I'm trying to make something similar to this but out of metal:



It is a kayak cradle that will be attached to my square thule racks.



Do you guys have any suggestions on how to make it? I've seen 2" x 1/4" x 6' iron pieces at home depot. Looks like this but not aluminum and much thicker.



Would aluminum be a good choice? Home depot doesn't carry thick aluminum and this would have to support a 60lb, 14 ft kayak and withstand air resistance at 80mph.

 

I wouldn't use aluminum. I would use 3/16 thick steel. You can bend using a vise and large hammer.

Good luck.

 

Doesnt Thule or Yakima make these?

John

 

Yeah they do but I'm poor and good with my hands. Plus the Thule/Yakima ones are universal. Their clamping systems don't hold the cradles to the rack very tightly. Making one on my own would be more custom to the shape of my kayak.

Where would I buy 3/16 thick steel?

 

If you are wanting to be cheap as possible I would suggest two places to try and get the steel. The first would be a scrap yard. Just look in the yellow pages for any local yards near you. Most places willl let you look through the scrap piles. The second place i would suggest would be a fab/welding shop. Check up with any local place to see if they have any drops that they will sell you. Usually you will end up getting a great bargain.

John