Dock Mounted Hoist Option For Getting Kayak's In And Out Of The Water

Question:

Okay, heres an unconventional question for this hoist: Im trying to find something that I can use to hoist my kayak no more than 60 lbs down from my dock and it on the shoreline of the river fresh water below and then be able to hoist it back up to the dock after returning from a float. Right now I have to lug it down steps and it is very cumbersome and laborious and I end up pulling numerous muscles in the process. So I need something that will work on a verticle. I thought about a boat winch but theyre intended for horizontal and I need the tension going both ways. This Viking Solutions Kwik Hoist w/ Winch - Tree Mount - Steel - 400 lbs Item 310-VKH001 seems like it may work for my needs unless you can suggest a better alternative? I thought about the standard manual garage hoist systems but I dont think they will give me the clearance and the kayak would just bank up agianst the dock on the way down and up. Im having the upper dock replaced as the wood is rotted and so it can be designed to accomodate the approapriate hoist. Yall have never failed me before. Im hoping you can help me with this conundrum.

asked by: Joan R

Expert Reply:

Hi Joan,

We don't have much of a selection of hoist/pulley systems that would really work with your situation so the Viking Solutions Rack Jack Magnum Hoist w/ Winch # 310-VMH001 is likely going to be the best option when at the dock. The # 310-VKH001 doesn't swivel so it you'd have a hard time trying to hoist the boat up and pull it over onto or off of the dock. The # 310-VMH001 does swivel and you could mount a bike rack storage mount like the Swagman # S80940 to the dock to secure the hoist.

You might be able to find a better hoist option in a mechanic/home improvement store but I would definitely look for one that has a swivel feature so that you can move the kayak around while on the hoist.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Joan R.

5/7/2024

Thanks, Kevin. Yeah, I was thinking a swivel option would be better too. Thanks for the info. You've given me some additional options to noodle on. A loyal etrailer customer, Joan