Homemade Kayak Storage

Colorful Kayaks on Storage image by jumedero from Fotolia.com

Your kayak will be an important piece of equipment on many travels. Besides being a mode of transport, it will also keep you safe while on the water. and represents a fairly major investment in gear. Proper storage of your boat will keep it in good condition for years, and there are some simple pieces of equipment you can make yourself for safe storage of your boat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Wall Mounting

Things You’ll Need:

L brackets
Level
Chalk Line
Screws and anchors
Padding
Bike storage hooks
Drill

Step 1

Build a storage rack out of shelf brackets (L-shaped). This is an option for either inside or outside storage. Measure the width of your boat so that you purchase brackets long enough for your kayak to rest on.

Step 2

Attach the two brackets to the wall. Drill pilot holes, and if you aren't going into the studs in the wall use anchors to provide strength. Run a chalk line to get your brackets level, and check with a level.

Step 3

Cover the bracket the kayak will be sitting on with foam or pipe insulation. If room permits, it is safer to store the kayaks upside-down with the deck resting on the brackets. Decks are generally flatter and this will provide more stability. You may also use web strapping to more firmly hold the kayak to the bracket.

Ceiling Storage

Step 1

Search for the ceiling beams with an electronic stud finder.

Step 2

Measure the distance between the fore and aft carry handles of your kayak. This will give the distance needed between the two bike storage hooks.

Step 3

Mark the distance on the beam, and drill a pilot hole with a power drill where you want to screw your bike storage hooks into the beam. When the hole is started, screw the hooks in all the way.

Step 4

Hang your kayak by the storage handles. Bend the hook slightly, if needed, to provide better support for the kayak.

Tips & Warnings

Always use a tarp over your boat when storing it outside.

Resources

Beginner Kayaking: How to Maintain and Store Kayaking Equipment

Article Written By Andy McVeigh

Andy McVeigh lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys paddling, biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, scuba diving and photography. McVeigh is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and is currently working on his MBA.

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