: We have just moved into a new home without a basement, so am forced to store
: my canoe and kayak in the garage. I have a 12-foot ceiling and plenty of
: room but was wanting to get some advice on hoist systems. I looked at the
: one on canoehoist.com and that looked pretty nice but I have two craft and
: the $250 or so to get them off the floor could probably be better invested
: in a new paddle. You all are a handy lot- any suggestions for this handy
: cheapskate? ( I also have to have my shop in the garage now so will be
: making lots of mobile bases for my until-recently "stationary"
: power tools!) Thanks in advance for your as-usual good advice.

I installed hooks into the beams and use tie downs -the kind with hooks on both ends (see picture)like a sling. Get long tie-downs, though. For $10 I got four straps to suspend my two boats. Ropes and pulleys might be easier on your arms, but I've had no trouble with my system in the six months I've been using it. My straps are yellow, the ratchets are chrome and the hooks are black - I have no idea what brand, but I got them at Lowe's.