What Is The Best Way To Store A Kayak? (5 Methods To Follow)

The best way to store a kayak is to keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent damage to the kayak and keep it in good condition.

Key Takeaways

• If you have a garage or shed, you can store your kayak on its side on a rack or on the floor
• You can store your kayak outside by hanging it from two sturdy trees or posts using straps or rope
• You can also store your kayak on its side against a wall or fence, using racks or brackets to support it
• You can store your kayak on the roof of your car or SUV using a kayak roof rack

What Is The Best Way To Store A Kayak?

The best option to store your kayak is in the garage, inside the house, or any other sheltered place. If your house is not spacious, then consider getting a well-sheltered place outside as that would be the only viable option. In all the options, there is a need to ensure that the kayak is well protected against harmful weather elements such as heat and direct UV rays. Besides, it should be away from any other spiteful animals so that the kayak can sit where it is stored safely. However, you should monitor it from time to time to avoid any unforeseen damages.

Note that when you store your kayak correctly, it is going to last longer, thus giving you value for the money invested.  The kayak is kept in good shape, and it will always be ready for the next adventure. Don’t leave your kayak tied to the top of your car for an extended period unless it is to be transported.

Always remember that distortion created by improper storage is caused by excessive exposure to heat. So whatever the case keep the boat undercover to protect from harsh weather direct sunlight and other elements. Also Storing your kayak upside down on crossbars or hanging from wide strapping around the cockpit area are the best ways to keep the kayak. You can also store your kayak on its stern standing against a wall and make sure to strap it to prevent it from tipping over.

How Do I Store My Kayak In My Garage?

The garage is considered one of the safest places to store your kayak. Often, the kayak is kept by leaning it against the wall in any corner of the garage. Alternatively, others do it by just being pushed to the side. This could damage the boat, and it is always unsafe no matter what. There are simpler and more convenient ways to store your kayak inside your garage. Below are some simple tips:

Upright storage

You should consider upright storage if you have less than two kayaks or if the wall space is minimal. No need to worry as constructing an upright storage facility is affordable and straightforward.

To build vertical storage, you will need some materials to aid in the structure. Some of these materials include; pieces of rubber kayak rooftop, galvanized pipes, threaded pipes, rubber caps, bottom non-slip rubberized oil pans, eye bolts, suspension cords, and foam rubber.

In order to put up the structure, the following steps will be of great help:

Step1: The galvanized pipes should be first screwed onto the 2×4 wood

Step 2: Now, secure the threaded pipes as well.

Step 3: The pool noodle should now be trimmed into ideal lengths and placed on the threaded pipes.

Step 4: Take the rubbers caps and add them to the bolted areas

Step 5: Determine the appropriate height on the wall and Bolt 2×4 onto it

Step 6: Take the eyebolts and screw them onto the wall. Ensure you do that as ideal widths.

Step 7: add to the oil pan some foam rubber

Step 8: Now put the kayak into the oil pan. You should ensure that the kayaks sit between the racks

Step 9: Secure the kayak to the eyebolts using the suspension code located near the center of the kayak

Talic sling set

Experts prefer storing their kayaks using the Talingsling set. Ideally, the kayak will be mounted horizontally on the wall to keep it safe off the ground. The method is the best for sit-on-top kayaks as they have long straps that can stretch for up to 60 inches.

Note that you can only use the Taling sling set of your kayak that weighs less than 100 pounds. However, setting up the Talic sling set is quick and easy  with the following tools at hand:

1. Screwdriver

2. Drill

3. stainless steel screws (2 pieces)

To install the structure, you should follow the steps highlighted below:

Step 1: Determine the ideal height to mount the Talic string set for your kayak

Step 2: Mark the points and drill the holes for every bracket to be used

Step 3: Now screw the brackets into the already drilled holes

Step 4: Repeat step 3 for the other bracket

Step 5: Once you mount both brackets you should close one loop while keeping the other one opened

Step 6: You should now put your kayak inside the strap that is closed

Step 7: To complete mounting the kayak, you should unbuckle the other strap and put it inside, then buck it again around the boat.

Step 8: Before leaving the kayak stored check to ensure it is well-balanced at the center.

Overhead suspension system

This is one of the popular and easiest ways to keep your kayak safe and secure. It is suitable for those with an unspacious garage or has many kayaks that need to be stored. The process of using the method is simple as long as you have the following tools at hand;

1. Two cam buckle tie-down straps

2. Four threaded eye bolts

The overhead suspension system is simple to construct and is very efficient for kayak storage. The following simple steps would help you to build the system effortlessly:

Step 1: Take the measurements between the bulkheads and the kayak width.

Step 2: Take the eyebolts and screw them in the corners.

Step 3: On one side, take the straps and hook them up. Once done, wrap them around your kayak.

Step 4: To prevent the kayak from getting bowed in the middle, ensure that the straps are centered.  Note that the center of the kayak is usually the heaviest and thus should be strapped carefully.

Can Kayaks Be Stored Outside?

Outdoors is suitable, so long as the boat is protected from the sun and weather. In this case, you need to think about weather conditions. Firstly, you will want to find a place that provides a bit of shelter for your kayak.

A shaded area can be preferable, but if that’s not available to you, then you might want to consider using a protective cover, such as a tarp. Using a waterproof and UV-resistant cover designed specifically for kayaks can be useful, but you might still want the tarp for added protection.

It can be a good idea to cover your kayak regardless of whether the spot is in the shade or not as this will not only keep it safe from the weather but also from sand, dust, and even bugs and animals that might want to hide out. Outdoor kayak storage requires the use of a tarp, as it offers better protection by allowing any rain or snow to slide off and not sit directly on top of your kayak

Point to note

Don’t allow the tarp to sit directly on the kayak as it might be at risk of mold or other fungi growing on the hull. This is because moisture can get through if there is not enough air circulating.

How Do I Store My Kayak In My Apartment?

If you have a kayak and stay in an apartment, it might prove to be a difficult task to store it properly. You will want to use as little space as possible. Here are simple steps on how you can keep your kayak in your apartment.

Step 1: Place the bow into the rectangular holder.

Step 2: Push the stern towards the wall so that it stands.

Step 3: Place a blanket, towel, or cushioned something on the ground where the stern sits.

Step 4: Grab a strap (like a ratchet strap) and put it around the PVC rack and the kayak.

Long-Term Kayak Storage

It is highly unlikely for one to want to store their kayak for an extended period. However, if it is unavoidable to store the kayak for an extended period, the following simple steps will be of great help:

Step 1: Begin by cleaning the outside and the inside of your kayak using mild soapy water. This will help get rid of grime and dirt. If you are an angler, then ensure the gooey stuff that is usually common in the fishing kayak, is washed off well. Take a cloth and wipe the boat thoroughly and allow it to dry. Pay keen attention to the inside.

Step 2: Using 303 Aerospace Protectant, spray the kayak well without overdoing it. What is recommended most is using the old sock. You put the sock on your hands and apply the protectant evenly on the kayak to keep it well-conditioned before storage.

Step 3: Ensure all the metal parts are oil well. However, the oiling should not be overdone.

Step 4: All the bolts and screws should then be tightened well to ensure that the kayak will be in good shape when needed in the next season. If you notice missing parts, you will have time to look for them instead of waiting until you need to use the boat. Check for any parts with rust and replace them accordingly.

Step 5: Lastly, if you are keeping the kayak outside, you should detach any fabric or soft type material like the seas. This ensures that if rodents get their way to your kayak, they do not build their next there as they like places in fabric and soft materials.

How Do I Store a Kayak Without Damaging the Hull?

The kayak is likely to bend or deform if it is kept without distributing its weight evenly. Plastic polyethylene hulls are the most susceptible to this, though durable if the storage is done appropriately. The wood frame and fiberglass models are not immune to the problem as well, so storage should be done with a lot of care.

In order to protect the hull, the kayak should be stored on the side while supporting it along the length with the use of padded straps or cradles. Note that the strongest part of the boat is the side and, in that case, less vulnerable to bending like the hull.

Of importance is to buy a sizeable kayak storage rack that is ideal for the space in your backyard, home, or garage. Once you purchase, install the rack well, and keep your kayak until you need a bigger rack or you have another kayak, then consider expanding the storage space.

Can You Store Kayaks On Top Of Each Other?

Seldom is keeping the kayak on top of each other recommended, as this would usually mean they are sitting on the hull. Remember, kayaks are not intended to sit directly on their hull for an extended period. However, if you have kayaks that stack very well into each other and spread the weight evenly, then it would be possible to store them on supports upside down on top of each other.

Use more than two straps, preferably wide ones. If only two straps can be used, keep them away from the ends. This ensures that the kayak doesn’t tend to sag in the middle over time.

Another option for keeping the kayak hung is by resting them on the shelf or rack. Use foam to provide support at multiple points along the length of the boat.

Can I Hang My Kayak By The Handles?

Another question that most people ask is whether kayaks can be stored by hanging using the handles. Your boat might have grips, but most kayaks have toggle handles attached to looped lines. The primary purpose is to have something to hold if you leave the cockpit while in the water.

Some people do use them to carry the boat, and in some cases, they might be sturdy enough for that, but you should never trust them for that purpose. It is not recommended for one to hang the kayak by handles or by scuppers. It will distort the kayak hull. Never use a wheeled cart as a storage platform for your kayak. The handles are designed for long-term weight and could fail, resulting in damage to your kayak.

Note that the kayaks are big and bulky. Instead, use the handles to get the boat hung where you want it quickly. Once it’s there, put proper carry straps into position and then disconnect the grips from the rafters. That way, you can hang it the right way

Is it Okay to Store a Kayak Vertically?

Vertical Kayak storage can be used in both short-term and long-term storage methods. In the short run, the vertical keeping of the kayak might be the simplest way, but, in the long run, you will need to strap the boat with pipes for support.

Store the kayak by turning it vertically and resting it touching the wall. The cockpit should face out, and the kayak tilted slightly. The bow should be up towards the kayak and the stern touching the surface. You should cushion well the kayak end that touches the ground by putting some padding materials beneath. Alternatively, you can put the towels or any other cushioning fabric in a crate, then let the kayak end sit on it to ensure it is secure.

You can also install a couple of support pegs on the outer edge of each side of the top of the kayak for more protection.

How Long Should a Kayak Last?

Expect the kayak to serve you for 10-15 years if stored well. Proper storage means keeping the boat in shady areas, garages, covered with kayak cover, under the house, or generally out of direct sunlight. The end should also be cushioned well, especially if the kayak is kept on surf or rugged areas.

However, with normal usage, not picking up the bow and dragging the kayak over hard surfaces, taking care around oyster reefs, tying down the kayak adequately when transporting it, and storing it in the shade, it should be about as good as new in 10 years.

The worst thing is exposing the kayak to UV rays, as this can significantly affect the durability of your boat. The worst is when storing for one month or years on the outside without any covering as the hull will crack as it becomes brittle. Though the cracks can be sealed through plastic welding, it reaches a point where the brittleness is too much and causes the hull to snap. The result is your precious kayak needs serious repair or is rendered unusable.

Final Thoughts

Kayak storage is essential to ensuring that you get to enjoy kayaking for a longer period. Keeping the kayak in the recommended way guarantee that you get to keep your kayak safe and in good condition, for the next time, you decide to take it out. The above tips and answered questions come in handy in ensuring that you get to enjoy your kayak longer!

References:

• https://www.wikihow.com/Store-a-Kayak
• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak-storage.html
• https://www.ez-dock.com/blog/how-to-properly-store-your-kayak/