How to Store Your Kayak

You now have your kayak and are ready to explore unknown water territories. The fun you’re going to have guaranteed, but what will you do when the winter arrives, and you need to store your kayak safely. The solutions to this problem are many, not to mention that you have both outdoor and indoor options, depending on your needs and storing conditions.

The Essentials on How to Store Your Kayak

Here’s what must do no matter what, when you want to store your fishing kayak in a safe place:

1.       Make a determination on how much space you have for storing your kayak
2.       Clean your kayak
3.       Decide if your kayak is going to be put inside or outside, perhaps in the garage
4.       Make some adjustments to the storage space so that the kayak fits
5.       Cover your kayak

Start with Cleaning Your Kayak

Cleaning your kayak is the first step you need to make when you want to store it for the winter. Salt, dirt and sand can damage and stain it, not to mention there would be no point in your spending your money on a kayak that you don’t take proper care of.

In order to not waste your time scrubbing your kayak, you could use some bug remover in a spray bottle. After you have sprayed the kayak with the bug remover, rinse it with water from a spray hose and all the stains will be removed.

Should I Store My Kayak Indoors or Outdoors?

The answer to this question is “Try and store your kayak indoors if you have enough space”. This way, you’ll prolong its longevity because it will be protected from bad weather. However, storing the kayak indoors is not an option for everyone, so this article will advise you on how to store your plastic kayak anywhere.

Indoor Storage

If you have enough room in the garage or your kayak is inflatable, decide to store it indoors. Also, if you have the option to rent a space, you could put it there. When you keep your kayak indoors, you’re not only making sure that it stays clean, but also that you won’t find any critters nesting in it.

In the garage, you could make a kayak rack on the wall and put your kayak or kayaks there along with your kayak paddles and kayak seat. If you own more than one kayak, don’t store them on the floor on top of each other because there’s the risk for them to flatten under the weight.

Outdoor Storage

When you don’t have a garage, or the winters aren’t too harsh in your climate area, you could store your kayak outside. Any sheltered space would do in this situation.

What I Shouldn’t Do When Storing My Kayak?

No matter what, don’t do the following when storing your kayak:

1.       Don’t leave your kayak in the sun

UV rays can damage the material from which your kayak is built, not to mention plastic fades and breaks after staying too much in the sun’s rays.

2.       Don’t keep the kayak hung from the ceiling up right

If you allow gravity to put pressure on your kayak’s bottom, you risk sagging in the kayak’s pressure points.

3.       Don’t keep the cockpit uncovered

If you reside in an area where there are many critters, you would only give them a place to nest when leaving your kayak uncovered.

4.       Don’t put your kayak on a hard floor

Kayaks usually sag under their own pressure, so if you put them on a hard floor, they can develop a flat bottom, which can affect their longevity and performance.

5.       Don’t use the kayak’s handles to hang it

If you hang you kayak from its handles, you’re only putting pressure on the handles and cause the kayak to sag.

6.       Don’t leave the kayak unlocked if it’s stored outside

Keeping the kayak unlocked when outside is only an invitation for the thieves to steal it.

7.       Don’t keep your kayak strapped down too tightly

When your kayak is strapped down too tightly, the plastic from which is made can become brittle, not to mention that the kayak can change its shape too.

What Are the Solutions for Kayak Storing when Living in an Apartment?

Living in an apartment and owning a kayak may not sound doable, but there are solutions for you to store your yak without occupying too much space.

For example, you could clean it nicely and build a rack for it so that it stays hanging on the wall. Other solutions for you include getting an inflatable kayak or finding a place outside for your plastic one.

These solutions are simple, but the most efficient one is getting an inflatable kayak that doesn’t take too much space and isn’t very expensive. This type of kayaks is made from PVC and a Drop Stitch material that’s very durable.

You can opt for the Intex Explorer or the Intex Challenger. These kayaks can be deflated and kept in a bag anywhere in the apartment.

How to Store Your Kayak in the Garage

If you have a garage, your kayak or kayaks can be stored on any wall. Not only they’ll be kept away from the harsh weather conditions, but they’ll also not get stolen from you by people who don’t have such good intentions.

Installing the Wall Bracket System for Your Kayak

Before you install the wall bracket system for your kayak, you need to find a wall structure that’s sturdy enough. Don’t put the system on Plywood or Drywall.

Measure your kayak and buy a bracket system that suits it. Drill the holes in the wall by following the instructions. Put some towels or foam on the brackets so that they don’t dig into your kayak.

Place the kayak in the middle of the brackets, balanced and on its side.

How to Build Your Own PVC Rack System

If you want to build your own PVC rack system for your kayak, you need to take some measurements and to buy a PVC pipe, 6 PVC clamps for mounting and 4 PVC joints.

Form a rectangle from your PVC pipe by cutting it into equal pieces and using PVC glue to make it stay in place. Don’t forget to allow the glue to dry.

Put the frame you have made on the wall, at a fair distance from the ground, by screwing the clamps into the wall, in a line that’s straight.

Place your kayak on the frame in a vertical position, with the cockpit facing out. Make sure it’s not held into place too tightly and check it for sagging from time to time.