2020 Proposal for a Kayak Rack and Kayaks

Ryan Szelc, Megan Mills, Sami Doganay, Lauren Seitz

Anthony Zelinsky, Tyler E. Lees

Stockton University

ENVL 4300
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Abstract
Our 2020 proposal is for the construction of a kayak rack, along with the purchase of

kayaks and life vests. The kayaks can be used for both educational and recreational purposes to

enhance students’ learning and students’ lives. There are proven health benefits from green

exercise, like kayaking, including increased concentration. This project has support from two

professors, Dr. Emma Witt and Dr. Aaron Stoler, who would use the kayaks to enhance their

classes. The final cost for the construction of the kayak rack came to $221.23 including tax.

Stockton fishing will fund the kayak rack using money raised by tabling in the campus center,

$80, and an additional $141.23 will come from tournament and shirt sales. To finish out the

project, an agreement was reached with Bass Pro Shops for a 45% discount to purchase the

kayaks, paddles and life vests through them. This discount will reduce the price from $6,979.72

to $2,650.57. The kayaks are 10 foot ​Ascend D10T Sit-On-Top Kayaks and allow extra room for

testing equipment, Ascend trek kayak paddles, and Bass Pro Shops adult universal life jackets.
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Table of Contents

Section Page

Abstract 1

Table of Contents 2

Statement of Need 3

Project Rational 3

Budget and Justification 4

Assessment Methods 7

Appendices 10
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Statement of Need
Stockton University needs this new kayak rack and kayaks for both recreational and

educational purposes. They will provide a fun way for students to exercise, other than using the

gym, walking the trails and riding bikes. Having multiple kayaks will also have educational

benefits allowing students to take water samples in the middle of Lake Fred rather than just

around the edges. This type of testing will give students a more accurate understanding of water

testing and the quality of Lake Fred bettering their education.

Project Rational
Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle and spending time outside has been proven to be

good for your health. A study done by the Harvard Medical School showed that those who spend

more time outside get more vitamin D, were happier than those not spending much time outside,

and had higher levels of concentration (Harvard Medical School, 2010). “Green exercise” or

exercising in natural areas is especially good for mental health and seeing as Stockton University

is a very “green” campus, the kayak racks would help with getting students out into nature.

Kayaking is a relaxing way to get green exercise and it is easy enough that almost anyone can do

it.

Having access to kayaks will also supplement certain classes that test water quality as

part of their curriculum. Kayaks will make it possible to test the water or collect samples for in

lab testing from places other than just around the edge of Lake Fred. This will allow students to

see the whole picture and collect unbiased samples. This is important because in the real world

you can’t just sample areas because they are convenient.

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Multiple professors have already confirmed that they would use the kayaks during the

semester to enhance their classes. Dr. Emma Witt was very excited about having access to them

for use in her Watershed Hydrology, Rivers in Society, Independent Study and Physical

Geography Lab classes (Dr. E. Witt, personal communication, April 11, 2018). Dr. Witt

estimated she would use the kayaks in her classes two or three times a semester (Dr. E. Witt,

personal communication, April 11, 2018). Dr. Aaron Stoler also expressed his interest saying he

would use the kayaks in his Freshwater Ecology class and in his Ecology class for sampling. (Dr.

A. Stoler, personal communication, April 12, 2018)

Clubs, such as the Fishing Club, could use the kayaks for fishing on Lake Fred as long as

everyone participating is in possession of a valid fishing license. This could also promote those

who don’t know how to fish with the ability to learn how.

Budget and Justification

Building materials

● 2 (4” x 4” x 10’) Pressure treated ($27.14 total)

○ These 4x4s will be put into the ground 3 feet under (leaving 7 feet above the

ground). They will be spaced apart exactly 8 ft and leveled.

● 2 (SAKRETE 50 lb fast set concrete mix) $9.94 total

○ 1 bag of concrete will be poured around each 4x4 in the ground with a half a

bucket of water.

● 1 (4” x 4” x 8’) Pressure treated ($10.37)

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○ This piece will be cut into 16 equal length pieced at 3 ½” each to hold the 2x4

ends together. Each 3 ½” x 3 ½” piece will be screwed flush to the end between

each 2x4 arm. This allows for the kayaks to be locked to the rack and adds

stabilization to the rack arms.

● 8 (2” x 4” x 12’) Pressure treated cut down to 6ft each (-⅛” from saw blade)(16 total)

($73.36 total)

○ The bottom 2x4x6 will be flush to the ground and leveled. 1 piece is lag bolted

into each side of the 4x4. (2 2x4s make up each rack level on each independent

4x4.) The space between the top of the first 2x4 to the bottom of the next 2x4

will be 17.5”. This measurement will be repeated for each level.

● 32 (½” x 3”) Galvanized hex lag screws ($64.32 total)

○ 2 lag screws will be used with 1 washer per screw to secure each 2x4 to the 4x4s.

● 1 (25 pack of ½”) Galvanized flat washers ($7.31 total) + 7 individual ($2.31)

● 1 (2” x 4” x 8’) Pressure treated ($4.37)

○ Screwed to the top of each 4x4 to connect them and keep them stable. Can also be

used for tying kayaks to the rack so they don't fall off in heavy winds.

● 1 pack of Grip-Rite #10x3 in Philips Bugle-Head Coarse Thread Sharp Point Polymer

Coated Exterior Screw ($8.37)

The total price of the kayak rack is $207.49 plus 6.625% sales tax which comes to a total

of $221.23. Stockton fishing will be able to fund the kayak rack after raising about $80 by

tabling at the campus center, and the additional $141.23 will come from tournament and shirt

sales.
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Figure 1:​ A kayak rack built by Ryan Szelc that the rack used on campus will be modeled after.(All racks will be

equal length and 2x4s will be used instead of 2x6s.)

The main goal of this project is to build/have built a kayak rack and to purchase kayaks,

along with the necessary safety equipment, for use on Lake Fred. We aim for the kayaks to be

used by Stockton students for both recreational and educational purposes.

The proposed kayak rack will be large enough to hold 8 kayaks, and will be made out of

pressure treated wood and galvanized hardware. Pressure treated wood is an ideal choice because

the preservatives within the wood help ward off fungus and termites, which helps reduce rotting.

(YellaWood, 2018) We will also use galvanized hardware (screws and washers) while building

the kayak rack. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating and is the best choice for this project because

of its non-corrosive properties and ability to be recycled and reused. (Allison, 2017)
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The kayaks we have selected are wide, which will allow for more room for equipment

storage. Members of the fishing club will have plenty of room to bring additional equipment and

tackle boxes and faculty and students using the kayaks for lab will have the room to bring the

tools they need for various tasks.

The fishing club is prepared to use their funds, and raise any additional money necessary

for building the kayak rack, yet, will need additional funds for purchasing the kayaks. Bass Pro

Shop has agreed to give a 45% discount in the purchasing of the kayaks, paddles, and life vests

lowering the cost from $6,979.72 to $2,650.57. The kayaks we will be getting are 10 foot ​Ascend

D10T Sit-On-Top Kayaks with Ascend trek kayak paddles, and Bass Pro Shops adult universal

life jackets.

As the project moves forward, the spring semester will soon be coming to a close. As the

president of Stockton Fishing, Ryan Szelc will be able to head the project for the remaining

weeks he has as a Stockton Student. Because projects of this nature typically require more time

and consideration than that which can be achieved during the remainder of the semester, it is

likely that the project timeline will be extended to the Fall semester as well. At this point, Sami

Doganay will be the president of Stockton Fishing and will be able to submit the proposal when

the time comes in September.

Assessment Methods
To assess the success of this project, students and teachers who use the kayaks will be

asked to fill out a brief survey. The survey will cover whether they enjoyed the activity, if they

would use the kayaks again and some other general questions. Each question will be assigned a
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point value and using these values we will be able to determine if the project met our

expectations.
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References
Career Trends. (2017, July 5) Properties of Galvanized Steel. Retrieved on April 13, 2018 from
https://careertrend.com/facts-5373328-properties-galvanized-steel.html

Harvard Medical School. (2010). A prescription for better health: go alfresco. Harvard Health
Publishing. Retrieved on April 6, 2018 from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter.../a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco

Stoler, A. (April 12, 2018). Personal Interview.

Witt, E. (April 11, 2018). Personal Interview.

YellaWood. (2018) Facts About Pressure Treated Lumber. Retrieved on April 13, 2018 from
https://www.yellawood.com/resources/product-education/facts-about-pressure-treated-lumber/
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Appendices
Possible Post-Use Survey Questions

How would you rate your experience?

· Very enjoyable
· Enjoyable
· Satisfactory
· Unsatisfactory
· Terrible
What was your purpose of use?
· Recreation
· Educational
· For a class
If it was for a class…
Do you feel that it enhanced your education?
· Yes
· No
If it was for recreation...
What was your kayak use for?
· Relaxation
· Exercise
· Fishing
· I just needed to get out
Would you want to use the kayaks again?
· Yes
· No
Other comments or concerns?