Last Updated on June 30, 2022 by Ecorf
Wait! Before you get yourself so excited about owning your own canoe or kayak, have you thought about how you would store it?
A lot of people actually go through the process carefully selecting a perfect canoe model and brand for themselves and forget that this perfect canoe would have to be stored somewhere when not in use. They fail to make any preparations for the storing of their canoes and the canoes end up getting quickly damaged. On the other hand, some people are restraining themselves from buying a canoe because they assume they don’t have enough space to store the canoe.
The good news is that this article is mainly for these two categories of people. Also, if you’re just curiously asking yourself how a canoe should be stored, then you are in the right place. I have described in this article a number of ways to store your kayak or canoe to ensure that they remain in top conditions.
Table of Contents
Storing your Canoe
Firstly, I would love to let you know that the first step to storing your canoe, or any other thing, is to keep them in the condition you’d want them to be when you are ready to use them. You may think I am merely stating the obvious but the truth is, it is wrong to just drag your canoe out of the water and put it away until the next time you need it. Instead, you should thoroughly clean the canoe as soon as you’re done with it.
As enjoyable as it is to paddle your canoe or kayak on the saltwater, you must make sure that you clean the canoe as soon as you did as the residue of saltwater could damage canoe.
Having said that, one important thing you should put into consideration is whether you want to keep the canoe inside or outside.
Indoor Storage
Keeping your canoe indoor is a great idea especially if you have enough space in your garage or any other room where it wouldn’t look out of place. In case you were wondering when you should consider keeping your canoe indoor, here’s some help: You can keep your canoe inside when
- You don’t want anything to make its home out of your canoe.
- You want it to be always clean
- You don’t mind getting a storage rack
- You don’t want the elements wearing down your canoe.
For many people that own a canoe or a kayak, the first place that comes to mind when considering where to keep their canoe ks the garage. For some reason, the place just seems so perfect.
Interestingly, one great thing is that you don’t really have to create some extra space in your garage to make room for your canoe. This is because you can just hang your canoe on the wall. All you have to do is to purchase a wall bracket system, assemble it on the wall and you’re good to go.
Furthermore, you can also go ahead and store your kayak on the ground in your garage. Just make sure that all sides of the canoe are well sat conveniently on the ground. But know that the canoe must be stored upside down.
Remember, if you must hang your canoe or kayak from the ceiling, you should do not it upright.
Outdoor Storage
Of course, it is possible to store your canoe outside of you don’t have enough space indoor. You just have to take some precautions to avoid theft. However, you should know that storing a canoe indoor may be way better and safer than storing it outdoor, but outdoor storage is not completely out of it.
So if your canoe must stay outdoor, here are some ways to keep them safe and at top conditions
- Cover it up with a tarp. This protects it from the elements. If yours is a kayak made from plastic, make sure that the kayak isn’t touching the tarp.
- Get yourself a storage rack and use it.
- Cover the cockpit of your kayak. But if you don’t mind having some rodents and some other creatures carving a home out of your canoe or kayak, you are free to leave it open. It is best to place it upside down.
- Keep it out of plain view. Some people might be out to steal that precious kayak or canoe of yours. In fact, you wouldn’t be being overprotective of your property of you could find a way to lock it up to the spot where it is kept.
How You Shouldn’t Store Your Canoe
This article wouldn’t be complete if I fail to tell you that there are wrong ways to store your canoe. Some of these ways include the following.
Never Hang Your Canoe from the Ceiling Upright
When you do this, gravity exerts pressure on the side of your canoe that is closer to the ground. Over time, this side of the canoe begins to widen and lose shape. This may affect the performance of your canoe on the water.
Don’t Leave Your Canoe Out in the Sun
Leaving your canoe out in the sun would gradually and surely wear down the build material of your canoe. Thereby, greatly reducing the durability and the strength of your canoe. But if you must keep your canoe outside, you should spray it with a UV spray to protect it from the assault of the damaging ultraviolet rays.
Hanging from Handles
Trust me, the handles aren’t always strong enough to hold the canoe or kayak for a prolonged period of time. You could also end up damaging both the handle and the canoe altogether.
Final Thoughts
Suffice to say, proper storage of your canoe would help you keep it in perfect working condition for as long as possible. There are many options to choose from so you really don’t have an excuse to help keep your canoe in top condition.
I hope you’ve learned some new helpful tricks to help store your canoe. Cheers!!!
