What is the best way of storing my kayak?
First up, make sure the kayak/ski/SUP fits in the area you propose to use, both in length and width. Proper storage is an essential part of protecting the potentially substantial investment you just made.
If you live in a very hot or colder climate or a place that experiences a variety of weather, indoor storage is the way to go. And your garage or shed, in most cases, makes the most sense for storing large items like a kayak.
Take care to protect it from long – term exposure to the sun or extreme heat, which can degrade any
Do not leave in a position exposed to long periods of sun e.g. the side of your house or hanging on a fence.
- For long-term storage and to prevent hull deformation, your kayak should be kept on its side or upside down, on a padded rack with bars placed on or near the bulk heads
- You may also want to cover the cockpit to guard against dust, debris and insects or small animals setting up home. When storing your SUP, a bag is ideal to prevent it getting dirty or scratched too. Most SUP's are supplied with a bag at time of purchase or can be bought separately (Make sure it's the right size).
- Always make sure that your kayak is dry before you store if for and if the kayaks has drainage holes (scupper holes, Venturi, DeBrito bailers) leave the plug open for ventilation noting the kayak/ski will expand and contract in the hot and cold weather.
For sit-on- top kayaks, you’ll need to open the plug that’s typically located at the bow or stern of the kayak. Then, you’ll need to stand the kayak up on end so that any water inside will effectively drain out.
Sit in kayaks require the use of a bilge pump and sponge. You’ll need to pump the majority of the water out of the cockpit and/or compartments before absorbing the last remnants with the sponge or towel.
- Portable stands are by far the easiest garage kayak storage solution. While they take up more space than some of the other options, these stands are super easy to set up wherever you want to keep your kayaks.
Unlike a wall or ceiling-mounted solution, however, these stands will require enough floor space in your garage. You can typically measure the amount of floor space needed by using the length and width dimensions of your kayak.
Portable stands are also great because they allow you to change where you store your kayak. You can even take them with you and use for cleaning your kayak after use before you transport it.
If you temporarily need to move your kayak outside while moving other things around in your garage, for example, it’s super easy to relocate this type of storage solution.
PaddleZone’s heavy duty kayaks stands are sold as a pair to securely support the weight of even larger kayaks. If you don’t want to drill holes into the walls or ceiling of your garage, this is also a great kayak storage solution.
- Limited space in your garage means you’ll have to get creative. An overhead suspension system is a great way to store kayaks in a space that otherwise wouldn’t be used in your garage. If using a Kayak Hoist or some sort of pulley system avoid using the carrying handles to hang / support the kayak for storage.
A final tip is about preparation: There’s nothing worse than finding your kayak an absolute mess when you’re ready to load it up and take it out for another paddle. That’s why it’s always a good practice to thoroughly clean your kayak before storing it.
Which is best for you?
Because garages aren’t all created exactly the same, the right kayak storage solution for you will ultimately depend on what you’re working with. However, here are some general recommendations.
If you have plenty of wall space, a wall-mounted kayak rack is probably your best bet. This is a great way to store a kayak in a smaller garage where floor space is at a premium.
For those that have tall garages with a lot of unused space between the tops of their vehicles and the garage ceiling, an overhead suspension system is recommended. This is also a really great solution for kayakers that only use their boats on a seasonal basis.
Storing your kayaks in the upright position can be a great option for folks with taller garages and less time for hardware installation. It’s also a great solution for kayakers that prefer a DIY garage storage installation.
A wall-mounted sling set is ideal for anyone that doesn’t want a permanent kayak rack sticking out from the wall once their kayaks are removed. This is also a great option if you want to store multiple kayaks using a single set of mounting hardware.
Finally, portable stands are best for anyone that foresees changing up their kayak storage set up on a frequent basis. It’s also the only one of these five solutions that doesn’t require mounting hardware.
Conclusion
The best way to store a kayak should be simple and cost-effective. That’s why we’ve given you a list of easy solutions that can be implemented with relative ease.
Whether you want to go the 100-percent DIY route or purchase an affordable solution, you have plenty of options for how to store your kayak.
With thanks to the Author: PaddleZone & Peter Salisbury