KayaArm Launch Dock & Kayak Stabilizing System - Kingston

Ranking: 5/5

We're relatively new to kayaking. Getting in and out of the kayak has been a bit stressful with the risk of falling into the water. I looked into the various types of kayak stabilizers that you can mount to a pier to make this easier but most are quite expensive, some into the thousands of dollars. In comparison, the KayaArm is reasonably priced and is also more compact than the other solutions.

Installation was fairly straightforward, they have several videos on their website covering different methods of installation depending on your style of pier. My pier is a bit different than the examples they demonstrated, but they have enough examples that I was able to extrapolate a proper installation method for my pier without much difficulty. The printed instructions were not stellar, but since I had reviewed all the videos prior to purchase. You will also have to purchase the specific hardware for your installation. For me, this was (8) - 1 1/2" stainless steel #14 wood screws and (2) - 3/8" x 2 1/2" stainless steel carriage bolts with nuts and lock washers. I also needed a scrap piece of 2x8 pressure treated wood.

Being a cynic, I didn't really expect the level of support that the KayaArm provides. They have a video of a woman dancing around in a kayak supported by the KayaArm and the kayak is held steady. I expected that this woman was a ballet dancer or gymnast with super balance that made the kayak look more stable than it is. However, when we tried it ourselves, the KayaArm really is that good. I can stand in the kayak and move around and the KayaArm holds the kayak very steady. Then when you are ready to launch, a gentle push gets you right off the KayaArm and on your way. On return, gently paddle right back to the KayaArm and easily climb out without any worries of taking an unwanted swim.

The purchase process was great, folks were very responsive with helpful information every step of the way. Great people and a great product, I highly recommend that if you have any inkling that this is a tool you can use to indeed go ahead and get yourself one. It has been quite a while since I've made a purchase that has exceeded my expectations to this degree.

Ranking: 5/5

Just purchased my third KayaArm. We have them at our outfitter stores where we have docks. Easy installation. Works GREAT. Hard to remember how we were getting guests on and off the kayaks before we found KayaArm. A+ rating on all aspects. All questions prior to purchase, and on our reorders were answered quickly and honestly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Ranking: 5/5

Got my order today and mine is already installed. Love it very much. Sent a video to my neighbour and she's excited to try it out. Will help them with the installation. This will make it so much easier to use the kayaks. Great product design and construction.

Thanks for your quick service!
Robert Chenail

Ranking: 5/5

Quick and easy assembly. Components are well made and fit perfectly.
Easy dock installation. This thing works like a champ. Now can get in and out of the kayak without getting my feet wet! Highly recommended.

Thought I'd add a bit more. Getting in and out is very easy, just be sure your first foot in and last foot out are located near the center of the cockpit because if not, I think the kayak could have a tendency to roll a bit. Also, when I sit down, I can see that if I sit too quickly and heavy, the boat could scoot backwards off the arm. What I have done is attached a dock line to the stern and installed a fold-down cleat next to the dock post you see in the photo. So, before I get in, I attach the stern line to the cleat and get in. Then once seated, the cleat is right next to the cockpit, and I grab my paddle and undo the line and stow it behind the seat.

I live in a lake community and will ask the association if I can post a small blurb on the advertisement board for other owners to see. I am very impressed.

Ranking: 4/5

Love my KayaArm! Makes it so much easier to get in and out of the kayak, and I don't have to build a whole second pier every few years that's low enough for the kayak. It's especially easy for inexperienced friends, since you can indeed stand up in the kayak while it's on the arm.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that there is quite some prep work to do to build a mounting board on the side of the pier if you have a standard aluminum pier with removable deck boards.

Ranking: 5/5

I would love to share our experience using the KayaArm on our 36 ft trawler ( Dragonfly) we are new to kayaking and didn’t feel good about getting in and out of our kayaks as we are up there in years and wanted to have the kayaks as enjoyment in our anchorages in the North Cannel . The KayaArm was a game changer for us as we could just stand in our kayak and sit ourselves in place with no fear of falling out . We mounted the KayaArm on our swim platform no issues .
Thanks everyone at KayaArm for a well built product that does what it’s intended to do !

Ranking: 5/5

About a year ago we purchased a two arm KayaArm system and it worked very well for us so we recently purchased a second set. We are a couple in our mid 70s and not quite as agile as we once were. The two KayaArm system makes it easy for us to get in and out of our kayaks from our dock. Because of the distance from top of dock to water, I did have to move the dock bracket which entailed drilling four holes through aluminum -- easy to do. Also, I made a handle (see picture) using 11/4 inch dowel which makes it easier to lift and lower the kayaks.

Ranking: 5/5

I installed my kaya arm at my boat house on the lake. It’s relatively easy to install (2 ladies did it together) with a drill (you need to go buy special screws for your particular need- I wasn’t 100% sure about that, but got some
help at the hardware store). The hardest part was putting it together and that was a little tricky. I wanted something that would allow me to get out on the lake and use my SUP, kayak and canoe independently since often there is no one there to help me. I definitely go out way more now that I feel safe to get in and out of the vessels without falling. The kayak and canoe work the best on it. It’s a little more challenging to launch the SUP, but you just need to shove off really hard. Still, it’s a lot steadier than before. You can step right down on it. My guests all love it and some neighbors have copied me once they saw it. My only design suggestion is that when the water levels decrease while you are out, it can be hard to get back on the arm because then it’s higher in the water and you can’t reach up to adjust it from the top. That doesn’t happen too often, but definitely something that would be nice if you had a feature or add on where we could raise or lower it from the water. Otherwise, I like that it’s sleek and you don’t even notice it. Just blends in with the dock.