Best Kayak Hoist: 6 Kayak Lift Systems Reviewed

Winter is coming and keeping a kayak indoors is no easy task, especially if you’re short of space at home.

Thankfully, you can now use a kayak garage storage system to store your kayak or canoe; you can mount it on the ceiling.

Yes, the ceiling.

Optimization is what you need in every aspect of your life today and it starts with effectively storing that beast of over two meters long.

Today, we’ll review some of the best kayak hoist you need to have at home and we’ll also be covering:

• Each of the product’s key takeaways;
• Pros and cons;
• What makes each of them good for you;
• Lots more!

So if you’re ready to make your life a world easier, then read on!

Ready?

In three, two, and one…

Quick Comparison For The Best Kayak Hoist

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A best kayak hoist can save you a lot of space at home. They’re easy to install and use, so you shouldn’t have any problem using them!

They also keep your kayak secure while preventing accidental damages.

But if there’s one thing you need to be careful with…

…it’s choosing only the most suitable kayak ceiling hoist for your own unique canoe or kayak.

We’ve listed 6 of the tried and tested kayak hoists in the market. They’re practically the best you can find today!

1. RAD Sportz – 125 lb. Capacity Kayak Canoe Ladder Lift Hoist – Best System Lift Overall

Key Takeaways

• Awesome safety features
• Functional design
• Great price

Design

The hoist has a pretty versatile design and has plenty of uses! It can hold up to 125 pounds, enough to support the typical kayak weight.

Use it on your kayak, canoe, and even for your bikes or ladders. You’re not limited to a single-use!

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.

Features

This hoist system packs a lot of impressive features, so you can safely store your kayak.

The heavy-duty straps can secure your kayak in place so it doesn’t accidentally fall.

You’ll 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.

Is the Capacity of the Kayak Canoe Ladder Lift Hoist for You?

This is one of the best kayak hoist we’ve found in our search.

It has a versatile design and sports an abundance of impressive features.

If you need a practical yet straightforward kayak hoist, this product is our number one recommendation.

Pros 

• Fits garages of up to 12 feet high
• Easy to install
• Easy-to-lift pulley system
• Locking mechanism

Cons

• The manual is a bit difficult to understand, but check out below video.

How To Install Rad Sportz Kayak Hoist

2. Suspenz Ceiling Hoister – Best Value for Money

Key Takeaways

• Versatile storage hoist
• 4-point lifting system
• Ideal kayak storage

Design

Are you looking for a versatile storage hoist with great value for money? Then this product is one you don’t want to miss.

It’s pretty affordable compared to other hoists we’ve bought.

We especially love the fact that this hoist has multiple uses!

You can use it to lift your kayak, canoe, ladder, bike, and more! You can always count on this one to get the difficult job done for you.

As long as you make sure your item isn’t more than 90 pounds, you should be able to use it safely!

Features

For its price, this product sure comes with impressive features.

It sports durable straps, so you can quickly raise and lower your kayaks from the ceiling. The hooks are also pretty durable, so you can count on them to support your kayaks.

Additionally…

The pulley system also sports an impressive locking mechanism to prevent any accidental releases.

This kayak storage system comes with mounting brackets, saddles, and a hoist rope. So you’re getting a lot of products for the price of one!

But if there’s one thing we’re sure you’re going to love, it’s the lifetime warranty that comes with this kayak system.

Is the Suspenz Ceiling Hoister for You?

If you want great value for money, this is one of the best kayak hoists you can find for the price.

It has multiple uses and cant hold up several kayaks!

The whole kayak storage system is easy to install on your garage ceiling without any problem!

Pros 

• Easy to lift and lower pulley system
• Durable and solid hoist
• Includes a lifetime warranty
• Comes with mounting brackets

Cons

• Supports only up to 90 pounds

3. CargoLoc Garage Kayak Hoist – Best Budget Pick

Key Takeaways

• Versatile kayak hoist
• Space saver
• Great engineering

Design

You can use this heavy-duty hoist on almost anything, not just your kayak! So it’s almost like an all-in-one system for you!

The design is quite simple and straightforward, which is something we appreciate.

As long as it gets the job done, it’s all that matters for us!

You can store your kayak overhead and have enough space in your garage for other uses.

Features

When we think of heavy-duty, this kayak hoist system is one of the first ones to come to mind.

You can lift nearly anything to the ceiling, thanks to its pulley system and robust latches.

And with its locking mechanism, you won’t have to worry about any accidental release!

The entire system can also suspend and hoist products of up to 100 pounds! Impressive.

You also don’t have to worry about your kayak getting scratched, thanks to the rubber coated hooks!

Is the CargoLoc Garage Kayak Hoists for You?

It’s for anyone! If you want a hoist that has multiple uses, you can always rely on this one.

Whether you canoe or not, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of uses for this one.

It’s a great space-saving hoist that’s both easy to use and install!

Pros 

• Easy to install and use
• Safe Locking mechanism
• Rubber coating hooks
• Great engineering

Cons

• Weight capacity not as extraordinary compared to others

4. Harken 90 lbs Kayak Lift System – Best Heavy Duty System

Key Takeaways

• Heavy duty
• High-quality mounting hardware
• Durable construction

Design

At a glance, this product looks like any other kayak pulley system. So more or less, the design is pretty average.

Nevertheless, it shouldn’t stop you from getting this best kayak hoist.

It can fit comfortably in any garage, especially if you have a high ceiling!

It leaves enough space underneath for you to park your car or store other things.

Features

If you want a reliable and best kayak hoist, believe us when we say you won’t regret choosing this product.

There’s the high-quality hardware and impressive heavy-duty construction to love.

The product comes complete, so you don’t have anything to worry about!

You can lift objects of up to 90 pounds, thanks to its durable double kayak hoist pulley system. It’s made from strong steel, so you use your hoist for up to many years.

Although the maximum weight capacity proved to be an issue for some, it’s a non-issue for us.

At the end of the day, as long as this kayak hoist performs, we’re all good!

Is the Harken Kayak Lift System for You?

If you value quality and performance, this product is one you don’t want to miss.

It gets the job done without any frills! It’s easy to use and is an all-around storage hoist.

Pros 

• Highly durable
• Easy to install
• Double pulley system
• Heavy-duty steel

Cons

• Weight capacity could be improved

5. Harken 145 lbs Kayak Lift System– Best Maximum Capacity Kayak Hoist

Key Takeaways

• Supports up to 145 pounds
• Simple and straightforward
• Basically gets the job done

Design

If we’re honest, there isn’t much we can say about the design of this product. It’s simple and straightforward but gets the job done.

For an affordable hoist, you can use it to lift kayaks and even other items.

As long as it’s anything under 145 pounds, it’s all good! And compared to other products out there, you won’t be able to find a hoist that supports that much weight.

This hoist is also perfect for a garage with a maximum height of 9 feet. We admit this is a downside compared to other 12 feet high hoists, it’s pretty forgivable.

Features

This kayak hoist has some impressive features we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

The lift has a safety feature so you can securely lift and lower your kayaks from your garage ceiling. You also don’t have to worry about your kayaks dropping suddenly from the ceiling!

The hooks have a rubber coat, so you don’t have to worry about it scratching your kayaks.

Now, the straps work just as well as other expensive hoists out there. They’re very durable and strong, and we’re simply rendered impressed with them.

Is the Harken 145 lbs Kayak Lift System for You?

If you want a simple hoist for your kayaks, there’s no harm in getting this one.

It gets the job done without any excess or troubles.

Pros 

• Safe Locking mechanism
• Durable straps
• Easy to use
• Easy to install in garage ceiling

Cons

• Leans to the expensive side

6. Racor – PHL-1R, Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift– Best Hoist Weight Rack

Key Takeaways

• 4×4 Platform included
• Ceiling mounted
• Easy to install

Design

Once you see this product, you’ll know it’s very versatile.

There’s a 4-by-4 foot platform, which is unlike the other hoists you’ll find in the market. For us, the platform is very convenient!

If you don’t want to use it for your kayaks, you can quickly put other things on top!

This ceiling-mounted system lets you load kayaks and other items you want to keep out of the way.

You can load up to 250 pounds of objects, not just your kayaks! The weight capacity and steel platform combined are a dream.

Features

The package comes with all the tools you’ll need to complete the whole system. So you won’t have any excuses not to install this system!

The pulley system is pretty smooth, so you can easily lift or lower your kayaks in no time.

It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t have enough upper body strength.

If you’re having a hard time falling in love with this system, the brand offers a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee.

But we’re sure you won’t be needing that once you’ve loaded your kayaks.

Is the Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift for You?

If convenience is your priority, this ceiling mount system is for you!

It can accommodate up to 250 pounds, which helps you free up a lot of space in your garage!

Pros

• High quality and sturdy materials
• Convenient pulley system
• Comes with the necessary tools
• Versatile use

Cons

• Objects need to be balanced on the platform before use

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Best Kayak Hoist

You probably have an idea of what kayak hoist to buy. But before you do, there are some essential factors you need to consider.

Space

Where do you plan to put your kayak? How big is the space? Can it fit your kayak? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself.

Start by measuring your space and pay close attention to the height of your ceiling.

Make sure you have enough space under your kayak to put other things.

Some prefer storing their kayaks in their garage. The space is big enough, and it won’t get in the way of some things.

If your garage is big enough, it’s probably the best place to hoist your kayaks.

Lift System

There are two lift systems you need to know: electric and manual. Each has its pros and cons.

After a long day of lugging your kayak around the shore, we’re sure you don’t want to go through the hassle of manually lifting them.

This is why some people prefer electric lifting systems. They’re easy to use and takes less physical effort on your part.

But, most electrical kayak hoist systems come with a price. An expensive one! So you better make sure if the price is worth it.

Here’s the kicker.

You’ll also need to consider having a power supply close to your kayak system. If there’s none in your garage, then it might not be the best option for you.

Manual kayak hoist systems, on the other hand, are a lot cheaper. Often, they’re also easy to operate depending on their construction.

The only problem with manual hoists is the physical labor you need to go through. After all, not everyone is strong enough to pull their kayaks.

Tie-Down Straps

You can use almost anything to secure your kayak on the ceiling. But, there are only several things that can secure your kayak safely.

We recommend using tie-down straps.

They’re proven to store your kayak without any risk of falling securely.

But if you have other preferences, it’s okay! As long as you scrutinize the straps, you shouldn’t worry too much.

Generally, you’d want to choose a strap that won’t come loose or slip anytime.

Hooks

Tie-down straps and hooks go hand in hand to keep your kayak safe and secure.

That being said…

…make sure to look for a hoist that has heavy-duty hooks. The hooks can keep your kayak safe, so you don’t have to worry about it falling.

We recommend using a rubber-coated kayak hook. It protects your kayak against any scratches.

Locking Mechanism

Another factor you need to look for in a kayak hoist is a locking mechanism.

You don’t want to enter your garage only to find your kayak toppled over your car. Yikes!

A locking mechanism makes sure that your kayak doesn’t accidentally release itself.

Hoist Weight Capacity

Before you buy your hoists, it’s best to know how much your kayaks weigh.

Kayaks generally weigh somewhere between 30 to 70 pounds. So choose a hoist system that accommodates that capacity.

You’ll have peace of mind, and you won’t have to worry about your hoist system failing you.

Top Picks: Kayak Hoist System

We’ve reviewed some of the best kayak hoist systems you can find today for your kayak. Truth be told, we love all of them!

But, in addition to all the products we’ve listed, we have two more favorites: Suspenz Ceiling Hoister and Capacity Kayak Canoe Ladder Lift Hoist for their power and price point.

Runner Up: Suspenz Ceiling Hoister

You can never go wrong with this kayak hoist. It has multiple uses, so it’s very versatile and convenient to have around the garage.

You can easily lift objects of up to 90 pounds with no problem, which is enough to lift kayaks and other items.

Although some people wish that the weight capacity could be bigger, we’re nevertheless satisfied with the hoist.

Winner: RAD Sportz Capacity Kayak Canoe Ladder Lift Hoist

Our clear winner for this review, and the best kayak hoist for your garage, is no other than the RAD Sportz Capacity Kayak Canoe Ladder Lift Hoist.

It sports some impressive features and has a versatile design.

All the components make one of the best kayak host systems for your garage!

Conclusion

Whenever you’re out looking for a kayak hoist system, remember some of the best products we’ve listed today.

They can securely hold your kayak in place!

We hope you enjoyed this review. Feel free to leave a comment below on how we were able to help you, or how we can improve the information we share with you.

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. Who knows, they might also learn a thing or two.