Hanging Homemade Kayak Stands

Storing a kayak properly is important to protect it in between kayaking trips or during the winter off-season. Improper storage can damage of your kayak because the weight of the kayak causes stress where it rests. Plastic kayaks will especially warp with improper storage, so do not leave a kayak on your car rack for days at a time.

  1. Before Storing

    • Before storing your kayak for winter, clean the kayak thoroughly and dry it completely. Pay special attention to corners and crevasses in the kayak to prevent mold growth and insect infestations. Also, make sure to scrub off any scum or build-up residue on the outside of the kayak. Store your kayak indoors if possible, or cover it to protect from UV-damage. Keep paddles and other loose gear outside of the kayak, and be sure to inspect for damage to the hull before storage and before hitting the water.

    Wall Frame

    • You can mount your kayak on a wall frame vertically or horizontally The best way to store a kayak is on its stern with the front end pointing toward the ceiling. Build a wooden frame that is 5-feet tall and a foot wider than your kayak, and drill in metal poles on the short end spaced to match your kayak's width. If you cannot hang it on end, build the same wooden frame and install two padded metal poles that are longer than the width of your kayak on the long side. Screw or nail the stand to your wall, about two to three feet from the ground and rest the kayak in between or on top of the poles.

    Wall Cradles

    • You can make your own wall cradles for your kayak by building two "J" shaped wooden mounts. This is a quick storage solution that can be easily used during the summer and winter. The tall vertical portion of each "J" is screwed or nailed into the wall about 2 feet from each end of the kayak. Wrap padded packaging material or soft towels around the lower portion of the "J" and tape in place. The kayak should rest at an angle in the "J," with one side resting against the wall and the other against the outer end of the "J."

    Ceiling Mount

    • You also can create a simple hoist system that is mounted to your ceiling for kayak storage. Mounting the hoist system on your ceiling frees up space on your walls and can make it easier to load the kayak onto your car. Mount four pulleys onto your ceiling with one about two feet from each end of the kayak and two near each other in the center. You may need extra pulleys for heavier kayaks. Feed a rope through the two right-most pulleys, and tie the outer end of the rope to a strap that the kayak can slide into. Position the strap directly below the pulley. Repeat with the other two pulleys. The loose ropes can be tied to a hook or affixed to a crank for lifting and lowering the kayak.