Finding the Right Kayak Storage for Your Space

Take the stress out of storing your boat by finding the right storage method for your given space. Learn how wall mounts, racks and other methods can help winterize your kayak with ease.

It’s finally that time of year. The long winter months have turned into warm spring days, and you’re itching to get your kayak on the water. But when you go to pull it out of storage, you discover it is damaged.

It can be a devoted kayaker’s worst nightmare.

A kayak is an investment. After you get it ready with some after-season care, you’ll surely want to store it in the right place to keep it safe. But what is the best way to store a kayak for your space? Pro Tips is here to walk you through your options.

Racks provide a solid structure to store your kayak and can allow for easy access to your boat. Many racks have space for multiple kayaks. You can find designs that can hold two or three, while larger varieties can hold six or more. A rack can be a good option for outside storage, or even indoors if your space allows.

Many racks are made of metal with foam padding to help protect the finish of the boat. Others are made of wood. Some serious kayakers even make their own for customization.

Wall mounts can be a solid option to help save on space. They allow you to mount your kayak to the wall of your home, garage, basement or shed, freeing up your floor space while putting minimal pressure on certain parts of the kayak. Wall mounts can also provide easy access for both indoor and outdoor storage.

Typically made of steel tubing, most wall mounts come padded in foam to help protect your kayak’s hull and finish.

Remember that wall mounts require installation on studs in the wall. Follow all instructions when installing your wall mounts to avoid damage to your home or kayak.

This indoor storage option can enable you to hang your kayak from the ceiling of your garage, helping save space for other use. Hoist systems can also be an option for storing multiple kayaks, depending on your space.

Hoist systems will come with pulley control that can help lift the kayak to the ceiling. There are a number of kayak hoist systems available that can support the weights of different styles of kayak.

One option that can allow you to easily move your kayak around is a portable kayak rack. Coming in a set of two, the stands feature a solid metal frame with webbing that suspends your boat to help eliminate pressure-point distortion. Portable stands can be helpful in both indoor and outdoor storage.

These stands can be convenient as they provide easy access to your kayak. And once warm weather rolls around again, the stands fold up and can be stored away until next winter.

Wall straps or slings are a way to help save space indoors or outdoors. Typically made of nylon, wall slings conform to the shape of your kayak and allow you to store your kayak on its side and off the ground. They also come designed with quick-release buckles that can help make loading and unloading simple. Make sure to check the weight limit on wall slings before placing your kayak in one. These slings can be an option for multiple kayaks as some varieties come designed to hold two or three kayaks.

KEEP IT NEAR THE WATER

You can also consider storing your kayak at your local marina.  Some offer space for rent for your kayak. This can also help avoid any transportation issues you may have. An added benefit to this method is that professionals working there may be available to help you launch or prepare your kayak for storage.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

When preparing to store your kayak, there are a few things you should consider:

• Do not store your kayak directly on the ground. This can cause the hull of your boat to become damaged if left for an extended period of time. It can also expose your kayak to moisture, dirt and animals, especially if stored outside.
• Always distribute weight evenly to avoid bending the kayak. It is crucial to support the weight of the kayak at points along its length using padded cradles or nylon straps. Never hang a kayak by the grab loops.
• Use a cockpit cover when storing your kayak. This cover can help protect against dirt, bugs and the elements during storage.
• Avoid pressure points. Do not strap your kayak down too tightly, as this long-term pressure can deform the body and affect performance.
• If you’re looking to purchase a kayak but have limited space for storage, consider purchasing an inflatable model. Once the season is over, you can deflate the kayak so it fits into a backpack or travel bag, depending on the size.

Finding the right kayak storage space comes down to what best fits your living situation. Once you find the right storage option, you can store it away and count down the days until you’re ready to hit the water again.