How to Store a Fishing Kayak: A Step-by-Step Guide
When the kayaking season comes towards its end, anglers must begin thinking about storing their fishing kayaks organized for next season. Accordingly, one must also consider the storage capacity when purchasing the kayak. This carefulness ensures its good condition and safety for next use in the water.
A lot more things to do for the process than simply leaving it aside. Here we have a thorough discussion on how to store a fishing kayak with step-by-step guide.
1. Cleaning the Kayak After Use
Kayaks generally have dirt, residues, water stains, bugs, a fishy smell after use. To clean them, you can use a scrub brush, soft rug, hose and mild detergent. Then-
- Remove the parts made with fabric like cushions, storage compartments and so on to wash them separately. You can put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Then dry them and put away separately.
- Prepare a spray solution from the mild detergent and water. Then spray it on your kayak. Use the scrub brush to leather it up and rinse using a hose.
- Open the drainage plug to empty all water and wipe them off to remove excess. Now, use the soft rug to wipe the kayak surface dry.
2. Storing Indoor
It is the best option for storing a fishing kayak. You can choose the garage, basement, shed or spare rooms. You must find a proper solution so they are protected from weather damages and do not obstruct the walking path.
- Overhead Pulley System can store the kayak up with even weight distribution. The hull of the kayak is protected from deforming that way.
- Web Sling is a nylon mesh webbing that also evenly holds the kayak weight.
- Wall straps wrap around the kayak width and position it in an upright way.
- Wooden/PVC racks, Car racks makes an excellent storage solution.
3. Storing Outdoor
Only throwing a tarp or a waterproof cover over the fishing kayak is not the best idea when storing it outdoors. Moisture can easily gather under the tarp and make the vessel musty. So, you can use wood/PVC pipes and a heavy-duty tarp to build a shack or tent to store the kayak.
4. Short-Term Storage
If you are going to store the kayak for about a week, then you need to keep it somewhere accessible. You can put it indoors or outdoors based on the climate. So, even for short-time storage, the kayak needs protection from possible damages of rain, cold and sunlight or from being stolen.
5. Long-Term Kayak Storage
Storing a kayak for a few days is more manageable compared to long-term storage. If your kayak is inflatable, simply deflating it and packing is the solution. But if they are not foldable, you need to find a proper climate-control space. So, it does not come in the way of things you need or get exposed to weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Where must I not store my fishing kayak?
A. You should never store it on the ground, around wildlife or around things you frequently need.
Q. What are the storage positions to avoid?
A. Anything that impacts its condition such as; on its sides, on a wheeled cart, cockpit-side up, or hanging it with tight straps or by the handles.
Final Remarks
A fishing kayak is an investment that requires solid take-care to ensure its long life. It is important to clean them before storing for both the short-term and long-term. Proper storage can ensure a long life for kayaks and you will be able to enjoy kayak fishing for many years.