Have you recently purchased a kayak and are wondering what the proper kayak storage options are?
Watercrafts can represent a certain investment and so you should look after them as much as possible. They’re very sturdy, but that doesn’t make them immune to damage.
For most kayak owners, keeping them in a good condition while not in use is a priority. Without proper storage, you’ll probably have to replace it sooner than necessary.
In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to store your kayak. We’ll also explain where and how to keep it away from damage.
Why Should You Store Your Kayak?
Distortion and damage
The hull might be one of the most important parts of your kayak. It allows a smooth glide on the water. Improper storage might cause the hull to deform, changing its original shape.
To keep your watercraft in good and proper shape, even weight distribution and avoiding pressure points are key. Deformation can happen when it’s stored the following ways:
Laying on One Side
The overall weight will eventually burden the lower hull, resulting in a distortion of the material.
Vertical Storage on Hard Ground
This type of storage will deform and scratch the stern or bow. It also often causes cracks. Your kayak might even lose balance and tip on a nearby object or person.
Hanging Your Kayak Through the Handles
The handles are only meant to carry it to the water. Over time, the handles will weaken and break.
Hard Surfaces
No matter which type of kayak you own, hard surfaces are best avoided. They cause dents and scratches.
Protection Against weather elements
All types of kayaks are susceptible to damage from the elements. This includes fiberglass, but also plastic, wood or even kayaks made from composite material.
Sunlight and heat might be the most harmful, making your hull or deck thinner and weaker. Eventually, holes will be seen.
When stored at low temperatures, frost can make its way into tiny holes and crevices. As the ice expands and contracts, this causes material deformation over time.
Under rainy conditions, mold will grow, damaging your kayak in the process. Although tarps can create a layer of protection, it’s best to store it indoors if you live in a rainy state.
Caring is… Not Sharing
When you head out on a kayak fishing trip, you’ll probably want to find your kayak at the same place where you left it. A stolen kayak doesn’t only lead to disappointment. You’ll also have to find another cool activity for the day. It also represents the loss of an important investment.
Keeping your kayak away from thieves is important. Luckily, many options are available. We’ll expand on this further down.
Your Safety
Many kayak owners tend to simply lean their kayak against a wall and walk away. Keep in mind that one kayak can weigh anywhere between 50 to a few hundred pounds.
There is a danger that your kayak can tip over or fall on you; that’s a heavy weight to take on. This is ignoring the even greater danger to a child.
Kayaks are also hung using the handles or doubtful ‘do it yourself’ methods. Over time they’ll most likely fall, creating a safety hazard.
Where to Store Your Kayak
When it comes to storage, you mainly have two option between indoor or outdoor storage.
Indoor Storage
In all cases, storing your kayak indoors is preferred. However, it’s important to closely monitor the room temperature.
In the summertime, basements or garages often show higher temperatures than outside. In winter, it’s best to prevent the temperature from dropping below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your indoor space has windows, avoid placing it under direct sunlight. I’d recommend a dark and cool storage room. Keep it away from any type of heat source, such as a heater.
Outdoor Storage
Although indoor storage is always preferable, it isn’t always possible.
Don’t have a garage or indoor facility to conserve your watercraft? Don’t worry, we have plenty of alternatives to share with you.
Create Shade
Outdoors, the most important element you should be looking for is shade. This can be found by placing it under a tree, purchasing a kayak cover or using a tarp. Tarps look like ‘mini-tents’ and are placed above your watercraft; they’re a great solution for kayak storage.
If you have a tarp or are considering buying one, always keep a safe space between your kayak and the fabric. It prevents moisture from accumulating underneath. During heaving rains, the tarp, filled with water, shouldn’t touch your kayak.
‘Ready to go’ tarp tents are very common. These come with poles, ropes, tarp, and other gadgets, and make for a very easy-to-use choice.
Another option is to purchase the fabric on its own. You can then create the shade yourself by stretching some rope between two trees and draping the tarp over the rope.
Protect from the Sun
Regardless of how your kayak is stored or used, you might want to get a protective spray. Sun can cause great damage to your kayak, even while you’re using it.
Spray throughout at least twice a year. Apply on the outside, but also on the inside portion of your kayak.
Storage Prerequisites
Indoors or outdoors, there are a few tasks to accomplish before storing your kayak. These should be considered as important as the storage method.
Make Sure Your Kayak Fits
This might seem like common sense, but this is often the first frustration kayak owners face.
Your kayak shouldn’t come in contact with any external object. Measuring your kayak ahead of time and ensuring it fits its future storage location should save you time and annoyances. Every inch counts.
Good Access
You might also consider the ease of access. If taking your kayak out takes you an hour, you’ll likely stop using either the storage method or the kayak. Neither of which is a good outcome.
Cleaning Your Craft
Rinse your kayak thoroughly, inside and outside, before putting it way. This won’t only remove dirt and sand, but salt as well. Salt will damage any type of material, metal included.
Once a year, or before long-term storage, give it a deep clean. Mix Castile soap and water. Avoid chemicals or any solvents that could potentially ruin your kayak.
Dry Your Kayak
Always let your kayak, even inflatable or folding ones, air dry before storing it. A towel can be used to speed up the process.
If you’re covering it, a wet kayak will keep the moisture trapped inside, allowing mildew and mold to grow.
Remove All Accessories
Whether stored indoors or outdoors, remove the seat and any fabric materials from the kayak. Keep them in a dry closet until their next use.
Cover Up
Don’t underestimate the importance of investing in a kayak cover; even more so if you’re storing your watercraft outside.
A good kayak cover will protect it from weather elements, but also from dust and debris. They also prevent small creatures, such as mice or insects, from settling inside the cockpit. The best covers are even water and Ultraviolet light resistant.
You can purchase a cover that will protect the entire surface or solely the cockpit. As an alternative, you can also drape it with a bed sheet.
As we mentioned before, a tarp might be a good option if stored outside.
Storage Techniques & Tools
Now that we understand what to consider while storing a kayak, let’s have a look at the storage techniques available.
To properly store your watercraft, you’ll need to consider the following: safety, weight distribution, external elements, and extreme temperatures.
Regardless of the storage method, you want to avoid placing your kayak directly on the ground floor.
Ground Storage
Kayak Stands
A kayak stand is a popular storage tool for both indoor and outdoor storage. It’s easy to use and allows an even weight distribution. Most of them are foldable and won’t take much space when not in use.
The best ones come with padding, which prevents scratches and damages along the hull. If you’re storing your kayak outdoors, you’ll want to select a quality stand that won’t rust after the first rain.
Laying Horizontally
We know that your kayak shouldn’t rest directly on the floor. Two pieces of wood or even car racks could do the trick. Use a towel for additional padding.
Horizontally placed, tilt your kayak on a side, in an angle, resting against a wall. The cockpit should be facing you.
Kayaks’ sides are the strongest parts of the watercraft and shouldn’t get damaged easily. If you’re storing it for a long period of time, flip your kayak to the other side every other month.
Standing Vertically
To store your kayak vertically, ensure that the bow is facing up, while the rear should be placed towards the ground.
The cockpit facing you, the entire craft should be tilt with a slight angle, to prevent falls. On the ground, a wooden rack can make a good base.
Place a towel or cushion between the rack and your kayak. This will not only avoid scratches, but it will also prevent it from tipping over.
Vertical storage racks will safely hold your watercraft in a vertical position. They tend to take more space than other storage tools. However, they’re a good option when your available space only allows for vertical storage.
Hanging Storage Tools
When hanging your kayak from a wall or ceiling, ensure that you’re attaching it to a sturdy structure. Plywood or drywall should be avoided.
Find the stud and drill a hole to attach the hardware. Make sure that both sides are perfectly aligned and leveled. The distance between both straps should be about a third of the total length of your kayak.
The backside should be facing the wall, while the cockpit is facing you.
Wall Sling
A wall strap system will allow your kayak to safely hang on your wall while distributing the weight evenly. Easy to install, one strap holds the kayak from the bow, while the other strap supports it from the rear.
Some of these only come with looped straps, while other systems include a metallic frame attached to the wall. These come at a higher price-point but are often a good option if your kayak is heavy or if you need to store more than one.
Most systems come with all the equipment and hardware required.
Wall Hooks
Wall hooks are attached directly to the wall, supporting your kayak. When purchasing hanging hooks, consider the following.
Ensure that the hook comes with a protective sleeve to avoid scratches.
The metallic part should be well-protected against rust and corrosion.
Check that the hook width will be wide enough to safely hold your kayak, without squeezing or scratching it.
Hanger Sling
The pulley system allows you to easily and effortlessly pull your kayak up to the ceiling. It makes a great space saver option.
The best ones are made of nylon straps and can hold up to 300 pounds.
Storage Racks
A few different types of racks are available.
Ceiling Racks
This type of racking is a good option for those looking to save space. The room between your ceiling and the rack should be adjustable.
If your kayak is on the heavy side, it might be challenging to lift it up and place it on the rack.
Ground Racks
When placement isn’t an issue, floor racks can be a great storage option as there is very little lifting involved.
You might think they’re the most budget-friendly solution; however, ground racks can be quite expensive. Wooden or metallic-based, the price-point will vary based on the material used and how many kayaks it can support.
The best ones include wheels to move the rack around your storage space. This can come in very handy to save space and when accessing the kayaks.
Making Your Own Racks
If you’re not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on a ground rack, they can also be easily made at home.
You’ll only need 10 feet of 1-inch PVC pipe, a saw, mounting brackets, a tape measure, and four PVC pipe joints.
Theft Protection
Indoor locked storage is the best method to keep thieves away.
When left outside, it’s best to keep your kayak hidden. It might also be worth investing in a cable lock. If thieves still manage to go through the lock, it will take them a considerable amount of time. Most of them will give up before succeeding.
Storing an Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable kayaks are considered the easiest versions of kayaks to store. After washing it properly, deflate the watercraft and gently roll it or fold it back.
Store the kayak in a dry and cool location, away from direct sunlight.
Professional Storage
Don’t have a lot of extra space at home? Most kayak stores and rental schools will offer kayak storage services. Consider this as an option only if you really don’t have room at home; you’ll save yourself a lot of money!
Summary
Proper kayak storage shouldn’t be optional. It should also be a smooth and fast process. Taking your kayak out or placing it back shouldn’t take the fun out of your hobby and should be a part of it.
The few extra minutes it takes to store your kayak could lead to important savings. It should make your watercraft last longer and maintain its efficiency while gliding on the water.