Storing sit on kayaks for the winter is a critical part of protecting them from damage caused by UV rays. Luckily, there are some easy ways to do this. The first is to store the kayaks upside down. If stored upside down, the kayaks will avoid the dents and deformation that can occur by storing them on their sides.
Storage
There are several things to do to prepare sit-on-kayaks for storage, starting with cleaning and rinsing them after each use. Clean the inside of the kayak using fresh water, then use a mild soap to wash it thoroughly before storing it. Salt water can damage inflatable and hardshell kayaks, so thoroughly rinsing them before storage is important.
After cleaning and rinsing, kayaks should be prepared for winter storage. Seats and soft fabric elements should be removed, and paddles should be wrapped in weather-proof material. To ensure a proper seal, wash the kayak using mild soap and water. Then, dry it thoroughly. Leave it out of the sun for at least a few days, or it may start to deteriorate.
In winter, you should place your sit-on-kayak in a dry and protected area. The climate of your area may affect the best place for your kayak to be stored. If you live in an area that receives extreme temperatures, it may be best to put your kayak in an indoor storage facility.
Once you have stored your kayak, you should secure it on a rack system or block the floor with a pad. You can also install a tarp to protect it from the elements.
Preparation
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing sit on kayaks for winter preparation. The first thing to do is to keep the kayak off of a flat surface for long periods of time. This is important, as the weight of the kayak will rest primarily in the cockpit. You should also avoid storing the kayak right side up, since the hull will be weighed down by excess weight.
The next thing to remember is to keep the kayak dry and protected from UV rays. Direct exposure to the sun can damage plastic and straps. You can place the kayak in a tent, or you can place a cover over it. Make sure the cover is a few feet above the kayak and not directly on it. If you decide to store the sit on kayak inside a covered area, be sure to add a cockpit cover.
You can also wrap the kayak in a tarp to reduce the amount of moisture on the hull of the kayak. It is a good idea to use a bungee cord to keep the tarp in place. The tarp should be checked periodically. You do not want to leave your kayak wet on the shelf for months on end.
During the winter, you should store sit on kayaks in a storage rack. This will prevent pest infestation and theft. A storage rack will also protect your sit on kayak from the elements.
UV light damage
It’s very important to protect your kayak from the damaging effects of UV light. UV rays can weaken the polyethylene that makes up your kayak and cause the polymer to crack. The damage will show up as discolored spots on your kayak. If your kayak was red, for example, it might now look pink.
The best way to protect your kayak from UV damage is to keep it out of direct sunlight. This light can fade the colors of plastic fittings and cause them to peel off. This damage will not be permanent unless you have it repaired by a professional or purchase a new kayak. You can contact the manufacturer of your kayak for repair.
You should also cover your kayak to protect it from the UV rays. Most kayak dealers sell topical sunscreen called #33 UV Protectant, which can help prevent the damage caused by UV rays. Another good solution is to store your kayak indoors. This is not only convenient but also prevents damage to the kayak.
If you store your kayak outdoors, it is recommended that you cover it with a tarp to protect it from the sun. Exposure to direct sunlight can also cause damage to the plastic in the kayak hull. If you can’t do this, you can use a UV-resistant coating on your kayak. This will reflect the UV rays away from the kayak and help it last longer.
Suspended storage
Suspended storage is the ideal solution for kayaks that cannot be stored on the ground. This type of storage can be used inside or outdoors and can be beneficial for long term storage. For indoor storage, lean the kayak on its side, with the cockpit facing outwards, but at an angle. It is important to make sure that the bow is in the air and the stern is on the ground.
A suspension storage system is more streamlined than a kayak rack, and is typically cheaper. An inexpensive solution is the Pelican Store Double Kayak Storage System. This system is easily mounted to a wall and holds two kayaks up to 200 pounds. Inflatable kayaks are also easy to store and can be deflated and stored in a corner of the garage or cupboard.
In addition to a suspension system, kayaks can be stored on a rack or stand. Some kayaks are suspended by bungee cords, which have a lot of elasticity. Make sure that these cords do not stretch, as small rodents can chew on them while they’re stored. You can even use mice pellets to keep mice from chewing the cords. Another option is to use wall-mounted kayak straps and suspend the kayaks from the deck.
If you choose to use a suspension system for kayak storage, you must make sure that you install a good solid anchor. A secure and safe system is essential for storing kayaks for winter. Once suspended, make sure to store your kayak in a cool, shaded area. Otherwise, animals may make their temporary homes in your kayak.
Avoiding moisture build-up
One of the most important steps when storing kayaks for winter is to prevent moisture build-up. One way to do this is to rinse your kayak with fresh water and make sure that everything is dry. Store your kayak with all its accessories alongside it. Also, make sure to place a vacuum cleaner inside to remove moisture build-up.
Another way to store your kayak is to store it vertically. While this is not ideal, it helps to avoid moisture build-up. It is also important to secure the kayak so that it cannot fall on people or vehicles. Also, make sure that the cockpit is turned away from a wall.
If you live in a place with cold weather, you can place your kayak outdoors under a cover made from tarps. This way, it will be protected from wind and rain. You can also place a plywood on top of your tarp to avoid moisture build-up.
Another option for storing kayaks for winter is to build a rack for them. This rack can be built or purchased. It can be set up so that the kayaks are slightly tilted or upside-down.