Storing Kayaks In Garage [How To Guide  & 20 Ideas]

Introduction

Whether you agree with me or not, but kayaking is surely expensive stuff, especially if you own a stand-up fishing kayak or a hybrid kayak with a paddle board design. So, if you don’t proper kayak storage idea or option, then your investment in your kayak might go lost.

Storing a kayak in the garage is surely a daunting task, especially if you have got a big-size kayak or you are a beginner and don’t know anything about kayak storage in the garage. 

Irrespective of the type of kayak you own or your experince, you must make sure that you store your kayak properly without getting it damaged and ensure it is protected from horrible weather and theft.

Since kayaks are big they take up more space, so you must have some creative ideas to store kayaks, especially in the garage.

With that in mind, I have curated this 3000+ guide post on “How to store kayak in the garage with creating ideas, tips and tools”.

Importance Of Kayak Storage In Garage

Before starting the idea to store kayaks in the garage, let us understand why it is essential to store a kayak and what is its significance. 

1. Deformation 

If you are not storing your kayak in the garage or elsewhere properly then it can lead to deformation and damage of the hull. And the hull is the heart and soul of your kayak. Once it gets damaged, your kayak will be of no use. According to senior kayakers, when you are storing a kayak in the garage or anywhere, the weight should be evenly distributed so that kayak’s hull does not get damaged.

If you are not storing your kayak properly the hull might get bend or deform, which might entirely break your kayak and cause serious injury to you if you are not aware of this. Of course, the bending and distortion might not be visible through the naked eye but you might feel some instability while kayaking or camping on the lake with your ride.

So, when you are storing your kayak in the garage, you need to pay special attention to the hull and keep an eye on it on regular basis. At least, make sure that the hull does not touch the ground because it might gradually change the shape of your hull.

2. Third-party elements

The next reason why kayak storing in the garage is important is to protect it from external elements. Kayaks are generally made with PVC material, plastic material, hardshell material and other composite materials which can get damaged over a period of time due to rain, wind, heat, snow, sunlight and saltwater.

Here are some of the external elements that might damage you kayak if it is not stored properly.

Sunlight

Whether your kayak is made with plastic, PVC or hardshell material, sunlight can damage the entire kayak if not taken care of properly at time. That’s why you need to store your kayak in a garage in such a way that it is away from the sunlight and not in direct contact with the heat.  The best way to do this is to cover your kayak with a bag and then store it in the garage.

Cold

Another reason to store kayaks in the garage is to keep it protected from freezing temperatures, especially during the winter and snow season. Just like extreme sunlight can damage the kayak, similarly cold can also damage the kayak, even when it is stored inside. 

During the cold and winter, the water can seep into the kayak and damage it in and out. Generally, it is not a problem but when the kayak is explored to minus temperature it can damage your kayak for sure. 

Rain

The reason why kayak storage in the garage is important is because of snow. Therefore, you should take extra protection while storing your kayak in winter. Water might get collected into your kayak and it may form a mold, which can gradually destroy your kayak and its look and feel. Traps and covers and help you to deal with this situation. 

Saltwater 

Another enemy to your kayak is saltwater. Salt can degrade the exterior of all kinds of kayaks(wooden, plastic, composite, fibreglass, etc.) and the metal parts within your boat as well. Therefore, if you plan to use your kayak in the ocean, it is imperative that you thoroughly spray the boat down with fresh, clean water after each use.

3. Theft

As I have already mentioned that kayaks are hell expensive. If you are having the best fishing kayak or the best tandem kayak, then you might have invested anywhere between $400 to $2000 or more. Have you wondered what will happen if such expensive stuff gets stolen?

This is the reason why you should be keeping your kayak stored safely. If you are planning to store your kayak outside of your home, then make sure you use a proper locking system. Also, make sure that the lock is hidden and that only a few trustworthy people have access to it.

If you are not having a locking system, then I would suggest storing your kayak in the garage or hidden somewhere. Thieves and robbers tend to be in hurry and when they won’t find your kayak, they will leave. Keeping your kayak hidden and out of the reach of common people is a good kayak storage idea as well.

4. Personal safety 

The next reason why you should be keeping your kayak in the garage is for personal safety. 

Benefits Of Kayak Storage In Garage & Challenges

Now that you have come to know about the importance of storing kayaks in the garage, it is now important to understand what are the benefits and advantages of storing kayaks. 

1. Protection

The very first benefit of storing a kayak in the garage is that it offers protection from external as well as internal damage. Kayaks are made with PVC construction materials, plastic, fibre body, hardshell material and rigid materials. They are mostly built to be used in water, but exposure to sunlight, wind, rain and other elements can damage the kayak in and out. That’s the reason why it is important to store kayaks if you want to enjoy your ride for long-term purposes. 

2. Security:

If you are living in a high-crime locality which is dominated by crimes such as robberies and thefts, then you must also keep your kayak safe. Robbers and thieves are always on the hunt to take expensive items and nothing can be better than a high-ticket product like a kayak for them. 

If they find your kayak in an open space without any locking system your kayak will be gone. Even if you own a cheap kayak make sure to safeguard it with the locking system, especially when you are keeping it outside. 

But when your kayak is properly stored with locking and hidden from the eyes of robbers, nobody can think of taking it.

3. Convenience:  

Another great benefit of storing a kayak in the garage is convenience in the home as well as for transportation. You’ll also be having easy access to your kayak and use it wherever you want. This can be truly helpful to you if you are living in an area where it is daunting to transport your kayak from one spot to another. 

4. Space savings: 

One of the biggest benefits of storing kayaks in the garage is that it will save loads of space in your home. And this is true if you are living in an area where space is limited in your home. Storing kayaks in the garage will keep your home space free and give you ample of opportunity to move in and out anywhere. 

5. Cleanliness:

Another great benefit of storing a kayak in the garage is that you don’t need to worry about getting your kayak dirty from external elements like sand, dust and other small particles. 

6. Maintenance:

The next reason why you should be storing kayaks in the garage is because of maintenance. I assure you that your garage storage space is dry and protected, which can make it quite easy-peasy for you to do the kayak maintenance task easily such as cleaning, drying, and applying wax and other protective coatings. 

This will help you in extending the life of your kayak and allow you to enjoy the ride on the water on a long-term basis. 

7. Customization:

Do you want to customize your kayak with the latest kayaking gear and accessories? If yes, then storing kayaks in the garage or shed can help you with this. If you own a fishing or a tandem kayak, then you can customize your ride with rod holders, compasses, a fish finder, a motor, a GPS system and a kayaking speaker. 

This can be only done when you have kept your kayak in an open space and you have loads of room for customization. 

8. Safety: 

If you are living in an area which is prone to snowfall, extreme rainfall or theft, then storing kayaks in the garage should be your top priority. This will safeguard your kayak not only from adverse weather conditions but also from the clutches of robbers. 

Although you can keep your kayak outside with the cover, this will only protect your kayak from the daunting weather condition and not from the clutches of robbers. 

9. Transportation:

If you own a big-size kayak or a pontoon boat, then you already know about the hardships of carrying and transporting it. If you don’t have loads of storage space on your car, then storing the kayak in the garage can make it much easier for you to transport it to and from the water. 

10. Investment:

Kayak is surely a significant investment that will cost you anywhere between $500 to $1000 or even more if you are having a stand-up fishing or fly fishing kayak. So, it should be your responsibility to store your kayak and protect it from the elements and other damage. 

So, if you care for your kayak and investment and want to take your ride for the long haul, then make sure to store it properly and with care. 

Preparing Your Kayak For Storage In Garage

Till now you might have completely understood everything about the importance and benefits of kayak storage in the garage. Now, let me walk you through how to prepare your kayak for storage and what steps you need to keep in mind. 

Storing a kayak properly is important for its longevity and for keeping it in good condition. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare your kayak for storage:

Clean the kayak thoroughly:

First things first, before storing your kayak in the garage, you need to make sure that you clean your kayak in and out before storing it in rage or elsewhere in your home, or outside. Make sure that you remove all the dirt and derbies before starting the storage process. This will keep your kayak protected in the long haul. 

Here are some accessories that you’ll need for cleaning your kayak in and out. A bucket of water, a soft brush, mild detergent or soap water, and a cloth to clean your kayak. You can start off by cleaning your kayak by using water and detergent and then use a brush to scrub it and remove all the dirt in one go. You can also dip the brush in soap water and clean your kayak for a more shiny and classy look. 

Once the cleaning process is done. You can dry your kayak with a clean cotton cloth or keep it in the sunshine for a time. 

When you are cleaning your kayak make sure that you don’t use any strong or harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can cause a ding, dent or scratch on your kayak. 

Dry the kayak completely:

After the cleaning process is done, now you need to dry your kayak. You cannot simply store the kayak in the garage wet as it might affect the kayak in the long haul. So, whether you have finished a day on the water or planning your store your kayak, you need to dry your watercraft as it will prevent it from mild dew, mould, harmful chemicals and substances and another sort of damage.

When it comes to drying your kayak, you need to remove all the kayaking gears and accessories that you have taken along for a ride. These items inlcude: bags, rod holders, paddling life jackets, coolers and a lot more. These items should be dried separately.  

Use a dry cotton cloth and wipe the kayak from top to bottom and left to right. Make sure that there are no stones unturned and that each and every part of your kayak is dried. After the outside portion of the kayak is dry, make sure the check the inside portion as well, because it takes a bit of time to dry. Also check whether the inside portion is rinsed off any dirt, sand, or debris that may have accumulated on the hull.

Check for and fix any damages:

After drying and cleaning your kayak, you need to check if your kayak is in the right condition or not. You can start by giving a visual check to your kayak and look if any part is broken or not. Check for cracks, dings and dents on the kayak and other deformities on the hull side. If possible, use a kayak standing rack and check the bottom portion as well.  

Once done, move on to kayak fittings and check for the rudder, hatch covers, rod holders, skeg at the bottom, bungee lacing and other kayak materials. If any of these are damaged or loose, remove them and repair or replace them.

 If you find any damage on your kayak, then you need to check whether the damage can be repaired or not. If it can be repaired you can make it fix, or change it completely with the new system.

Remove any accessories:

The next step is to make sure to remove all the accessories from the kayak. This includes kayak seats, rod holders, fish finders, motor systems, rudder systems, GPS systems, kayaking speakers, and lot more. 

Carefully lift the accessory off of the kayak. Some accessories, such as hatches or rod holders, may be attached to the kayak using cords or bungee cords. If this is the case, gently untie these cords to release the accessory.

Store the kayak indoors:

Once you have done with the basic rituals such as cleaning the kayak, drying it up and removing the accessories, then you to store it up. You can either store the kayak indoors or outdoors or in the garage. My personal recommendation would be to store your kayak in the garage or indoors. 

If you are storing your kayak outside, the chances of theft will be higher as compared to storing it inside or in the garage. 

Support the kayak properly:

When you are storing your kayak in the garage or indoors, make sure to support it properly so the kayak does not fall and get damaged. You can make sure of this by attaching a kayaking strap system or using a free-standing rack in the garage. 

Consider using a dehumidifier:

Last but not the least, if you are keeping your kayak in the garage or in a humid then make sure to use a dehumidifier to prevent mould and mildew from forming on the kayak. 

By following these steps, you can properly prepare your kayak for storage and keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help extend the life of your kayak and ensure that it is ready to use whenever you are.

Kayak Garage Storage Options & Ideas

Now here comes the most important part of the blog, which is kayak storage ideas in the garage. These ideas and DIY tips will help you keep your kayak hassle-free without causing it any damage or scratch. 

1. Ceiling rack

The first kayak storage idea for the garage is using a kayak ceiling rack which can hold your kayak upside and keep the flooring space free, allowing you to move your car in and out easily. The ceiling rack comes with dense closed-cell foam padding material, which will hold your kayak smoothly and tightly. 

The ceiling rack also gives an adjustable height option, allowing you to store big as well as small size kayaks without worrying about tipping off. You can also use this type of rack to store various types of kayaks including recreational kayaks, sea kayaks, ocean kayaks, fishing kayaks, paddle boards and more.

Some of the ceiling racks come with a locking system, allowing you to affix your kayak tightly to sure they don’t fall down. Plus, the rotating mount bracket will allow you to fit the ceiling joints for more safe and secure installation to support 2 kayaks at up to 150 lbs.

2. Wall mounting

If you are planning to store kayaks in the garage, a wall mounting system is another easy-peasy and cheap option. Though this is a time-consuming process, will ensure long-lasting protection to your kayak and keep the garage floor space as free as possible. 

A kayak mounting system is a storage idea for a garage that will allow you to hang up your kayak on the wall of your garage or elsewhere in your home. It comes along with a series of brackets that are mounted to the wall with screws and other fitting accessories that come along to hold the kayak in one place. 

A wall mounting system is a top-rated choice for those kayakers who are running out of space in their home or garage and looking for an affordable and easy way to kayak storage. With this system, you can also keep the kayak out of the reach of small children or pets. 

3. Pulling system

A kayak-pulling system is used to store kayaks in the garage by hoisting your kayak upward against the wall. With this system, you can leverage the unused space in your garage or home with the hoist pully and store your kayak hassle-free. It comes with an exclusive rope locking mechanism that makes it easier to store the kayak without falling it apart. 

One single pulling system can be used to store one big-size kayak, fishing kayak or multiple paddle boards. 

The pulling system is also designed to carry a load of up to 125 lbs, which makes it ideal for any type of watercraft. Not only kayak, the pulling system can also be leveraged to store bikes, surfboards, wakeboards and other stuff. 

The installation is pretty handy as well. It comes along with all the mounting hardware and tools, allowing you to easily affix the pulling system in the garage, store shed, or home. 

Some of the main features of the kayak pulling system are: versatile, easy to use, flexible and affordable for all. 

4. Freestanding rack

The next kayak garage storage option is a free-standing rack, which is a type of storage solution that allows you to keep your small or any type of kayak upright off the ground. Such storage rack and idea is also suited for bikes, cycles, small pontoon boats and other watercraft. You can also use such type of rack to clean and paint your kayak from top to bottom easily.

The kayak standing rack is also considered durable and stronger as compared to the other racks because they are made with metal, wood or plastic material and built to hold 2-3 kayaks at a time. They also come with adjustable arms or cradles with smooth cushioning on the arm to protect your kayak from scratch, ding or dent.  

In fact, some kayak free-standing racks are also designed to be mounted on a wall or another surface, giving you complete freedom to store your kayak anywhere you want. 

Some of the benefits of using kayak free-standing racks are:  keeping your kayak safe from damage, freeing up floor space in your garage or storage shed, and making it easier to access and load your kayak onto your car for transport.

5. Folding rack

This is one of the best types of kayak storage ideas in a garage. A folding rack is built to store kayaks anywhere and at any time. This type of rack are free to move and can also be kept anywhere in the home, store or garage. They are lightweight and made with durable construction material, allowing you to keep your kayak strong and tough. 

The racks are made of steel and aluminium construction material with a series of brackets and cradles that will hold your kayak in one place. The folding racks can also be dismantled and stored when not in use. Some of the folding racks for kayaks come along with wheels so that you can also carry and transport your kayak on the beach side.  

Overall, folding kayak racks are great options for storing kayaks in the garage, especially for those who are running tight on space and need flexible kayak storage options.

6. Wall hooks

A kayak wall hook is yet another kayak storage option which is generally used to store kayaks in the garage, wall or ceiling. It comes along with hooks made of plastic, metal, and aluminium material that is mounted on the wall or ceiling along with a strapping system or another adjustable belt to store your kayak to the hook. 

The wall hook system are affordable and cheap storage option, ideal for those anglers or kayakers running tight on the budget. Kayak wall hooks can also be leveraged to store other sorts of watersport gear and tools like surfboards, wakeboards, paddle boards and lot more.

First, the kayak is placed on the hook with the hull facing upward and then the strap is used to tighten the hold around the kayak. This is done to make sure that your kayak does not fall apart from the hook.

The only drawback of the kayak wall mounting system is that they are very difficult to mount on the wall and quite time-consuming as well. 

7. Kayak rack for car

If you are storing kayaks in the garage, then you must be aware of car kayak rack, a system that allows you to transport your kayak easily anywhere to your ideal kayaking location on top of your car. Though such racks are designed to transport water sports gear like kayaks, canoes, and surfboards, you can also use it as a storage system.

You can also use a car kayak rack for storage purposes. When your car is not in use, you can simply mount the rack and kayak on top of the car and remove it when you wanna use your car. 

Some of the kayak rack for car features foam pads and rubber bottom bases which are made with high-quality material, water resistant and sun resistant to give extreme protection to your kayak. Once the rack is adjusted on the car it will stay stiff on and off the road as well. 

The racks are generally made with steel tubes and aliminium construction material, making them durable and long serving in life.

8. Rack with wheels

A kayak wheel is a tool that is generally used to troll and carry a kayak from one spot to another. It is generally placed at the bottom of the kayak and carried with the help of a strap to make transportation more easy-peasy for kids and beginner-level kayakers. 

You can also use a kayak cart to store the kayak in the garage and take it when your next wilderness is calling. Although it won’t give much protection and safety to your kayak, but you can still trust it for carrying and transportation. 

One of the good things about the kayak wheel cart is that it can carry a load of upto 165 lbs and comes along with a down strap option, allowing you to store your kayak, canoe, paddleboard or small boat easily and 100% with care and comfort. 

9. Kayaking trailers

A kayak trailer is yet another option to storing your ride in the garage. You can use it for transportion as well as keeping the kayak when it is not in use. It comes along with a complete strapping system to hold your kayak strongly so does not fall apart.  However, this is a slightly expensive option and might not be suited for a beginner-level kayaker. 

10. Cover 

The last on this list of kayak garage storage ideas is a kayak cover which is generally used to protect the kayak from UV rays, outside elements, rain water, snow and another form of dust particles. You can use a kayak cover to store your ride in the garage and protect it from dust, sun rays and other external elements. 

When buying a kayak cover make sure to buy a piece which is made with nylon construction material and durable in nature. This will enhance the long-lasting life of your kayak and give it long-lasting protection. 

FAQs About Kayak Storage In Garage