Storing your kayak properly will help to extend the longevity of your boat and make it easier when you want to take it out for a paddle. An improperly stored kayak can collect mold and be susceptible to unnecessary weathering. The kayak isn’t as complicated to store as other boats, but there are several simple measures which can be taken to ensure that your boat is stored safe and dry.
Step 1
Whenever you are going to store a kayak, make sure that it is clean. Wash off your kayak with water from a hose to make sure that all the grit and any salty water are washed away. Over time, salty water can weaken a kayak if it is not washed off.
Step 2
Wash inside the hatches as well if sea water has gotten in there. If you have neoprene hatch covers or spray skirt, rinse these off. Neoprene also can deteriorate overtime from the salt.
Step 3
Tip your kayak to let all the water drain out from the cockpit and hatches. Let the neoprene hatch covers dry after rinsing and then put the covers back on once the inside of the hatches are relatively dry. Wipe down with a large dry sponge or towel.
Step 4
Store the kayak upside down or angled down no matter where you are going to store it. Storing them inside a garage is great, but many people may only have space outside. This also works well, but choose to lean the kayak (hatches facing down) against an exterior wall that slopes away from the building so all rain can drain away from the kayak. If the side of the building you are leaning it against receives a lot of sun, keep it covered with a tarp to prevent UV rays from getting to it. These can weaken the boat materials over time and cause fading in the color.
Step 5
Storing your kayak above the ground is a great choice if you have a little extra time and materials. This deters small wildlife from inhabiting the kayak. All you need is two wooden saw horses. Set them up about 6 to 8 feet apart depending on the length of your kayak and set the it (hatches facing down) on the saw horses. Cover it with a tarp by using bungee cords, especially if storing during the winter.
