Keep your Kayak and Canoe Safe in the Off-Season
Do you know about proper storage for kayaks and canoes? Residents in and around Radford, VA, love floating along the New River and on Claytor Lake in their watercraft. The waterways throughout Virginia are the perfect place to spend a warm day. However, it’s essential to properly store your kayaks and canoes to keep them fresh for your next adventure. Do you know how to store your vessels? Don’t fret. We are here to help.
Harris Self Storage knows about storing kayaks and canoes in Radford, VA. Our staff has helped customers in Radford, VA, and the New River Valley with preparations, along with indoor and outdoor setup. Going on adventures in canoes and kayaks is a great way to enjoy a beautiful spring, summer, or fall day. Harris Self Storage is here to help you to keep your prized water vessels safe.
Properly Prepare Your Watercraft Prior to Storing
After a great day or season on the water in and around Radford, VA, you want to store these items safely and securely. Before placing them into the unit, preparing them and ensuring that they’re protected from other elements is essential. Here’s how you can prepare your kayaks and canoes for storage:
Clean Them
Rinse your vessels down and remove any water, mud, and sand. Storing damp kayaks and canoes can create a breeding ground for mold and fungus.
Keep Them Out of the Sun
Long-term sun exposure can cause damage to the plastic and fiberglass of your kayaks and canoes. To prevent this issue, place a tarp over the vessel, and leave some space to avoid trapping moisture. You can also look into UV spray, but make sure that it’s compatible with your watercraft’s materials.
Avoid Cold Temperatures
Just like the sun, cold temperatures can damage your kayaks and canoes. Snow and rain can get into your vessel’s seams and joints through freeze-thaw cycles. You can avoid this matter by storing your watercraft indoors.
Choose Between Storing Items Indoors and Outdoors
After you prepare your watercraft, it’s crucial to think about where to store them. Indoor and outdoor storage are both acceptable avenues for Radford, VA, residents. However, it’s best to avoid storing kayaks outdoors, if possible. If this is your only option, consider the climate in your area, and protect your vessel from the elements. Here are the benefits of storing vessels indoors and outdoors:
Indoor
Storing watercraft indoors is the safest and most popular way to go. By keeping your vessels indoors, you avoid any weather-related damage.
Outdoor
If storing your vessels outdoors is your only option, keep your kayak and canoe covered. Using a tarp or actual cover can keep it protected from the elements.
Safely Store Kayaks After Every Use
When it comes to storing kayaks, suspended setups are an option. Purchase a suspension rack with wide straps that support the base. Please do not hang your canoe by the grab loops because it can cause the sides to bend. If you choose to store your kayak on the ground, do not put it on the floor. Please place them on a sawhorse or foldable rack. Storing them vertically may be a good short-term idea. However, you won’t want to keep it that way because it could damage the base.
Another great option to store kayaks is to use a wall rack. When choosing this route, it’s essential to store the kayak on its side. You can use padded hooks, nylon strapping, or a combination of both. If you’re still unsure about storing kayaks correctly, austinkayak.com tells us about the dos and don’ts for storing kayaks in the winter.
Keep Canoes in Great Condition When You’re Not Using Them
Like kayaks, storing canoes on a suspension setup is a great option that doesn’t take up too much space. You can choose between various setups that can hoist your canoe up and down from its perch. Canoes can also fit on gunwales, which increase airflow and prevent mildew or fungus from growing. Oldtowncanoe.com tells us how to store them on the gunwale properly. While it’s not ideal, if you keep your canoe on the ground, don’t place it directly on the floor. Doing so can create too much pressure on the gunwales.
Harris Self Storage Offers Climate-Controlled Units
As previously mentioned, storing your vessels indoors is the best way to go. Residents of Radford, VA, and the surrounding areas store their watercraft and other personal belongings in our climate-controlled units. Harris Self Storage’s staff of friendly and knowledgeable professionals will work with you directly to find the best unit for you. Quality customer service drives our team to be at their best daily.
Since our inception, customers in and around Radford, VA, have trusted our team when it comes to storing items. Offering reasonable rates and accommodations makes Harris Self Storage the area’s trusted facility. We pride ourselves on serving our customers in the best way possible in Radford, VA, and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our climate-controlled storage units in Radford, VA.
For more information on proper storage for kayaks and canoes, call Harris Self Storage at (540) 639-1617. Customers can also contact us online and like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest company news. We greatly appreciate our customers and are proud to educate them on proper storage for kayaks and canoes.
