Indoor storage provides the best protection until you have a only kayak for water adventures. As the number increases, the concern for the storage also rises to make the paddlers search for the outdoor kayak storage room.
Normally, paddlers living in small apartments having no space inside usually opt for the outdoor storage ideas. To make the choice easier for you, we have listed below the simplest kayak storage ideas to help you in how to store a kayak outside.
What kind of storage option you opt for mainly depends on the number of kayaks and the space outside. So carefully choose a method by keeping in mind the outdoor space.
Some of the options demand a small investment, however, you can adopt the cheapest ways by doing some DIY projects. Moreover, outdoor prove riskier if the kayaks are not secured with a proper locking system.
To walk through all around, read our comprehensive guide and plan a safe outdoor kayak storage
Table of Contents
Best Way To Store Kayaks Outside
While living in a small apartment having no extra capacity in a garage, storing a kayak becomes more challenging. Fortunately, numerous ways are available to make a kayak or a canoe safe and secure in a limited area.
However, you may not find each idea compatible with the canoe since of its relatively big and bulky size. Therefore, choose the option carefully by keeping in mind the type of watercraft you have.
Hang A Kayak Horizontally With Wall
Horizontal kayak storage or wall mounting is the most convenient and simplest method to grab less and less space. On a high-duty wall mount, three big kayaks or canoes can easily be placed for the long term. It may require you to build a DIY kayak mount or you can purchase one to ensure extra security.
The first step includes choosing a perfect location for wall mounting. Make sure to select a wall away from the direct sunlight, rain, and snowfall.
If you are more concerned about your new kayak’s security it is advisable to choose a wood wall, built separately having no residency area inside out. It will allow to lock and strap a kayak by making holes in the wall.
Now measure the kayak length and fix the mounting hooks in a wall at a distance of 3 to 4 inches less than the kayak’s length to perfectly support the bow and stern of the kayak.
Here comes a time to lift a kayak on the rack and cover it completely with a tarp. After that, you will be adding straps or locking cable on the kayak to protect it against theft and limit the tarp’s movement in high winds.
While adding a final touch to the storage, make sure to apply at least three straps on the kayak. Two normal straps at the bow and stern and one locking cable in the middle support the actual kayak’s weight and likewise add security.
For anchor points, use the built-in holes in the wall and tighten the straps to have minimum compression and expansion on winters and sunny days.
Storing A Kayak On Ground
You may be facing a case having no separate wall to apply brackets and mount a kayak. In such a case a free flat ground can best accommodate your kayak to keep it outside near to reach.
If you have just come back from the water ride and looking to store it immediately, firstly conduct a kayak cleaning session. Use a readily available cleaning solution, apply it to the kayak, and rub the surface gently with a sponge. Make sure to remove the kayak seat and other fabric material before cleaning.
Now wash and dry the kayak hull, you can also leave the kayak under a shed to ultimately make it moisture free.
Till then find a free and flat ground having a wall on one side to lean the kayak body. Place two small wooden boxes or crates on the ground, and lift the kayak over them with a hull side down.
A kayak can also be placed vertically making an angle with the wall, over one crate placed on the ground. Both options are highly inexpensive and simple to adopt when the paddlers are unable to spend on the kayak rack system.
Storing A Kayak Under Deck
You might instantly work on the idea if you are having a deck. Big decks allow the spacious area to store more than one kayak by applying kayak rack and wall mounting methods under the deck. However, not every deck is generous enough to support more than the ground storage of a kayak.
If the deck is wide and has a good inch of height then plan to do a DIY kayak rack project. Wood would prove the ultimate and long-lasting option to choose as a kayak bed. It may take some time but eventually be giving you the cheapest and most fancy kayak room under the deck.
Off the ground, storage can also prove convenient if the deck has a flat and clean ceiling. Similarly, buy a roof rack system or build one at home and store the kayak above the ground leaving ample room to store another kayak or other essentials under the deck.
Although, you may need to neglect the above methods if your deck is more enclosed from the sides. In such a case, only ground storage is left to simply slide a kayak under the deck.
Make sure to cover the kayak with a tarp before sliding since the deck provides easy passage to the rain to affect the underneath items. Moreover, a cable lock system must also be applied to keep the kayak safe and secure for long-term storage.
How To Build A Kayak Rack Out Of Wood
When it comes to storing more than one kayak and canoe, DIY racks prove the ultimate and cheapest solution. You can do the process at home if you are having good welding skills, however, the other way is to take your idea to the nearest welding store and make it happen the way you designed.
A homemade wood kayak rack protects the property in the best possible way no matter the weather conditions. Fix it inside the garage or choose to place it outside, wood rack would be the perfect cupboard for your expensive kayaks and canoes.
We are sharing a step-by-step guide below on how you can build a wood kayak rack at home;
Wall Mount DIY Kayak Rack
Wall mounting idea first comes to mind when it comes to storing a big kayak in less space. It also provides a good space to include more accessories in the limited storage area.
Like kayak racks, a wall mounting system can also be built at home.
The system can be fitted anywhere, under a deck, inside the garage, or at the fence. Make sure the wall is flat and strong to perfectly accommodate a big weighty kayak. For a tight strapping and cable lock system, a fence proves an ideal place to fix the kayak mounts.
Can kayaks Be Stored Outside In winter?
Winters could prove the most challenging period for kayaks to keep their hull shape safe and healthy. In snowy areas, a continuous contraction can deform the kayak’s body making dents and cracks on the hull.
Therefore, winter storage requires to have more secure and enclosed kayak storehouse to give you the same go-to kayak at the end.
We’ll take a look at the most common and simplest kayak winter storage ideas, however before you must need to know about a few precautionary measures to must keep in mind before storing a kayak anywhere.
• Even if you have not used a kayak in the water recently, it is advisable to clean a kayak properly. In extremely cold regions of six to seven months of heavy snowfall, kayak owners would be unable to look at their kayaks and wash them. Therefore, do homework and conduct 10 mins of the kayak cleaning session.
• Like humans, small creatures also remain in search of enclosed warm houses in winters. Make sure not to provide your kayak cockpit as a good shelter for them, it is better to remove the seat and close the cockpit with a cover.
• Choose a storage idea that holds the kayak off the ground. Rain and snow provide no way to leave the kayak on the ground having no shelter underneath or above. Simply relying on a tarp will not prevent the plastic body to contract and bending when comes under a snow load.
Now when you are cleared about the above instructions, let’s walk through the kayak storehouse options for winter.
As stated above, a storage area above the ground is the only optimal way to protect the kayak’s plastic body, hence purchasing a kayak rack is highly recommended. It can also be made at home in case of no extra money and you are having good welding skills.
Like a cupboard, a kayak rack easily gives space to more than one kayak to store at a time. Since you are preparing for winter, make sure the rack is placed somewhere under a shed. Never choose the under tree area which can cause serious damage to the property in heavy wind and snow.
Moreover, cover the kayak body with a tarp to provide at least a small extent of insulation to the plastic, but the idea is not good for long time storage.
You must need to wrap off the kayak from time to time to make sure there is no moisture damage underneath or foam blocks can also be put inside the tarp to simply make a small airflow.
Wall mounting storage is a bit risky solution to adopt in snowy regions since the kayak remains open to holding snow weight and results in damage. However, if you experience less or no snow in winters then it might suit you the best. To still keep the body moisture-free, don’t forget to apply the cover.
It would be a plus if you keep checking the kayak when there is a bright sun.
Lastly, a kayak under a deck will remain super protected both from thefts and cold weather. Even a big canoe can grab a comfortable place throughout the winter season. All it requires is to do some welding to make a kayak sit a bit above the ground.
How To Lock Up A Kayak Outside
You must not be leaving your expensive property unattended outside for the thefts to take along. A kayak locking system is a must to ensure long-term safety in whatever storage option you have decided.
A kayak rack and wall mount system are probably your prime outdoor storage means. One permanent security method must be chosen so you can apply the same security method every if you need to switch from one storage option to other.
Fortunately, a cable lock system is the most convenient and ideal method that can be used to secure kayaks in both rack and wall mounting. It is also not heavier on the wallet providing the simplest way to hide the property from crooks.
When the kayak is loaded in a rack, apply the straps at the bow and stern while the locking cable will be applied in the middle. Simply wrap the cable making a rack as an anchor point then apply the combination or key lock where both ends meet.
Cable material is another crucial factor that must need to be closely considered. Make sure the cable is thick enough to provide a hard time to the thefts when they intend to cut the lock. Moreover, in rain and snowfall cable locks are most likely to corrode and damage by moisture making the security system weak.
Therefore, it is advisable to choose a cable, coated with a thick material ensuring the actual cable line to last longer and is damage-free.
Additionally, a cable lock can also be applied if you have decided on ground storage of not more than one to two months though certain factors must need to be fulfilled.
To lock a kayak on the ground, the prime requirement is to choose the right surface for you. Make sure to fix the anchor point to run the cable through for locking purposes.
Final Words
Outside storage options prove much more challenging for the new kayak owners. Never opt for outside storage methods unless you are left with no space in the garage. Checking the storage from time to time and maintaining the kayak to stay fresh proves the more daunting tasks. In case of
Make sure to choose a place away from direct sunlight, rain, and other elements. Bugs and insects can have a perfect house when the kayak is uncovered or kept on the ground for long-term storage. Therefore, proper storage guidance is necessary to get a healthy kayak for the next water trip.
Excellent post!