Purchasing a new gun can be an exciting experience, whether you are an experienced hunter or just startin
Picture this: You're heading out for a thrilling day of outdoor adventure, with a vibrant blue sky overhe
Are you a fan of arcade games and pinball machines? Do you find yourself wanting to collect them but have
Console boats are so named due to the central position of their helm. These boats offer an open deck layo
If you've reached empty-nester status, it's time to start planning your future. When you don't have kids
When boating season is over, you'll want to store your kayak in a way that best preserves your watercraft. Improper storage can have damaging effects on your kayak, and you might need to replace your watercraft sooner if the damage is beyond repair. By following these five kayak storage tips, you can make your boat last longer.
1. Clean Before Storing
Prior to storing your kayak, you should give it a good cleaning to remove dirt, salt, and other debris that could have negative impacts on your boat. You can get away with just spraying down your boat with water if you're only planning to store it for a few days, but you'll want to do a more thorough cleaning by scrubbing and using safe cleaning products on your boat if you plan to store it for several weeks or months. It's also important to check your kayak manufacturer's maintenance recommendations so that you clean your boat using the proper methods.
2. Keep Out of Sunlight
No matter what material your kayak's hull is made from, sunlight can cause serious damage. The intense sun rays can fade, warp, and degrade the material. It's best to store your kayak in an indoor area that's shielded from the sun's damaging UV light. If you don't have access to an indoor storage unit, you can try keeping your kayak stored in an area that's in the shade and covered, to protect your watercraft from sunlight and moisture.
3. Store Above the Ground
The hull of your kayak could become warped if you have it sitting on the ground while in storage over a long period. Storing your kayak on the ground will also make your boat more susceptible to the harmful effects of dirt and moisture. A kayak rack can hold your boat so that it isn't left sitting on the ground. Kayak suspension systems that hang from the ceiling are also useful for kayak storage.
4. Don't Strap Too Tightly
The straps that you use to secure your kayak in place shouldn't be kept too tight, as this can warp the hull. When storing your kayak, you don't want to strap the boat as tightly as you would when you're transporting it by vehicle. The straps should be secured with only as much pressure as needed to keep the kayak from shifting out of place while it's being stored.
5. Protect Against Theft
It's also important to think about the possibility of theft when you're storing your kayak, and a secure indoor storage facility can keep your boat safe. If you can't keep your kayak at a secure storage facility, you should try to keep your boat out of sight as much as possible and position it in a way that makes your kayak more difficult for thieves to access it. A security cable that is secured around your boat and can be locked to a post or another structure to provide additional protection can also help keep your kayak out of the wrong hands.
Following these tips can make kayak storage easier and safer for your boat. Giving your kayak the proper care while it's in storage can add more years to the life of your watercraft.
Share