How to Care for Your Kayak After Storing it all Winter

It’s never too early to start thinking about your first kayaking outing of the season. And with spring right around the corner, it’s almost time to get your kayak out of storage and back in the water. With a little prep work, your kayak will be good to go as soon as the weather warms. From storage to water, here’s what you need to know about getting your kayak out of long-term storage.

After Storage Kayak Care

If you’ve been storing your kayak all winter, you’ll want to follow these simple steps to make sure it’s ready for the water before you plan your first kayaking trip this spring.

Inspect Your Kayak

After storing your kayak all winter, you’ll want to give it a good look over. But what are you looking for?

1. Damage: Improper storage can cause all kinds of damage from scratches and dents to mold. Inspect your kayak for any new damage. There might not be a need for any immediate maintenance, but you’ll want to take note of what you see.
2. Hull: Check for any wear on the hull of your kayak. Improper kayak storage can put extra pressure to the hull which can cause it to crack or warp. If you notice a slight depression in the hull, leave it in the sun to warm it up.
3. Uninvited Guests: Whether you store your kayak inside, outside or in the garage, the small, sheltered crevices of your kayak may have made a nice winter home for critters. Check for nests and any potential damage that the critters could have caused to soft materials like your kayak seat or bungee line.

Clean Your Kayak

Anything that’s been stored for a few months could use a scrub down. Show your boat a little love and give it a wash with some warm water and soap. Letting grime sit on your kayak for too long can lead to corrosion. A good rinse will remove any buildup or grime that’s accumulated during storage. For extra protection from UV rays, coat your plastic kayak with a boat specific automotive wax. This will extend the life of your kayak by protecting it from damaging UV rays.

Repair

Now that your kayak is clean, let’s get to the technical part of getting your kayak ready for the season. Check for any loose bolts and remove rust from any metal parts of your kayak. If you have a rudder, lubricate the cables and give the motor a tune up. Get any holes patched before heading out on the water. Now is also a great time to update and replace any worn parts. If you want a new seat or your bungee line is starting to fray, replace those parts now so you’ll be ready to hit the water on the first nice day.

Kayak Rack

Now that your kayak is out of winter storage and ready for regular use, you’ll want a safe, convenient place to keep your kayak so you have easy access to it during the kayaking season. Our log kayak racks are a prefect storage solution. Whether you’re in need of a single storage spot for one kayak or eight, Log Kayak Rack can create a custom storage rack that will last for years. Browse through our standard kayak storage racks or contact us directly for a specialty kayak rack online or by calling 1-715-543-2006.