How to Store a Kayak
Few types of boats offer the kind of rewarding experience provided by a kayak. In a kayak, you ride low to the water and feel like you are truly interacting with nature. To make sure your kayak is ready for your next adventure after spending some time in the shed or garage, it’s important to store it correctly. Here’s how to store a kayak to keep your boat in great shape.
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A Kayak Shouldn’t Live Outside
Yes, kayaks are made for use in the water. No, that does not mean they are suitable to be stored outside. While you might get away with storing your kayak outdoors for a while, the elements are eventually going to take a toll on the condition of the boat. If you’d like to get the longest possible useful life out of the kayak, you would be wise to keep it inside when it is not in use. A metal carport, shed, or garage are all great kayak storage options!
Consider a Rack
Other than storing it indoors, the next best thing you can do for your kayak is to store it in a good position. Just tossing it on the ground where it will sit on the hull all winter long is not a winning strategy. You’ll want to get the kayak off the ground and position it in a way that the hull will not be damaged after a long storage period.
The best way to accomplish this is with a kayak rack. These types of racks will have a couple of arms that will hold the kayak off the ground and support its weight properly. While you can rest the kayak on the rack on the side of the hull and then rotate it periodically, it’s usually better to just store it upside down. This should put the weight of the boat on a strong part of the body that won’t deform over time. Of course, the design of your specific kayak may be different, so experiment with various positions and use your judgment.
There are plenty of quality kayak racks on the market today that rest on the ground and don’t take up a lot of space. If you own more than one boat, you can find racks that will accommodate two or three to make your life a little easier. Also, those who are experienced with tools and basic woodworking may want to consider taking the DIY approach to save some money and get a customized finished product.
Preparing Your Kayak for Storage
Once you have the details of how you will store your kayak sorted out, it’s good to think about the process of putting the boat into storage and taking it back out again. Here are some helpful tips:
- Wash thoroughly. Your kayak won’t come out of the water as clean as you might expect. Also, it is likely to pick up plenty of dirt during transport to and from the water. So, carefully clean your kayak before a long storage period so the grime on the outside doesn’t damage the finish.
- Make room for your accessories. It won’t be much fun to get ready for your first outing next year only to find that you have no idea where your paddle went. As part of your storage plan, establish a spot for all the things that go along with your boat for each trip onto the water.
- Get all the water out. This point might go without saying, but it’s an easy one to forget about if you are in a hurry to put the boat away. Make sure to take out the drain plug before you bring the kayak in and get every drop of water out. You don’t want to put the boat away wet as it could wind up leading to mold or mildew problems over the storage period. Taking this step will only require a little extra time and it will go a long way toward protecting the kayak.
Build a Custom Storage Solution with Carport Kingdom
Given the high cost of a nice kayak, it’s worthwhile to do what you can to protect the condition of your boat over the long run. By ordering a metal carport, shed, or garage from Carport Kingdom, you can protect the condition of your kayak while also making it easier to move in and out of storage. And, since all our designs can be completely customized, you are sure to get exactly what you want and need. Reach out today to get started!
