What is the Best Way to Store Kayaks?
There are many ways to store your kayak, but the most convenient way may be hanging it vertically. You can also hang it vertically from a raft or rack. If you store your kayak indoors, make sure that the cockpit is facing outwards and that it rests slightly on its side. Also, keep the bow and stern up off the floor. Padding can also protect the kayak and help it stay in place. fishing kayaks with motors
Besides hanging your kayak, you can also hang it from the wall using hanging straps. These are similar to wall-mounted cradles, but are a bit trickier to load and unload alone. If you’re storing your kayak on a rack, make sure that you mount it to a stud, so that it doesn’t fall or roll. You should also use a sturdy, waterproof tarp.
When storing your kayak, be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause damage and fading to your kayak. To avoid this, consider placing your kayak in a room where it won’t get damaged by sunlight. Likewise, extreme heat can make your kayak distorted. Make sure you store it in a climate-controlled storage area during cold months and away from heat sources.
Drying your kayak is an important aspect of storage. Leaving it wet will cause fungus to grow and ruin it. After storing your kayak, make sure you check it regularly to make sure it’s still dry and in good condition. If the kayak is damp, you should empty it of any water that’s trapped inside the hatches. To avoid mold, you should clean the entire kayak thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Another consideration is the temperature. Kayaks are susceptible to damage when stored in cold or very hot temperatures. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause cracking or warping of the hull. Even in climates with moderate temperature changes, the sun’s UV rays can cause premature wear and tear on the materials. For this reason, indoor storage is always the best option. If it’s too cold, keep it indoors.
In order to protect your kayak from UV rays, it’s important to store it in a shaded room. However, you don’t need to use an actual tarpaulin to cover your kayak. A tarpaulin that’s specially made for kayaks can also work. If you don’t have a tarp, you can use a waterproof and UV-resistant cover. However, these may not provide enough protection for long-term storage.
You can also keep your kayak dry by covering its cockpit. This way, you can prevent moisture, insects, and other debris from collecting inside the kayak. If you don’t have enough space for horizontal storage, you can hang your kayak vertically. Make sure to secure your kayak to avoid causing any damage to it. Alternatively, you can use a rack for kayaks that are too heavy for horizontal storage.