter. When kayaking in the winter, it’s important to feel confident and have a strong knowledge of how to kayak and how to handle various situations while kayaking.
  • Dress appropriately.
    It’s cold out and so is the water. During the winter months it’s best to wear a wetsuit or a dry suit under your clothing in case the kayak tips and you end up in the water. Outerwear should be waterproof and insulated enough to keep you warm. And, of course, wear your lifejacket.
  • Bring extra clothing and supplies.
    In case you do end up in the water or just getting wet by getting splashed or rained on, it’s a good idea to have extra supplies so you can change into warmer clothing. You may also want to consider bringing a blanket, a fire starter and first aid kit.
  • Stay close to shore.
    If you do venture out on a kayak in the winter, it’s best to stay near the shore in case something happens and you do tip or it gets too cold so you can quickly get to safety.
  • Kayak with a partner.
    It’s best to venture out with a partner for safety. And, you and your partner should both let someone know you’re going to be out kayaking, where and expected time of trip.
  • Check the weather.
    This is good advice not just for winter kayaking, but for summer as well. Before going out, it’s best to check the weather and wind speed to make sure there are no storms or high winds in the forecast.

If you’re not ready to brave the winter waters or it just doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry, spring and summer will be here before you know it!

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Caring for Your Kayak and Kayak Rack During the Winter Months

kayak storage

Fall is here and hopefully you are enjoying some of the beautiful fall days on your kayak. For those of us in colder climates, now is the time to start thinking about kayak storage.

Prepare Your Kayak Before Winter Storage

Before storing your kayak for the winter, it’s important to thoroughly clean it to remove any residue from use over time including sand, dirt, and salt. Simply using water and a mild soap will work to get your kayak clean. You can also use a protectant for your kayak that will help to shield UV rays. Be sure your kayak is completely dry before storing it away for the winter.

How to Store Your Kayak for the Winter

One of the most important storage recommendations for keeping your kayak like new is to hang it on a storage rack and not on the ground during the winter months. Ideally your kayak should be stored inside in a garage, shed, basement, or other storage area. It’s not necessary for the storage location to be warm, just so that the kayak is protected from the outside elements.

When storing your kayak on a rack, be sure to evenly distribute the weight on the rack so as not to damage the hull. If you don’t have a rack, avoid having the kayak sit on the floor as this can deform its shape. It’s best to lay it on its side or vertically on a wall.

If you do have to store your kayak outside, it’s best to keep it in a shaded area and where it will not get wet. You can protect your kayak outside by creating a covering for it, but don’t wrap the kayak in the cover too tight. Make sure there is room for air flow as moisture next to the kayak can cause mold. Be sure the cover is waterproof and UV resistant. Storing your kayak this way while outside will preserve it from the elements including moisture, sunlight and extreme heat and cold which can cause damage.

Whether storing your kayak inside or out, a cockpit cover is helpful to avoid having mice or other animals make a home out of it. You can even make your own cover using a garbage bag and tying it around to cover the cockpit. It’s also helpful to check on your kayak occasionally during the winter to make sure animals or insects have not gotten in.

The Docksider Kayak Lift & Rack

We recommend removing the Docksider kayak storage lift and rack from your dock before winter. Though the Docksider is made from architectural or aircraft grade aluminum, the cold and ice during the winter months can cause damage. The lift and rack can be easily detached from your dock by removing the bolt on or clamp on mount.

The Docksider can also be used as a wall mount rack to store your kayak. We offer a wall mount conversion kit so that you can store your Dockside Kayak Lift & Rack and your kayak in your garage, shed or other storage area. Using the Docksider to store your boat indoors will allow you to very easily lift the kayak up into storage position just as you do on the dock.