Storing PA 14 on Trailer

Hi all,

I'm looking into solutions for storing a PA14 (which I don't have yet). Searching online, I could find a lot of threads, articles and YouTube videos talking about modifying the trailer by building PVC rails that bend to conform to the hull of the kayak. One example is here: https://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=14161.msg154134#msg154134

So, that was my plan - modify the trailer and use it to store the kayak. That was, until I decided to read the manual:

https://static.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/PA_12_14_manual_2019_v3.pdf?_ga=2.107655554.1839881248.1569817883-560018874.1560736549

On page 32 it mentions to "Never use PVC runners or tubes to store boat on", but doesn't explain why... Any ideas? Or should it be implied that these are tubes that are laid on a flat surface and thus have no "give"?

Are you physically capable of rolling the kayak over onto its gunwales? That is after it was put onto a rack.

The bottom is unsupported and ends up bearing all the weight, so the hull is prone to being pushed out of shape. The gunwales are stronger and that doesn't happen when stored hull-up on the gunwales.

From a practical standpoint, it becomes a matter of spreading the weight over a wide enough area that the hull doesn't deform, if stored hull down. And not leaving it in the sun.

You'll do more damage to the hull shape by using ratchet straps than by just having it sit on PVC bunkers. But it is something to watch.

Are you physically capable of rolling the kayak over onto its gunwales? That is after it was put onto a rack.

Yup, but I was looking for a way to avoid having to do that .

Ideally, I'd just like to put the trailer in the garage and not have to deal with the kayak after a day of fishing so that it's ready for the next trip.

The bottom is unsupported and ends up bearing all the weight, so the hull is prone to being pushed out of shape. The gunwales are stronger and that doesn't happen when stored hull-up on the gunwales.

From a practical standpoint, it becomes a matter of spreading the weight over a wide enough area that the hull doesn't deform, if stored hull down. And not leaving it in the sun.

You'll do more damage to the hull shape by using ratchet straps than by just having it sit on PVC bunkers. But it is something to watch.

Thanks for the response....

Looking into this a bit more, I found a thread where the owner of a PA14 claims that the deck is warped by the center hatch, and he stored it on PVC pipes:

https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=62241&hilit=angler+pvc&start=0

A Hobie rep mentioned this tends to push up on the scuppers, causing the warping.

In principle, I agree with your response - distribute the weight over a wide enough area and you should be ok. The guy must have had the PVC pipe laying flat on the floor. Seems interesting to have all those diy tutorials all over the place on building PVC rail storage despite this not being a recommended solution...

Thanks again!

The key to using PVC bunks is allowing the plastic to conform to the underside hull of the PA-14.
Tom Kirkman in Florida, came up with the "bunk idea" at least 8 years ago and I adopted his scheme in 2011 for my 2010 Outback and then lengthened the PVC pipes 24" when I bought my 2013 PA-14. You can see the couplers.
Tom used 2" OD PVC schedule 40 and I used 3" OD schedule 40 pipe thinking the 2" is too weak.

I can tell you that for the last 7 years, I have stored my PA-14 solely on the 3" PVC.  I slotted the pipe about 1.5"  where the SS 1/4 x 20 bolts hold the PVC to the 2 x 4 boards. I used a SS fender washer, preformed/curved under the head of the bolt and a nylock nut with fender washer under the 2 x 4. This allows the hardware to be a bit loose so the pipe can move, as it sags to the hull shape. The 3" PVC does sag nicely and conform to the hull. If I were to do it again,  I would opt for the 2" PVC.

My last suggestion is not to strap the hull firmly to the bunks........keep some slack in the straps so the hull is allowed to naturally settle on the PVC pipes.

I have not noticed any deformation of the hull or interior floor or anything else. IMHO, I think Hobie would just like to sell their PA bunks....that's it

The attached photos will give you a idea of what the PVC looks like with the PA off the trailer and on the trailer......different dates!


       

Dr. Steelhead Catcher

Are you using the 22 or 45 degree bend coupling at the end of the run?

I believe they are 11° couplers.

This photo shows what I did to make it easier to pull the PA back onto my trailer.

It'll be an Outback.  They aren't that heavy.  Roll it upside down to store it because darned near every kayak manufacturer says: "Store it upside down with the weight on the gunwales" because the gunwales are the strongest area of a rotomolded hull.  Then roll it right side up and rig it the night before a trip.