If you’re a personal watercraft (PWC) lover — whether you paddle a kayak, glide on a paddle board, or sail a catamaran — you know the struggle of keeping your gear safe when it’s not on the water. Figuring out how to store kayaks or other PWC doesn’t have to be a headache! With a little know-how, you can protect your investment and keep it ready for your next lake day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips, from DIY kayak storage hacks to prepping your gear for a self-storage unit. Let’s get your watercraft tucked away the smart way!
Types of Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has its own storage vibe. Here’s a quick look at the most popular types:
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∙Kayaks: Sleek, narrow, and perfect for solo or duo adventures.
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∙Canoes: Wider and sturdier, great for group paddling.
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∙Paddle Boards: Flat and fun — think of them as your stand-up surf buddies.
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∙Catamarans: Multi-hulled sailboats that need a bit more room.
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∙Small Sailboats: Compact sailing rigs for weekend warriors.
Not sure how much space you’ll need? Here’s a quick overview of the storage space each recreational watercraft may need:
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Type of Watercraft |
Typical Dimensions |
Required Storage Space |
|
Kayak |
8-14 ft L x 24-36 in W |
10×10 ft or a wall/ceiling rack |
|
Canoe |
13-17 ft L x 30-40 in W |
15×10 ft or ceiling storage |
|
Paddle Board |
10-12 ft L x 30-36 in W |
10×10 ft or vertical rack |
|
Catamaran (small) |
14-20 ft L x 7-10 ft W |
20×10 ft or covered storage |
|
Catamaran (large) |
35–50 ft L x 20–25 ft W |
50×30 ft or marina/trailer |
|
Sailboat (small) |
12-19 ft L x 5-8 ft W |
20×10 ft or trailer storage/storage facility |
|
Sailboat (large) |
35–50 ft L x 10–15 ft W |
50×20 ft or trailer/dry dock/storage facility |
Knowing your watercraft’s size is step one when learning how to store recreational equipment or anything else in your PWC collection.
Benefits of Indoor Storage for PWC
Why go indoor with your watercraft? There are many advantages to storing your personal watercraft indoors:
- Weather Protection: Rain, sun, and wind can beat up your kayak or paddle board over time. Indoor storage keeps them safe from fading or cracking.
- Extra Security: Locked up inside, your gear’s less likely to grow legs and walk off.
- Longer Life: A stable, dry spot means no warping or mold — your watercraft stays adventure-ready.
- Easy Access: Whether it’s your garage or a nearby self-storage unit, indoor setups keep your stuff close without cluttering your yard.
Pro Tip: Don’t have enough space at home to incorporate storage for your PWC? A storage unit could be your ticket to stress-free PWC storage.
Preparing Your Watercraft for Self-Storage
Before you stash your sailboat, kayak, or paddle board, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to get it right, with tips for every type of watercraft.
General Storage-Ready Guidelines for PWC
These basics apply to all your gear:
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∙Clean It Up: Rinse off mud, saltwater, or lake gunk with water and a mild soap. Dry it completely — no one wants a moldy kayak.
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∙Check It Out: Look for dings or cracks. Fix small stuff now so it doesn’t get worse in storage.
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∙Strip It Down: Pull off seats, fins, or paddles and store them separately to save space.
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∙Pick a Spot: Go for a cool, dry place — think garage, shed, or a self-storage unit away from the sun.
Specific Storage Guidelines for Kayaks and Gear
Kayaks are deceptively simple to to prepare for storage, but they still need some preparation:
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∙Positioning: Flip your kayaks upside down on a rack or rest them horizontally on padded supports. Hanging by the built-in straps isn’t a sustainable or long-term solution since the weight of the kayak and the effects of gravity can stretch things out.
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∙Gear Tips: Stow helmets, lifejackets, and paddles in breathable bags or hang them up. Keep lifejackets upright so they don’t lose shape. You can also store paddles upright if you’re utilizing a standing rack or cylindrical bin.
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∙DIY Hack: Grab some PVC pipe or scrap wood and build a wall rack — cheap, easy, and perfect for kayak storage DIY.
Paddle Boards (Oars, Etc.)
Paddle boards are the simplest PWC to prepare for storage:
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∙Positioning: Go for a padded, vertical rack or lay them flat on a shelf. Don’t pile stuff on top of your paddle boards, they’ll warp and that’s no fun.
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∙Paddles: Break them down and toss them in a dry bag and hang them on hooks.
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∙DIY Trick: Try a ceiling pulley system for storing paddle boards in tight spots like your shed or garage.
Canoes
Canoes might be the rugged cousins of kayaks, and they need just as much, if not more, preparation when it comes to storage:
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∙Positioning: Store your canoes upside down on racks or sawhorses, resting on the gunwales (those top edges). This keeps water out of the canoe, which keeps the hull happy. If space is tight, hang them from the ceiling with sturdy straps under the gunwales — just make sure the weight’s even.
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∙Paddles and Gear: Stow paddles in a dry bag or hang them up. If you’ve got seats or thwart bars that come off, store them separately to free up room.
Pro Tip: Got a wooden canoe? Wipe it down with a light oil (like linseed) before storing to keep the wood from drying out. For aluminum or fiberglass, a good rinse is plenty. And if space is limited? Hang your oiled down, wooden canoe from the ceiling! It’ll be the talking point of your space when company comes over.
Sailboats
Got a small sailboat or catamaran? Larger equipment requires more space and more preparation.
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∙Break It Down: Take off masts, sails, and rigging. Fold sails and stash them in a ventilated bag. This keeps the sails contained and dry — no mold allowed.
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∙Support It: Use a trailer or cradle to keep the hull from cracking or wrapping — the key is to keep it off the ground.
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∙Cover Up: If indoor space is tight, grab a breathable tarp for outdoor storage — just make sure it’s ventilated.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have the space at home, a self-storage facility could be your quick fix!
Keep Your Watercraft, Stored and Ready
Storing your kayaks, paddle boards, or catamarans doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Whether you’re rigging up a kayak storage DIY setup at home or snagging a self-storage unit for kayak storage near me, a little prep and the right spot make all the difference. Clean it, position it, and protect it — your watercraft will thank you by being ready to hit the water whenever you are. So, got an itch to hit the waves? Your gear’s organized, ready, and waiting!
Ready to store your kayak, paddle board, or catamaran? Check out Storage.com to find the perfect self-storage unit for you — your personal watercraft deserves a cozy home that’s safe and sound between adventures!
Frequently asked questions
Do Kayaks Need to Be Stored Upside Down?
Yep, upside-down storage is usually the way to go for hard-shell kayaks. It keeps the hull safe from dents and spreads the weight evenly. Pop it on a rack or some padded sawhorses. For inflatable ones, deflate and lay them flat to save space.
Should Kayaks Be Stored Vertically or Horizontally?
Not necessarily, you’ve got options here:
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∙Vertical: Awesome for small spaces. Stand it on its stern (back end) with the bow up, leaning on a padded rack.
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∙Horizontal: Great for long hauls. Lay it upside down or on its side with support bars to keep the shape intact.
Need to figure out how to store multiple kayaks? Vertical’s your space-saver.
How Do You Store Multiple Kayaks?
Got a kayak for each member of your family? Here’s how to keep them organized:
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∙Wall Racks: Mount them horizontal or vertical — stack ‘em up!
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∙Ceiling Hoists: Pulley systems lift them out of the way.
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∙Freestanding Racks: Grab or build a multi-level frame for easy grabbing. Pad everything to avoid scratches. It’s a killer kayak storage DIY project, too!
Do Canoes Need to Be Stored Upside Down?
Yes. Canoes should be stored upside down — it keeps water out and protects the hull. Rest them on racks at the gunwales (the top edges) or hang them from the ceiling with straps if you’re short on floor space.
How Much Room Do I Need for Kayak Storage?
Depends on your kayak. A single kayak usually fits in a 10×10 ft spot or on a wall rack. For a few, think 15×10 ft or stack them vertically. Self-storage units are ideal for kayak storage if your space is limited!
Can I Leave My Paddle Board Outside?
You can, but it’s not the best move.
Sun and weather can fade or crack it. If you’re stuck storing your paddle board outside, use a UV-proof cover and prop it up off the ground. Indoor space is best — storing paddle boards inside keeps them fresh and weather-safe.
