[rhuffman]

Last night I was drawing plans for a kayak shed using Sketchup. It seems good enough, but I'm not a builder. The biggest thing I ever built was a house for a couple of feral cats. I'm starting to wonder if I need more support for the roof.

Here's a screenshot of the plan so far.

The roof will be plywood, of course, and metal.

The question is this: do I need more roof support between the posts? The 4x4s are 5' 4.5" apart. I could add one or two 2x4 "footers" to span between the posts at the bottom, then place 2x4 studs to support the beams.

Also, if you see anything else that's a problem, please let me know. This newbie builder would appreciate any help he can get.

 

[rhuffman]

It looks like IMG for the screenshot didn't work.

Here's a link, without "https://" (because it appears I cannot post links yet):

drive.google.com/file/d/1OOpeLQs2RjyotZGwkSAkovl4X_ZoqosE/view?usp=sharing

 

[SPS-1]

I think Google tightened up security on Drive recently. Seems to default that you have to give each person access to download. But you can set it so anybody can download.

A minute ago, it would not give me access.

 

[Old Thomas]

I can’t see the drawing but you are using an unusual spacing for your posts. Generally structures are built in 4 foot modules to have efficient use of materials.

 

[ront02769]

Can’t get access to pix.

 

[Nealtw]

They aren't rocket science.

 

[rhuffman]

Thanks for the replies. The link to Google Drive should be fixed now.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OOpeLQs2RjyotZGwkSAkovl4X_ZoqosE/view?usp=sharing

The length is odd because I basically need it to be as short as possible but still fit a 17' kayak.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks for the replies. The link to Google Drive should be fixed now.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OOpeLQs2RjyotZGwkSAkovl4X_ZoqosE/view?usp=sharing

The length is odd because I basically need it to be as short as possible but still fit a 17' kayak.

Nothing wrong with that, I would run 3 2x4s on the top for the metal roofing a pass on the plywood. May need some angle braces front and back.
Will it be subject to wind or are you planing on anchors of sorts.

 

[ron45]

https://www.costway.com/heavy-duty-...MI7e-on9nv6QIVvOy1Ch3D6gVxEAQYBSABEgLkq_D_BwE

Price: $159.95 + Free Shipping

 

[ratherbefishing]

It looks like you'll be loading the kayaks from the end. If so, I'd definitely do some diagonal bracing. If you do the diagonals, all those 4x4s may be excessive. I'd use 2x4 for the center posts, maybe all of them. Are you planning on bolting the horizontals? I hate to see nails in shear. If there's room, I'd do a little bracing at the ends too, either plywood gussets at the corners or at least two bolts to keep it from racking sideways.

 

[rhuffman]

I should have explained I will be putting some sort of siding on it to protect the kayks from UV. I'll possibly use deck planks as one YouTuber did on his. I think that should give me the necessary stability.

As for the posts, I was wondering if I really needed 4x4s in the middle, so maybe I'll change those to 2x4s.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

 

[carpdad]

How about use 16' 2x4, make the floor with 2x2 deck rails for drainage (even if just hose spray cleaning for spiders, etc), leave the sides wide open for slipping the kayak ends in. Frame legs can be 2x4 and the corners braced with small corner braces or plywood braces. Middle support leg won't be necessary since kayak is light and so what if it sags? Or support the middle with piece of 2x4 that can be removed?
Back can be sheathed and cover the front with canvas tarp, either lashed tight or snap buttons. If this is free standing, rope for stability or bury the leg frames against wind.

 

[ratherbefishing]

Deck planks (5/4 boards) may be a little heavy and excessive. PT privacy fence boards would be plenty strong and cheaper. Or, T-111.

To be honest, I wouldn't sheath the long side. I have a rack that I use for kayaks. It's under my deck, and loads from the end. Sometimes, you just want to look in or reach in from the side. A 17' tunnel is gonna be impossible to clean out or service. Whatcha gonna do when wasps build a nest at the far dark end? I'd build it open and braced. Then hang a tarp or piece of cloth for UV protection. But that's me.

Neat project. Have fun!

 

[Mystriss]

Naw, throw a couple pairs of doors on the long end, then you can use it for other kinda outdoor storage if you change hobbies

We made a firewood holder that was very similar - ours was only 9' long and we shingled the roof, used T-111 to make doors and painted to match the condo.