Although we hate to admit it, it’s officially time to start thinking about kayak storage. With temperatures dropping and in many places, snowfall becoming more and more frequent, kayaks take a back seat to cozying up indoors and spending a little quality time next to the fireplace. With that said, we have a few storage tips and product recommendations to make your transition from fall to winter a breeze.
Step 1: Prepping Your Boat for Storage
Cleaning your boat and ensuring everything is secure and ready for Spring is an important step to take before storing your kayak for the winter. It will make spring feel that much sweeter when you finally take your kayak out for the first time and everything is ready to go! To ensure that your kayak stays safe while being stored and is ready for an easy transition once spring hits we have compiled a few tips for you to consider.
- Wash your boat inside and out with a mild soapy water to remove grime and slime (kayak anglers will be especially familiar with that weird slime that seems to accumulate!). Wipe it down and allow to dry thoroughly, especially the inside. We don’t want any mold growing throughout the winter!
- Lightly spray your kayak with 303 Aerospace Protectant. This step is similar to waxing your car in that it keeps everything looking polished and clean while protecting the paint on your yak. Trick: put your hand in an old sock or oven mitt and use it to evenly apply the 303.
- Lightly oil any metal pieces. Be careful not to over do it!
- Tighten all screws, bolts, and loose pieces to ensure everything is in one piece come spring. This also allows you to inventory what parts need replacing and updating before you take it out again.
- Lastly, if storing outside, remove any soft of fabric type materials (such as the seat). Rodents and other critters love this type of material for their winter homes!
Step 2: Cover It Up
Whether you plan on storing your kayak indoors or outdoors, you should consider protecting your boat from critters and dust with a cover. Check out our options of full boat covers and cockpit covers to see what suits you and your kayak the best.
Step 3: Storing Your Boat
Having a rack system set up indoors is something you should definitely consider. We have seen too many warped hulls caused by the kayak being stored on the floor all winter to not recommend a simple system! Your ideal storage solution should be to store your kayak off the floor and on its side or with the hull side up. The sides and gunnels (upper edge on the side of the boat) are thicker and with less surface space in those areas, there is a lesser chance of warping. To properly store you’ll need to invest in a kayak storage system. Below are a few options to consider when storage hunting.
Talic Kayak Tilt Storage Rack
The Talic Kayak Tilt Storage Rack mounts to any wall and is easy to set up. On top of that, it is one of the better looking storage systems on the market (in my opinion). This rack is not recommended for outdoor use so consider your open garage space before buying. Other plus-when not in use, this rack easily folds up and stores out of the way.
Harken Kayak Lift System
Want to hang your kayak from the ceiling but worried about how to do it? The Harken Kayak Lift System is perfect for you. It allows you to lift your kayak off the ground with ease and suspend it so that it is out of the way. Come spring, you can trade out your kayak for spring storage- this lift system holds everything!
NRS Kayak Hanger
The NRS Kayak Hanger is simple and affordable and a great solution for those with ceiling space in the garage, porch, or other storage room. The kit has everything you need and comes with simple instructions to make storing your yak easy and smooth.
Do you have a different way of storing your kayak or storage system you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
