How to Make a Kayak Dock & Launch

Measure the length and width of your kayak. These measurements should be the maximum length and the width at the widest point. For example, 10 feet long and 2 feet wide.

Cut two 4-by-4 planks to 6 feet, and one to 64 inches, and cut the remaining lengths of the 8-foot planks down into three 16-inch planks.

Lay down two 8-foot-long 4-by-4s on the ground, parallel to each other, with the 64-inch-long length between them at the ends closest to you.

Place two 16-inch lengths at the other end of the 8-foot planks pointing inward toward each other. Place the two remaining 6-foot lengths on the ground, parallel to each other, with the ends touching the ends of the two 16-inch lengths of planks. Finally, place the remaining 16-inch plank between the other ends of the two 6-foot planks. What you have before you should resemble a large U shape.

Cut your 2-by-4s to make eight 6-foot-long lengths, and 48 pieces cut to 2 feet.

Nail down the ends of the 6-foot-long 2-by-4s into the 8-foot-long 4-by-4s, perpendicular to them, side by side. Then nail down the ends of the 2-foot-long 2-by-4 sections to the 8- and 6-foot 4-by4s. You should now have a fully covered deck surface of your U shape.

Flip the deck over and cover the inside cavity of the dock with a layer of Styrofoam insulation. Cut it with your utility knife and cover the entire underside of the dock flush to the edges of the 4-by-4s. Tack a few nails through the insulation and into the 2-by-4s to hold it in place.

Carry and place your dock, 2-by-4 side facing up, into the water. The foam will keep it buoyant enough to stand on, while remaining just at the surface of the water. The U shape will allow you to pull your kayak into the dock to allow for easy access to the cockpit of the kayak.