You invested in a fishing kayak and had many great adventures in it over the summer. But as we head towards the off-season, it’s important to learn how to safely store a fishing kayak.
Storing your fishing kayak properly will ensure that it stays safe and in good condition for many years to come. In this article, we’ll discuss how to safely store a fishing kayak in the off-season to prevent damage.
Clean Your Fishing Kayak
After its fishing adventures are over for the year, your plastic or fiberglass kayak may have sustained lots of dirt and grime. It could also have water stains, residues, bugs, bacteria, and smells. Before you store your fishing kayak for the off-season, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. This will help prevent grime buildup and damage over the off-season.
To clean your kayak, first, remove any fabric parts like seat cushions or storage compartments and wash them on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. These fabric pieces must be cleaned and stored separately from your kayak.
Use a scrub brush to wash your kayak with a mild soap detergent and water mixture. Be careful to wash every nook and cranny inside and outside of your kayak.
Then, rinse off the soap with a hose and drain any extra water inside your kayak. Thoroughly dry your kayak with a soft rag or towel to remove excess water. Then, leave your kayak in a sunny spot to dry out completely. Use a soft rag to erase any water spots after the kayak is completely dry.
Find Space to Store Your Fishing Kayak
Indoor Storage Is Preferred
You can store your fishing kayak indoors or outdoors. Ideally, it is best to store your kayak indoors. This will keep it safe from exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. It will also prevent pests from getting into your kayak. If possible, indoor storage is the best way to safely store a fishing kayak.
Try making space in your garage, basement, attic, or large closet. You can also store your kayak on an open section of your ceiling or a large open space on your wall. You could even rent a unit in a climate-controlled storage facility.
The key to indoor storage is climate control. The plastic on your kayak is highly susceptible to warping or cracking when the air is too hot and dry. Conversely, air that is too moist can cause mold and mildew problems.
Outdoor Storage Is Possible
If you do not have an indoor space available, you can safely store a fishing kayak outdoors. If outdoor storage is your only option, look for a space that is covered and consistently shaded. This will protect your kayak from direct sunlight, moisture, and frost.
Outdoor storage is more difficult in places with extreme seasons. If your kayak will endure very low temperatures outside, it is better to find an indoor storage solution for your kayak. You could also try building an insulated shelter or shack to keep your kayak safe over the off-season.
Distribute the Weight Evenly
The most important part of how to safely store a fishing kayak is weight distribution. Distributing the weight of the kayak evenly prevents the hull from being warped or damaged.
After you decide where to store your boat, you need to choose a kayak storage solution that will distribute the weight evenly. There are many different options to choose from, depending on your storage location. Here are a few options that will help you safely store a fishing kayak:
- Overhead Pulley System: Suspends your kayak from the ceiling with even weight distribution.
- Web Sling: Allows your kayak to be stored from a wall or ceiling and conforms to your kayak’s shape for even weight distribution.
- PVC Kayak Racks: Great outdoor storage solution that can accommodate multiple kayaks with easy access.
- Seahorse: A weather-resistant covered case for outdoor storage.
- Roof Rack: If you store your kayak on a car roof rack, you can continue using that as a long-term storage solution by setting the roof rack on the ground in your storage space. Make sure the kayak is not touching the ground.
Learn What Not To Do
No matter which proper storage solution you choose, never leave your kayak lying on a flat surface for more than two days. Leaving your kayak on a flat surface can cause significant warping and hull damage due to uneven weight and pressure. You should also never hang a kayak from its handles because they are not meant to hold the boat’s weight in a long-term situation.
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