How to Store a Wilderness Tsunami Kayak

A Wilderness System's Tsunami kayak is manufactured from polyethylene. A type of plastic, polyethylene warps when exposed to pressure and heat. Polyethylene is also susceptible to UV degradation, which, during long exposures, weakens, fades and cracks the plastic. Any storage solution must minimize the kayak's exposure to these elements. Ultimately, the perfect storage location provides a dark, cool environment. Realistically, most people store their kayaks outdoors or in a garage.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak
  • Shelf brackets
  • Power screwdriver
  • 3-inch deck screws
  • Rope
  • Closed-cell minicell foam
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Instructions

  1. Store on End

    • 1

      Store the kayak standing on end. This is the ideal if you have high ceilings or plan on storing your kayak outdoors. When outside, although the kayak is exposed to the sun's UV rays, it is not exposed to adverse pressure. The pressure is centralized onto the tip of the kayak's stem---one of the stiffest and strongest parts of the kayak. Centralizing the pressure to the tip prevents the kayak's top and bottom from warping.

    • 2

      Find a flat wall where the kayak can be placed upright. Lean the kayak against it.

    • 3

      Use a power screwdriver to screw in a shelf bracket on each side of the kayak. The brackets will prevent it from falling sideways.

    • 4

      Tie a rope between the shelf brackets in front of the kayak. This will stop the boat from falling forward.

    Store on Side

    • 5

      Store the kayak on its side. This solution works best for indoor locations with low ceilings, such as a garage. Locate a wall long enough to mount the kayak.

    • 6

      Find the kayak's bulkheads. Use a power screwdriver and 3-inch deck screws to mount two shelf brackets to the wall to correspond with the bulkhead positions. When you store the kayak on the brackets, the bulkheads, which are the stiffest parts of the hull, rest on the brackets. This prevents the hull from warping.

    • 7

      Cover the shelf brackets with closed-cell minicell foam. The foam prevents scratches and provides enough friction to keep the kayak on the brackets without having to tie it to the wall.