The Docksider


Our Dock Mounted Kayak Lift Rack

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How to Store Your Kayak for the Off-Season

Wall Mount Conversion Kit

As kayaking season winds down, it’s important to take steps to properly store your kayak for the off-season. Improper storage can lead to damage that shortens the lifespan of your kayak, but with the right techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your boat for many years to come. 

1. Avoid Exposure to Sunlight, Moisture, and Extreme Temperatures

Sunlight and UV rays can cause your kayak’s material to degrade, especially if it’s made of plastic. Likewise, extreme temperatures—whether hot or cold—can warp or crack the hull, while moisture can lead to mold and mildew. If possible, store your kayak in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

  • Indoor Storage

If you have room in your garage, shed, or basement, indoor storage is the best option. It protects your kayak from both weather and temperature extremes. Make sure the area is dry and ventilated to prevent condensation from building up around your kayak.

  • Outdoor Storage

If indoor storage isn’t an option, be sure to cover your kayak with a weather-resistant tarp. Ensure the tarp is loosely fitted to allow airflow and prevent mold.

2. Keep Your Kayak Off the Ground to Protect the Hull

Storing your kayak directly on the ground can cause the bottom of the boat (hull) to deform under its weight. Prolonged pressure can also lead to cracks over time.

Consider the Wall Mount Rack Kit to transform your Docksider Lift & Storage Rack for wintertime storage. This kit allows you to easily store your kayak inside a garage, shed, or cottage, away from harsh winter weather. Keeping your kayak off the ground and out of the elements helps extend its life and ensures it’s ready for action come spring.

3. Clean Your Kayak Thoroughly Before Storage

Dirt, grime, and saltwater can cause long-term damage to your kayak’s exterior if left untreated. Before storing your kayak for the winter, clean it with fresh water to remove any debris, especially if you’ve been paddling in saltwater environments.

Once clean, let your kayak dry completely to prevent moisture buildup during storage. Any lingering moisture can lead to mold, mildew, or rust on metal components, so be sure to store your kayak only when it’s fully dry.

4. Add UV Protection for Outdoor Storage

If you must store your kayak outside or in a spot that gets some sunlight (like near a window), applying a UV protectant can help shield it from the sun’s damaging rays. Many marine-grade UV protectants are designed to work on the materials used in kayaks, such as polyethylene, fiberglass, and even inflatable models.

Properly storing your kayak for the off-season is essential to maintaining its condition and performance. Using the Wall Mount Rack Kit, you can easily take your kayak from dockside to inside, keeping it safe from the winter weather. 

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3 Benefits of Properly Storing Your Kayak Over the Winter

a lake during winter

It’s been another successful season of kayaking – we hope you enjoyed being out on the water!

Now, it’s time to reinforce the importance of correctly storing your kayak over the winter. Neglecting to properly store your equipment can result in some costly issues, frustrating moments, and even a few bad looks from your neighbors…

The best way to store your equipment is to use a kayak wall storage rack. You can purchase a Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your “DockSider” Rack to hang your kayak inside your garage, in a shed, or in your basement. Rather than just tossing your kayak to the side and leaving it susceptible to all kinds of problems, this is the best way to protect your equipment.

Here are the main reasons why you should get a wall mount conversion kit in order to keep your kayak secured all winter:

Prevent Weather-Related Damage

One of the main reasons to properly store your kayak during the colder months is to avoid seriously damaging your equipment. Severe winter weather can ruin your kayak, causing you to spend a lot of money on repairs or a replacement. It could hail every day for the next few months, but if your kayak is safely secured to your kayak wall hanger inside your garage or shed, you’ll rest easy all winter long. Then, as soon as the ice melts and it’s paddling season once again, bring it back outside and enjoy!

Avoid Kayak Theft

Another benefit of using a quality kayak wall storage rack is to prevent theft. If someone really wants to be an awful person and steal a kayak, they’ll have much better luck with someone who lazily keeps their equipment outside all year-round. Not only is a kayak lying next to the garage an eyesore, but it’s also a beacon of light for thieves to take your favorite outdoor item for their own.

Improve Your Home’s Look

Again, having a bulky, tarp-covered kayak outdoors all winter does not look great. It looks bad. Your neighbors are going to stare and probably roll their eyes. The same goes for just resting the kayak on your garage floor. It’s going to bother you and probably drive your spouse mad. A kayak wall hanger is great for reducing clutter and boosting your home’s appearance.

For safely securing your kayak or paddleboard this winter, check out our Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your lift and storage rack — lift and rack sold separately. If you currently own a “DockSider” Rack, these wall mount brackets are great for anyone who wants to keep their kayak protected this winter.

Don’t leave your kayak unprotected all winter. Contact DockCraft today and ask about our kayak wall mount conversion kit hangers.

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Mounting Your “DockSider” with the Wall Mount Rack Kit

Wall Mount Conversion Kit

There aren’t too many things that are more fun or more relaxing than kayaking and paddle boarding. A calming, sunny afternoon, good friends, and plenty of peace and quiet. Kayaking and paddle boarding are perfect hobbies for those who enjoy mixing relaxation with some physical activity.

These outdoor activities are great but the equipment can be difficult to store if you’re not well equipped. You can’t just leave a kayak in your truck bed for months on end and just tossing it in the garage or shed can look terrible and potentially ruin it.  

For storing your kayak or paddle board over the winter, your best bet is to purchase a Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your lift and storage rack (lift and rack sold separately). As long as you already have a “DockSider” Rack, these wall mount brackets are great for anyone who owns their own kayak and/or paddle board.

With the brackets included in the conversion kit, you can mount your lift and rack right on your garage wall and safely store your equipment 20 inches off the floor, allowing you to keep other items underneath and maximize your storage space. Designed for easy installation and secure winter wall storage, when kayak season is over, you can mount your rack to the wall of your shed, garage, or spare room and keep your kayak or paddle board safe.

This wall mount conversion kit comes with aluminum wall mount brackets and stainless-steel hardware. Simply secure these brackets onto the wall – either inside or outside –making sure they’re 32 inches apart, preferably on wall studs. Then mount your “DockSider” lift and storage rack to the wall and you’re all set. Don’t be unprepared at the end of this kayak season. Keep your equipment protected all winter long! Pick up some mounted kayak wall hangers for your “DockSider” Rack today.

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Tips for Cold Weather Kayaking

winter kayaking

For us in the Midwest, Northeast, and soon across the country, the weather has turned colder and summer recreational equipment, including kayaks, has been put away for the winter (check out winter storage tips here). For those who love the cold weather and outdoors, though, many will be keeping their kayaks available during the winter months for some winter kayaking.

While kayaking in the winter is not for everyone, it can be quiet and peaceful as the crowds of the warmer months have gone and it’s just you, your kayak, and nature. Many also take up winter kayaking for the challenge as it’s definitely a more difficult endeavor in the winter.

If you are considering cold weather kayaking, it’s extremely important to be aware and prepared. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Be confident.
    Ideally your first time in a kayak will not be in the winter. When kayaking in the winter, it’s important to feel confident and have a strong knowledge of how to kayak and how to handle various situations while kayaking.
  • Dress appropriately.
    It’s cold out and so is the water. During the winter months it’s best to wear a wetsuit or a dry suit under your clothing in case the kayak tips and you end up in the water. Outerwear should be waterproof and insulated enough to keep you warm. And, of course, wear your lifejacket.
  • Bring extra clothing and supplies.
    In case you do end up in the water or just getting wet by getting splashed or rained on, it’s a good idea to have extra supplies so you can change into warmer clothing. You may also want to consider bringing a blanket, a fire starter and first aid kit.
  • Stay close to shore.
    If you do venture out on a kayak in the winter, it’s best to stay near the shore in case something happens and you do tip or it gets too cold so you can quickly get to safety.
  • Kayak with a partner.
    It’s best to venture out with a partner for safety. And, you and your partner should both let someone know you’re going to be out kayaking, where and expected time of trip.
  • Check the weather.
    This is good advice not just for winter kayaking, but for summer as well. Before going out, it’s best to check the weather and wind speed to make sure there are no storms or high winds in the forecast.

If you’re not ready to brave the winter waters or it just doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry, spring and summer will be here before you know it!