MIDDLE GRAND RIVER WATER TRAIL CANOE/KAYAK STORAGE RACKS
Background and Intended Uses
As part of our commitment to develop and promote the Middle Grand River Water Trail, the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have installed a number of canoe/kayak storage racks. These racks have the capacity to store four boats and up to 12 cubic feet of gear for each. Both the boats and gear may be secured with paddler-provided locks and cables, but security cannot be guaranteed. Use at your own risk.
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The racks are intended for short-term and overnight storage only, NOT multiple day or seasonal storage. Anything left for more than 24 hours will be removed, then disposed of after 7 days. The purpose of this document is to demonstrate one method of securing a boat to the racks. The method shown is for boats without thwarts or a locking ring on them. We make no guarantee that securing your boat and gear to these racks will prevent theft. It is our belief that it will make it safer to leave your boat and gear to explore local communities, hike a nearby trail, run a shuttle, or spend the night.
Instructions for Use
In order to properly secure your boat and gear you will need:
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Two bicycle cables with padlock loops in the end, at least 7 feet long each, depending upon the length and width of your boat.
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Two padlocks for a kayak and a third for gear.
Step 1) Place your boat onto the racks either right side up or upside down; balanced between the supports. Note: the supports are 60 inches apart.
Step 2) Take the bicycle cables and form a slip knot loop by tucking one end of the cable through the padlock loop at the other end and slip the resulting loop over the bow or stern of your kayak. Repeat for the other cable and place it on the other end of kayak.
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Step 3) Move each loop far enough toward the center of the boat to prevent anyone from being able to slip it off the end of the kayak and keeping it away from the widest part of the boat. (If the loop is around the widest part of the boat then the boat could be slipped out of the cable.)
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Step 4) Take up the slack in the cable and wrap the free end around the uprights on the racks. Keep the padlock loop close to the back, and lock in place with a minimum of slack.
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Step 5) Place gear from boat into storage bins, close door and lock into place.
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Step 6) Enjoy your time exploring!
Kayak Rack Locations (coming soon!)
Rotary Park, 325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI 48912
Danford Island Park, 201 W. Washington St.Dimondale, MI 48821
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