Kayaks are large and cumbersome, which makes storage difficult. But don’t let that stop you from finding a decent spot to store your kayak; appropriate storage will maintain it in good shape and keep it safe from damage.
This article looks at a variety of issues, including where and how to store a kayak, to help you find the ideal kayak storage solution for you.
Let’s start with why storing a kayak is necessary.
Why is it required to store a kayak properly?
Kayaks are a significant outlay of cash. As a result, there are a variety of reasons to properly store a kayak in order to save your investment. We’ll go through those factors in depth in this section.
? Keeping your kayak from getting damaged or deformed:
You must equally disperse the weight of a kayak when storing it. Failure to do so can cause the kayak’s hull to bend or deform, with the additional weight pressing down on it acting as the major deforming factor.
Of course, this distortion may not be visible right away, but if you keep a kayak with its weight spread unevenly on a regular basis, distortion is not only possible, but likely.
Uneven weight distribution is most often caused by storing your kayak on its hull, as this exerts abnormal pressure on the part of the kayak that contacts the ground or other storage surface.
When the kayak’s hull is forced to absorb the majority of the weight during storage, the shape of the hull progressively changes. This, in turn, can lead to performance concerns during use since it changes the way the kayak glides through the water, requiring you to work harder for the same results when paddling.
? Keeping your kayak protected from the elements:
Kayaks, whether made of wood, plastic, fibreglass, or another composite material, can be damaged fast or gradually by a variety of factors, including rain, wind, heat, cold, frost, sunlight, and saltwater.
We’ll look at some of the most common causes of damage in terms of weather and other factors, as well as the havoc each may wreak on your precious kayak.
- Sunlight:
Almost every substance, including wood, plastic, and even fibreglass, can be gradually degraded by sunshine. As a result, it’s critical that you store your kayak in a way that keeps it out of direct sunlight.
- Temperature:
Extremely cold conditions might ruin a kayak’s performance. There are several creases and cracks in kayaks where water can seep in and settle.
This isn’t normally a problem, but when the kayak is exposed to below-freezing weather, the water freezes. As a result, the kayak is subjected to an infinite cycle of contraction and expansion, which might cause damage over time.
- Season:
During the rainy and snowy seasons, it’s especially vital to take extra precautions with your kayak. Water that gathers on and in your kayak can cause mould to grow over time, which can swiftly destroy your kayak.
- Salty Water:
Saltwater is another adversary of your kayak’s integrity. The exterior of all types of kayaks (wooden, plastic, composite, fibreglass, etc.) as well as the metal parts within your boat can be degraded by salt.
? Keeping your kayak safe from theft:
As we previously stated, purchasing a kayak is an investment in terms of money, joy, and adventure. Your kayak can bring hours of entertainment and thrills, but if it comes into the hands of a thief, those hours will be cut short.
? Keeping your personal security safe:
The final reason to properly store your kayak is to safeguard your and others’ safety. Kayaks can weigh anywhere from 50 to several hundred pounds, depending on their construction, which means they can easily cause harm if not properly stowed.
What considerations must be made when storing a kayak?
There are numerous reasons to properly store your kayak. However, what are the best methods and locations for storing a kayak? You’ll find suggestions for a variety of storage spots and ways that can help you keep your kayak in good shape throughout the year.
- Duration of storage:
There are two types of storage, depending on the duration of storage:
- Store a kayak for short duration
- Store a kayak for long duration
The reasons for these storages, as well as the technique of storing them, are briefly outlined below.
- Store a kayak for short duration:
When you won’t be using your kayak for a few days to a week or more, you’ll need to store it temporarily.
Consider storing your kayak for a short period of time under the following situations:
? Usage on a daily basis.
? Planning a vacation.
?Weather that is inclement for a short length of time.
? For people who live in mild regions, the off-season is shorter.
? For whatever reason, you’ve decided to take a break from kayaking.
You may be able to choose between outdoor and indoor storage depending on your location’s temperature. Keep the following storage suggestions in mind:
- Maintain accessibility:
You don’t want to put your kayak somewhere difficult to get because you’ll only be storing it for a short period.
When you want to take your kayak out on the water, ceiling or wall storage in locations with other objects in the way will be inconvenient.
- Take your time to carefully store it:
When storing your kayak for a short period of time, you may not feel like taking the time to properly store it.
Even if your kayak is only going to be in storage for a week, you should make an effort to keep it safe and secure during that time.
- Keep it locked away:
Even if you’re simply keeping your kayak overnight, keep it safe from theft. If you’re storing it outside, use a lock, or keep it locked and safeguarded with alarms, cameras, or other security devices if you’re storing it inside.
- Store a kayak for long duration:
You’ll need to store your kayak correctly if you won’t be using it for a long time. In the following scenarios, consider storing your kayak for an extended period of time:
? winter season
? Planning a very long vacation.
? For whatever reason, you’ve decided to take a break from kayaking.
When you’re getting ready to store your kayak for a few months or seasons, make sure you do the following:
- Organize your space:
Consider where you’ll store your kayak for the coming months when you’re putting it away.
You don’t want your kayak to get in the way of other things you need to get done, and you certainly don’t want to keep it in a common location.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the kayak:
Along with knowing where to store it, you’ll need to know how to prepare your kayak for storage, especially if you’ll be storing it for an extended amount of time.
Cleaning your kayak thoroughly before putting it away is the best method to keep it in good shape while it’s in storage. Clean both the outside and the inside of the house, then properly dry it to avoid moisture build-up.
With a cleaned kayak, getting it out of storage will be easier, and you’ll be less likely to snag it.
- Follow the same procedures as mentioned for short-term storage:
While you won’t need easy access to your kayak on a daily basis, you will need it at the start of the season. When the warmer months arrive, store it with other seasonal items or make sure it’s out of the way but still accessible. You should also lock the storage room and take other security procedures to keep it safe from theft.
- Location of storage:
You may have to pick between indoor and outdoor storage depending on the space available to you.
- Kayak storage in the outdoor:
This is the finest alternative for in-season use. You don’t want to leave your kayak in the water during the season, but you do want it to be accessible so you can get out on the lake quickly.
During the off-season, dock attachments can keep your kayak off the water while still offering convenient access. You can store your kayak outside for a short period of time as long as it is not on the water.
The easiest approach to keep a kayak outside for a longer period of time is to keep it out of the water and covered. Some long-term outdoor storage solutions include:
- Below a deck
- Eaves or under a roof
- On a porch with a roof
- With a kayak cover that is both water and UV resistant
- If feasible, put it under a tarp and string it up.
If you reside in a mild environment, you can store kayaks outside for the long term. Check for weather damage or moisture, bugs, and correct coverage while checking on your kayak stored outside.
Cleaning, covering, or transferring a kayak that is stored outdoors indoors if possible are all procedures that should be taken to keep it in good condition.
Consider the following tips to help protect your kayak in the outdoors:
- Fabric seating or compartments should be removed and stored separately. Bugs and rodents may penetrate anything made of fabric.
- Place the kayak on a dedicated rack to keep it off the ground.
- The kayak should be shielded from direct sunlight. Excessive exposure might harm the kayak’s outside and cause it to distort.
- Remember to anchor the kayak to a secure structure, such as a garage or shed. Also, keep the kayak hidden, such as behind the garage.
If you need to store your kayak outside, consider the following options:
- Heavy duty tarps
- Ack
- Seahorse storage system
- Kayak storage in the indoor:
If you have the space, indoor storage is the best alternative. The garage is one of the best places to store a kayak, although some kayakers prefer a shed, basement, or other storage facilities.
You could even store your kayak in a spare room until it’s ready to go out on the water if you have one. To properly store your kayak, follow the given instruction which are mentioned as below:
- Make that you have temperature control.
- To avoid sun damage, keep the boat away from windows.
- Do not obstruct pedestrian pathways.
While storing your kayak indoors is the safest option for preventing damage and theft, be sure it isn’t getting in the way of your everyday activities, since this can be annoying and even dangerous.
If you’re keeping your kayak on a wall or from the ceiling, you should hang it correctly to avoid damage to the kayak and injury to bystanders. Try these storage techniques to ensure that the weight of your kayak is properly supported when storing it indoors:
- Seahorse storage system
- Overhead pulley system
- Web sling
- Wooden racks
- Car racks
How to store a kayak?
Whether you store the kayak inside or outside, you need to take precautions to avoid an insect or rat infestation.
Additionally, you should do all possible to prevent theft by keeping your kayak hidden and secure. To store a kayak, follow these steps:
Step 1: Thoroughly clean the kayak
A well-used kayak will most likely have dirt, bugs, and residue on it, which should be cleaned before the boat is stored. Place the kayak in a shady area and proceed with the cleaning technique.
- Any fabric sections, such as seat cushions or storage compartments, should be removed. Separately, wash on a mild cycle in the washing machine. Dry these items on a line and keep them separately.
- Using a moderate detergent and water mixture, spray the kayak. Using a long scrub brush, buff the bubbles into the boat.
- Rinse the kayak well with the hose, being careful to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
- Drain all water by opening the drainage cap. Make sure to wipe away any excess water.
- Allow the boat to dry thoroughly in a sunny setting. Remember to leave any storage spaces uncovered to allow them to dry.
Step 2: Find a location to store the kayak
All kayaks would be kept indoors, away from vermin, the elements, and direct sunlight in an ideal world.
Bulky kayaks, on the other hand, rarely fit in garages, and moving one into a basement or attic can be difficult.
Many individuals are forced to rely on outdoor storage, which is OK as long as the boat is properly prepared. The method for storage depending on location are mentioned above.
Step 3: Don’t put the kayak down on a hard surface
Whether you’re storing a kayak inside or outside, this step is critical. A kayak should never be left on a flat surface for more than a few days.
If you store a kayak right side up, the bottom may become smooshed over time due to the extra weight.
Remember that sitting directly on the hull of a kayak for a lengthy amount of time is not recommended. They should also not be stored on their sides without enough support, as the plastic shell may be dented. The best ways to store a kayak are listed below.
- Set two wooden boards on the ground near a wall and place the kayak right side up on the planks, evenly distributing the weight on each plank.
- Lean the kayak against the wall by lifting one side. The wall will help to distribute the weight more evenly. Rotate the kayak once a month so that the opposite side is leaning against the wall.
- Purchase or construct a kayak storage rack that is specifically suited for kayaks.
- On evenly spaced beams, these racks allow you to place the kayak at a small tilt or upside down.
- Using bars or straps anchored to the ceiling, hang the kayak upside down.
- Make sure the kayak is never hung from the handles or rudder. The straps should go all the way around the kayak.
- Anchor the kayak to a wall. To do so, place the kayak in a standing position. Place a cushion on the ground towards the stern of the boat.
- Wrap some straps or bungee cords around the kayak and secure it to a wall stud. Make sure the boat is not too tightly wrapped and that the cockpit is looking out.
You can read our blog on how to tie down a kayak
Conclusion
When you fail to store your kayak properly, you risk damage, deformity, degradation, theft, and personal injury, putting your investment and safety at risk.
Follow the tips we’ve provided here for proper storage to avoid these problems. You’ll always know your kayak is in great shape and ready for your next big water trip if you do it this way.
