Storage is one of the first things you should consider before investing in a kayak, especially a hardshell. Indoor storage is recommended to extend its life and quality, although there are also ways to keep it in good condition outside. If you’re planning to keep your kayak at home instead of a storage facility, your garage is probably the best spot you have because it has the space you need and isn’t in anyone’s way.
Here’s how you can hang a kayak safely and securely in the garage:
- Prepare the storage space.
- Prepare your kayak for storage.
- Decide which method you’ll use to store your kayak.
- Perform regular maintenance on the kayak and storage space.
There are several ways you can safely store your kayak in the garage; you can mount it to the wall, hang it from the ceiling, or place it on its side on a kayak rack. Each of these options will require varying levels of effort and expense to set up. Keep reading to find out more!
1. Prepare the Storage Space
First, locate a storage spot. Whichever method you choose – we’ll discuss these different methods later on – you should have sufficient space. It’s also important to store your kayak somewhere not subject to extreme temperatures to prevent damage over time.
2. Prepare Your Kayak for Storage
Next, clean your kayak and drain all the water out afterward. Preparing for storage is also an excellent time to check for any issues, such as major cracks or missing parts, that’ll need addressing before your kayak goes on the water again.
When the kayak is clean and fully dry, Life Jacket Adviser suggests that you also wrap it with a kayak cover. One example is the Classic Accessories Kayak Cover (available on Amazon.com), made with heavy duty polyester that won’t shrink or stretch. This cover will serve as an extra layer of protection from the elements.
3. Decide Which Method You’ll Use to Store Your Kayak
The following are all great options to keep your kayak secured, so choose what you think will work best for your schedule, budget, and space. Whatever you choose, remember that the kayak’s weight has to be distributed evenlyon your storage system, according to Paddle About.
Here are storage methods require varying levels of physical work and materials:
Wall Mounting
For this method, you’re going to need to find the studs or beams in your wall. These are the vertical pieces of wood or metal that form the frame of the wall. You can use a stud finder for this.
Once you’ve located the studs, measure your kayak and mark the parts of the wall where you intend to place the pair of wall mounts. I recommend the Best Marine & Outdoors Kayak Storage Racks (available on Amazon.com) because they are lightweight but very strong.
Keep in mind that the wall mounts need to support the middle part of the kayak, where it’s heaviest.
Screw the mounts into the wall studs, ensuring that they are firmly positioned and will hold the weight of your kayak. The kayak will lay on its side on top of the wall hangers.
If your garage is high enough, you can also attach the kayak to the wall vertically by strapping it into place using wall mounts as anchors. Just make sure you place some form of padding underneath the bow or the stern, whichever end is in contact with the floor, according to Kayak Help.
Overhead Storage
Another popular and space-saving kayak storage method is suspending it from your garage ceiling. Like wall mounting, you need to find the support beams in the ceiling and then install your eye hooks there to get the proper support.
Tie a strap or a rope around your kayak and hang it on the eye hooks you have placed in the ceiling. Additionally, you can buy a simple metal pulley and add it to your setup to be able to hoist the kayak up and down conveniently.
Alternatively, you can order a pre-made overhead suspension system such as the easy-to-install RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set (available on Amazon.com) and install it in your garage. This particular set comes two for the price of one.
Kayak Storage Racks
Last but not least, you can purchase a sturdy freestanding kayak rack such as the RaxGo Kayak Storage Rack(available on Amazon.com) if you don’t have much time to set up a storage system yourself. You can purchase this rack with or without wheels, as you prefer.
Getting a rack is also a great option if you have more than one kayak, as there are racks out there that can support multiple kayaks. Some stands are also foldable such as the Best Marine & Outdoors Kayak Stand (available on Amazon.com) to help you save space when they’re not in use.
If you do have the time but would rather not spend extra money, you can DIY your rack – wood and PVC are popular materials – and tailor it to your kayak/s and the free space you have.
Is It Okay To Store Your Kayak Directly On The Floor?
It is not recommended to just let your kayak sit on the floor, as whichever side of the kayak is against the ground might get deformed over time. If you absolutely must, store it on the ground upside down.
However, you should be aware that this position is still not safe from potential denting and scratching, according to Kayak Help.
4. Perform Regular Maintenance on the Kayak and Storage Space
Of course, you’re going to want to check on your kayak from time to time. Here are a few things you can do to make sure it remains in the best shape even while in storage:
- Wall-mounted kayaks may need to be rotated every so often so that no one side is leaning against the wall for too long.
- Make sure that no part of your kayak is strapped in too tightly or otherwise subject to too much pressure, which could dent it over time.
- Clean your kayak regularly, as dirt and dust still accumulate even indoors. Overhead storage, in particular, gives you easy access to the hull for a quick wipedown.
- You should also guard against any moisture buildup, as this can warp your kayak if left unchecked.
Final Thoughts
Like all worthy investments, a kayak needs to be handled properly and carefully, and storage is a crucial first step to that. Storing it somewhere so it won’t get damaged by the elements or knocked over by someone in a hurry will spare you from the cost and the hassle of repairs, or worse, accidents when you’re back in the water.