How to Stack Kayaks Safely
When you’re ready to transport your kayaks, you might be wondering how to stack them. While many kayakers use this method, the process is not always safe. Aside from causing damage, kayaks may warp if placed on a hard floor or are too heavy. To prevent this from happening, you should keep your kayaks upright, with their hulls in a vertical position. Listed below are a few tips for stacking kayaks safely. cheap fishing kayaks
Hanging straps: Similar to wall-mounted cradles, hanging straps are used to hang kayaks. They’re usually two inches wide and are very inexpensive. Although they’re cheaper, they’re a bit trickier to load alone, as they have to be anchored to a stud. And they’re essentially designed to bear the weight of the kayak for extended periods of time. If you have the space, you can consider using a kayak hanger rack.
Stacker racks: If you plan to take your kayaks on a road trip, a kayak rack is a great option for transporting your boats. A rack will let you load more than one kayak on a single car’s roof. Stacker bars are especially useful for whitewater kayaks, but they can also work well for recreational and touring kayaks. You should first secure the bow of your kayak to the roof rack, and then lay the stern on top of the other. You can then slide the kayaks on the racks in that position.
Then, clean the inside and outside of your kayaks. If you plan to store your kayaks indoors, make sure that you have the proper space for storing them. If your kayak is too heavy, you can use a kayak rack or ask a friend to lend you their spare room. Make sure the temperature and humidity of the storage area is consistent, otherwise it can cause problems with moisture and plastic. Lastly, make sure that you don’t store your kayak on a hard surface, as this can cause damage.
If you plan to store your kayaks indoors, be sure to install a secure rack and lock it. Using a kayak rack in this manner will not only ensure that the kayaks remain in place, but it will also protect the hull from damage. Remember to turn your kayaks over every few weeks to ensure that they are stacked properly. While overhead storage may be convenient, it’s also risky and insecure. You can also consider buying a lock for your kayaks and store them inside. If you’re indoors, attach a lock around the drain plug.
The best way to lift a lightweight kayak is to stand on one shoulder and grab the cockpit edge nearest to your shin. Then, with your left hand, grasp the cockpit edge closest to your chest. While keeping your knees bent, reach across the kayak and lift it onto your right shoulder. Once you’ve got it balanced, you can tie the other kayak to the same way. You can also tie them together in this fashion.