Are you tired of your kayak taking up valuable garage space?
Storing your kayak in the garage is a smart way to protect it from the elements, but finding the right storage solution can be challenging.
Luckily, there are several effective ways to store your kayak in the garage without damaging it. This article will explore some of the best methods, including wall-mounted brackets, ceiling mounts, and floor-standing racks.
Don’t risk damaging your kayak by storing it on the floor. Let’s find the perfect storage solution together.
What To Do Before Storing Your Kayak
Here are three important things to consider before storing your kayak in your garage.
Choose the Right Location
First, you need to choose the proper location to store your kayak. It is important to find a dry, cool, and shady spot.
Direct sunlight can cause your kayak’s plastic or fiberglass parts to become brittle, leading to cracking or fading of the color. Heat can also cause the kayak to warp or deform, making it difficult to use and potentially even dangerous.
On the other hand, storing your kayak in a damp or humid location can cause mold or mildew to grow on the surface. This can weaken the material and cause it to smell.
Ideally, you should store your kayak indoors in a garage or shed protected from the elements.
If you must keep your kayak outside, look for a shaded location, such as under a tree or an awning, and use a tarp or kayak cover to protect it from rain or snow.
If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, invest in a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry.
Choose the Right Position
Most experts recommend storing a kayak horizontally, flat on its bottom. This is the most stable position for the kayak and ensures that the weight of the kayak is evenly distributed across the entire hull, preventing any deformation or warping.
However, not everyone has space for horizontal storage.
Shorter kayaks, like whitewater kayaks, can be stored vertically. However, this can potentially stress the kayak’s bow and stern, leading to deformation over time.
Alternatively, position the kayak on its side, which is suitable for longer kayaks, such as touring kayaks.
No matter which direction you store your kayak, supporting it adequately is crucial. The kayak’s hull can become distorted or warped without proper support, leading to potential damage.
Several options are available to provide even support for your kayak during storage, including foam blocks, kayak cradles, and suspension systems.
Foam blocks can help evenly distribute the kayak’s weight and prevent hull distortion. When using foam blocks, ensure that they are placed evenly along the length of the kayak to provide consistent support.
Kayak cradles are another option for supporting your kayak. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to cradle the kayak’s hull as if you were holding a baby.
They can be attached to the wall or a free-standing rack.
Finally, suspension systems are a more advanced option. These systems use straps or slings to suspend the kayak from the ceiling, creating a secure and space-saving storage solution. They require careful installation to ensure the kayak is evenly and safely supported.
Pre-Storage Maintenance Checklist
Proper kayak maintenance before storing it is essential to prevent damage and prolong its lifespan.
Before storing your kayak, clean it thoroughly and ensure it is dry to prevent mold or mildew growth. Applying a UV protectant can also help prevent sun damage and keep the kayak looking new.
To clean your kayak, remove any debris or dirt from the surface. A soft-bristled brush can help with this process, along with mild soap and water. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of the kayak and pay extra attention to areas where dirt or sand may have accumulated, like the cockpit or scupper holes.
After cleaning, rinse the kayak thoroughly with fresh water, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. You can use a sponge or cloth to dry the kayak, but it is essential to ensure it is dry before storing it. Any remaining moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, potentially damaging the kayak.
Applying a UV protectant to your kayak can help prevent sun damage and keep the kayak looking new. Sun exposure can cause the material to become brittle, leading to cracks and fading. A UV protectant, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, can help prevent this damage and prolong your kayak’s lifespan.
When applying a UV protectant, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
How To Store A Kayak In The Garage
Don’t let the size and bulk of your kayak intimidate you. It’s crucial to store it properly to protect it from damage.
Luckily, there are some awesome storage solutions that won’t take up too much space or get in your way. Best of all, you don’t have to be a storage expert to find the perfect solution for your kayak because there are plenty of easy and effective methods to choose from.
Whether your kayak is big or small, we’ve got you covered.
Check out these top tips for storing your kayak in the garage.
Store The Kayak On Wall-Mount Brackets
The best way to store a kayak in the garage and use up the least possible space is to keep the kayak on wall-mount brackets.
Wall brackets keep the kayak out of the way, off the floor, well-protected, and free from damage.
This is a great solution because it works on any solid wall. Plus, you can choose whatever height allows you to comfortably retrieve the kayak.
Wall-mount brackets work best on drywall or cinder-block walls. Most have additional padding to protect your kayak from damage, even during long-term storage.
Pro tip: Use bungee cords to help secure a wall-mounted kayak and prevent it from falling off if bumped. This will reduce the chance of the kayak being damaged when stored on wall-mount brackets.
Hang The Kayak From A Ceiling-Mount
Ceiling mounts are the perfect solution if you have a small garage or limited space to store your kayak on the walls.
Several types of kayak ceiling mounts, including brackets, straps, and even pully systems, allow you to lower and raise the kayak quickly.
This storage method works best for a single garage or multiple short, lightweight kayaks.
You want to ensure that the mounting system you choose can support the full weight of the kayak without breaking. Additionally, you want to check how much weight your garage ceiling can support.
A ceiling mount could be a serious hazard if not correctly installed.
Store The Kayak On A Storage Rack
If you have more floor space in your garage than wall space, use a kayak rack in your garage. These purpose-built floor stands are available for all kayak types and can be made to store multiple kayaks.
Stands are available in vertical, horizontal, or diagonal orientations, meaning there is a stand to fit your space and kayaks.
These stands work very well and keep kayaks stored safely and securely.
However, this storage method only works if you have enough space in the garage to store the kayak on the floor. This makes it best for a double garage with only one car and the other empty bay.
Store The Kayak With Wall Slings
Wall slings for kayaks are similar to wall-mount brackets, but they are more versatile and can store multiple kayaks.
All slings, also called kayak straps, can hold a kayak in any orientation and angle, depending on how you install them. They are long and strong enough to fit any size kayak safely and are straightforward to install.
The straps themselves take up no space, so when the kayak is not in the garage, the brackets don’t take up any space. This can be vital for a multi-use garage.
Store The Kayak Upright On A Pad
An excellent way to save space in your garage when storing a kayak is to use a small foam pad and a kayak strap to store the kayak vertically against a wall.
A simple bungee cord on the wall will prevent the kayak from falling, while a thick foam pad underneath will help prevent damage.
This is the easiest and most budget-friendly method to store a kayak in a garage without taking u much space.
Wrapping It Up
Storing a kayak in a garage is the best way to protect it against the sun and the elements. Still, they must be appropriately stored to maximize your garage space efficiency and minimize damage.
It is vital to research the best storage methods for your garage based on the space size and the kayak you have. There is no one-size-fits-all storage method for kayaks, so take your time finding the right storage solution.
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