Are you unsure where to store your kayak? We are looking for best practices to ensure that your kayak remains in good condition for many decades.
Because it requires planning, most people don’t know how best to store a kayak. It is best to store your kayak in a garage and then leave it there for winter. This storage method is not recommended for canoes, kayaks, or other small boats. You should store your kayak on a rack or hanger to prevent damage to the hull.
This is not all. You should also take precautions to avoid pest infestations, regardless of whether the kayak is kept indoors or out. You should also take precautions to avoid theft by making sure your kayak is out of reach and well protected.
This kayak storage guide will show you how to organize your kayak. We will discuss common mistakes and how to prepare your kayak for the off-season. We’ll show you how to store your kayak in the most efficient way possible. This will help minimize cracking, sagging, and denting.
These are the steps to store your kayak in the off-season.
1. Clean the kayak thoroughly.
An old kayak is likely to have a lot of dirt, bugs, and residue. This should be removed before it is stored. The following cleaning steps should be performed:
- Take out any fabric pieces like storage compartments or seat cushions. These can be washed separately in a washing machine with a gentle cycle. These components can be dried on a line and stored separately.
- Use a mild detergent and water mixture to spray the kayak. Use a long scrub brush to get rid of any stray bubbles.
- Use the hose to rinse the kayak, making sure you get in every crevice.
- Turn off the drainage plug to drain all water. Make sure to drain all water.
- Place the boat in a sunny spot and let it dry completely. Make sure to dry any storage areas.
2. Locate a place to store the kayak.
All kayaks should be kept indoors in an ideal world. It’s difficult to transport a large kayak from a garage or basement because they are too heavy. Many people will have to store their kayaks outdoors, which is acceptable as long as they are properly prepared.
People make the error of covering the whole boat with a tarp and then leaving it outside. This is a problem because moisture can seep under the tarp, causing the kayak to become musty.
Wrap the kayak with a tarp but not too tightly. Instead, make a safe place where you can store your kayak. You can create a tent-like structure with a tarp, some PVC pipe, and some fabric. The tent shape allows water to drain from the sides of your tarp.
The cockpit is an important place to protect your kayak’s interior from pests and rodents. You might consider purchasing a cover made specifically for this area. Before covering the interior, add some moisture-absorbing bags.
- Take out any fabric compartments or seating and place them separately. Fabric can be infiltrated by rodents or bugs.
- Place the kayak on a rack.
- Keep the kayak out of direct sunlight. Exposed kayaks can cause damage to the exterior and warp them.
- Make sure to lock the kayak in a safe place like a shed or garage. Keep the kayak away from direct sunlight, such as behind the garage.
Think about the space in your garage that could be used as a storage area for kayaks. If you have trouble finding enough space, you can rent storage units or ask friends if they have a spare room for you.
You want to store your kayak in the best conditions possible. A kayak that is exposed to humidity and mold can be more vulnerable than a kayak with a stable environment. If the air is too dry and hot, you could experience plastic cracking.
3. Don’t position the kayak on a hard surface.
This is important regardless of whether the kayak is being stored indoors or outdoors. A kayak should not be left on a flat surface longer than two days.
Kayaks should not be stored upside down as the extra weight could cause the bottom to smoosh. Kayaks should not be positioned directly on the hull of their hulls for prolonged periods. You should also keep them off their sides without any support, as their plastic exterior may be damaged.
Kayak storage options
- Option 1 Lay two planks of wood on the ground near a wall. Place the kayak upside down on the planks, so that the weight is evenly distributed across each plank. Lean one side of your kayak against the wall. The wall will spread the load better. Rotate the kayak every month so that one side leans on the wall.
- Option 2: Build or buy a custom-designed storage rack for kayaks. These racks can be used to position the kayak upside-down or tilted on evenly distributed beams.
- Option 3 – Use bars or straps to hang the kayak upside down from the ceiling. Be careful not to hang the kayak from its handles or rudder. The straps should wrap around all sides of the kayak.
- Option 4 –Strap the kayak to a wall Place the kayak upright. Place the boat’s stern on a cushion placed on the ground. Attach straps or bungees to the kayak. Make sure to not wrap the boat too tight and that the cockpit faces out.
In summary:
This guide should have given you some ideas on how to keep your kayak safe in winter. Remember that UV light can cause serious damage to your kayak and you should not leave it on the ground for too long. This could cause the kayak to become bent or uneven. Good luck!
This post was written by a professional at Greenbar Secure Storage. Greenbar Secure Storage has a wide range of storage units available in Prineville, Oregon. They offer a variety, including ground-level access, security cameras, 24/7 accessibility, and parking spaces. Locally owned and operated, we are the best choice for convenient and clean storage units Redmond Oregon area. All of our commercial storage clients accept deliveries from businesses.
