Off the Water, Not Forgotten: How to Store a Kayak or Canoe

Kayaks and canoes are awkward things to store at home. They're long enough to dominate a garage wall, too large for many sheds, and easy to leave outside simply because there isn't an obvious place for them. If your paddling gear needs to move out of the garage between seasons, our storage options in your area can help you compare nearby spaces. Before choosing one, measure the entire boat and plan how you'll support it. A kayak or canoe shouldn't spend months balanced carelessly on one pressure point.

Clean the Boat Before Storage

Start by removing mud, sand, vegetation, and other debris from the hull and cockpit. Freshwater rinsing is especially important after paddling in salt water. Use the cleaning method recommended by your boat's manufacturer. Try to use mild soap and water for the exterior and interior of your canoes and kayaks. Let the boat dry completely before covering it or putting it into long-term indoor storage. Check hatches and storage compartments rather than assuming the visible surfaces are the only places holding water.

Empty the Kayak or Canoe

Remove paddles, personal flotation devices, fishing equipment, dry bags, electronics, food, and loose accessories. Gear left inside creates clutter and can hide moisture. Removing everything also makes it easier to inspect the interior and notice cracks, damaged fittings, loose hardware, or other problems before the boat sits unused. Clean and dry the accessories separately. Keep small removable parts together in a labeled container so they don't disappear during the off-season.

Support the Hull Correctly

This is one area where the type of boat matters. We advise storing canoes upside down, preferably on sawhorses or blocks so the gunwales support the weight. We also recommend padded supports for kayaks to distribute the load rather than leaving the hull on an unsuitable pressure point. Those recommendations are useful examples, not universal instructions for every boat ever made. Check the owner's manual for your particular kayak or canoe, especially for composite, wood, folding, inflatable, or unusually shaped models.

Don't Hang a Boat From the Grab Handles

Grab handles are useful for carrying and maneuvering a boat. That doesn't mean they're designed to bear its weight for months. Use a storage rack, cradle, sling, or support system appropriate for your particular hull. Padding protects contact points, while properly spaced supports distribute the boat's weight instead of concentrating it in one small area. 

Keep Direct Sun Off the Hull

Sunlight isn't ideal for long-term kayak or canoe storage. Ultraviolet exposure can fade a boat over time, and it is recommended to store boats out of direct sun where possible. Its guidance for sit-on-top kayaks similarly warns that improper long-term storage and UV exposure can damage components and the hull. Indoor storage removes direct exposure to sun and precipitation, although you still need to support the hull properly.

Be Careful With Tarps Outdoors

Throwing a tarp directly over a boat seems like an easy solution, but the details matter. Be cautious about laying a tarp directly on boats outdoors because heat can build underneath it. Suspend the tarp above the boat with enough space for air circulation. If you must store your particular boat outdoors, follow its manufacturer's instructions for covering, ventilation, support, and securing it against wind.

Measure Before Renting Storage

Kayaks and canoes vary considerably in length, so don't choose a unit based only on a generic description such as "medium." Measure the boat from end to end and include the storage rack or support system in your planning. Think about how the boat will enter the unit too. A boat that fits once it's inside still needs enough clearance to get through the entrance and turn into position. If you're storing two or more boats, don't assume they can simply be stacked directly on top of each other. Each hull needs suitable support.

Store Paddling Gear Separately

A little organization keeps the boat from becoming a shelf. Dry personal flotation devices before storage and keep them where they won't be crushed under heavy equipment. Store paddles so they aren't supporting the weight of other belongings. Electronics and other sensitive accessories should follow their manufacturers' long-term storage instructions. Fishing equipment, roof-rack components, straps, cockpit covers, and dry bags can go into labeled containers. Keep the equipment you'll need first near the front so the initial trip of the next season doesn't begin with emptying the entire unit.

New England Paddlers Have Plenty to Put Away

All-Purpose Storage has a substantial presence across New England, where kayaks and canoes are part of the seasonal equipment many households need to find room for once regular paddling winds down. Our guide to boating season in New England covers the broader seasonal side of getting on the water. Owners storing larger watercraft can also read about boat depreciation and storage. A canoe or kayak needs much less space than a trailered boat, but its length still makes planning important. Measuring first prevents you from choosing a unit that has enough square footage but the wrong shape.

Store It for the Next Launch

Good off-season storage starts with a clean, dry boat and a support system suited to its hull. Keep prolonged direct sunlight off it, avoid placing heavy objects on top, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the exact model you own. Moving a kayak or canoe out of the garage can also return a surprising amount of usable space at home. When you're ready to compare unit dimensions and access types, you can explore storage options from All-Purpose Storage and find a property with space that suits the length of your boat.