The September sun is shining, accompanied by a gentle breeze, meaning it is prime time for some kayaking and fun adventures out on the water! However, you decide to take your boat out for a spin and find a crack in the fibreglass... this can often happen if you don’t store your kayak properly. To help avoid any damage to your vessel, check out our in-depth guide for storing your kayak in storage units in East London and reasons why it’s important.  

Reasons to Store your Kayak Correctly

Kayaks can be a heavy investment, so it’s worth storing them away properly to protect them. Here are a few reasons why you should store your kayak away in storage units in East London. 

1. Prevent damage or deformity – you must distribute the weight evenly to prevent damaging or distorting the boat’s hull, as this can dramatically impact performance in the water. 

2. Protection from the elements – sunlight can degrade materials over time; frost can get into crevices and cause damage; rain can result in mould growing.  

3. Avoid theft – keep them locked away and hidden in a secure facility to minimise the risk of theft.  

4. Personal safety – kayaks can weigh a lot, so they should be stored correctly to avoid accidental injury. 

Storing Kayaks in Storage Units in East London 

There are several different ways to store your kayak indoors, but if you’re wondering about the best way to store your boat in a storage container, here are our top tips: 

• Do not lay your kayak on the ground – plastic hulls can warp when left flat on hard surfaces relatively quickly. Keep your boat off the ground, if possible. There are various solutions available, including web slings, overhead pulley systems and rack systems. 

• Keep your kayak vertical – minimise the pressure on your vessel by storing it upright on its stern, with the hull strapped securely against a wall. Remember to add some protective padding under the stern.  

• Distribute the weight evenly – you should position your kayak hull-side up and distribute the support evenly along its length to prevent any pressure damage.  

• Don’t position it near heat sources – avoid placing your boat near heaters as the excess heat could deform the hull.  

Prepare your Kayak for Long-term Storage 

When you’re ready to put your kayak into long-term storage, it’s important to prepare. Here are the three golden rules of pre-storage kayak care: 

1. Remove the seat and other gear – all extra equipment; including paddles, life jackets, seats and storage bags, should be stored separately. 

2. Clean the kayak and dry it – clean your boat thoroughly using a sponge and soap, removing any trapped dirt and rinse it with water. Let it dry out fully and drain the hatches to prevent any mould growing. 

3. Use a storage cover – use a protective kayak cover for some additional peace of mind.  

Contact Store That E14 

If you’re looking to hold your kayak in storage units in East London, whether that be for the short or long-term, our experts are here to help! Get in touch with us on 020 7515 1300 or click here to talk to us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you!