Kayak Storage

On the water, the kayak feels light and maneuverable. On land however, moving a kayak around is often not an easy task. If a kayak requires a large effort to dig out of the basement, it is less likely that it will be used. I looked into a number of ways to store my kayak and found that I could store it near the ceiling of my garage using the Harken Boat Hoist. The intent of this product is to lower it onto your car, so that it easily straps onto the roof rack. My garage does not have enough clearance for my car and boat together, so I installed it in front of the cars out of the way of the garage doors. The kayak is raised by pulling a rope through a block and tackle giving a mechanical advantage of 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 depending on model selected. Harken's web page also offers a range of maximum vertical lift distances for ceilings higher than eight feet. This hoist also includes a safety mechanism that stops the boat instantly if the rope is accidentally released.

When storing a kayak, make sure that it is empty since the weight of gear can deform it over time. The wide bands shown in the picture are positioned so that they support the kayak at the bulkheads. The bulkheads are walls inside the kayak to separate the internal space into three distinct regions. Not all kayaks have bulkheads, so storing a kayak on its side can also help preserve the kayak's shape. If the kayak must be stored outside make sure to cover it and keep it completely in the shade. The heat under a tarp in the sun can easily warp a kayak. Kayak manufacturers usually recommend the best way to store their kayaks.