How Should You Store a Kayak or Canoe During the Off-Season?
Sep 3, 2026 / Public Storage
To store a kayak or canoe during the off-season, clean and dry the watercraft, remove eligible accessories, inspect the hull and support it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Measure the boat and the complete route to the storage unit before renting, and avoid placing heavy items on the hull.
A storage unit may give you room to store eligible paddling equipment when it is not in use. However, storage requirements vary by boat design and material, so consult the owner’s manual before selecting a rack, support system or storage position.
Kayak and Canoe Storage Checklist
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Clean | Rinse away sand, salt, dirt and plant material |
| Dry | Drain and dry the hull, cockpit, hatches and accessories |
| Inspect | Check for cracks, loose hardware and missing parts |
| Remove gear | Take out eligible paddles, personal flotation devices and fishing accessories |
| Remove prohibited items | Leave out food, bait, liquids, fuel and hazardous materials |
| Measure | Record the full length, width and height of the watercraft |
| Support | Follow the manufacturer’s directions for position and support points |
| Cover | Use a clean, breathable cover if appropriate |
| Arrange | Keep heavy boxes and furniture away from the hull |
How Do You Clean a Kayak or Canoe Before Storage?
Rinse the boat with fresh water to remove dirt, sand, salt and vegetation. Use mild soap when recommended for the hull material, then rinse away the cleaning product.
Pay attention to:
- The hull
- Cockpit
- Seats
- Foot braces
- Hatches
- Drain plugs
- Scupper holes
- Rudders
- Skegs
- Pedal-drive mounting areas
- Storage compartments
Do not bring leftover cleaning liquids to the storage unit. Public Storage prohibits liquids and hazardous materials.
After cleaning, drain the watercraft and allow every area to dry completely. Open compartments while drying so moisture is not trapped inside. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drain plugs, hatches and ventilation during storage.
Why Should the Boat Be Completely Dry?
Water can remain inside cockpits, hatches, seat compartments and hull channels even when the exterior looks dry. Check each area before transporting the boat.
Moisture left on equipment may contribute to odors, mildew or changes to some materials. Personal flotation devices, seat cushions, fabric covers and other soft accessories should also be clean and dry before packing.
Do not store wet towels, damp clothing or recently used fishing gear with the boat.
What Accessories Should You Remove?
Remove accessories when the manufacturer recommends doing so. This may make the watercraft easier to transport and reduce pressure on mounts, clips and attachment points.
Eligible accessories may include:
- Paddles
- Personal flotation devices
- Detachable seats
- Dry, empty storage bags
- Rudders or skegs designed for removal
- Fishing rod holders
- Clean fishing rods
- Dry anchor lines
- Empty tackle boxes
- Kayak carts
- Manufacturer-approved repair tools
Pack small components in labeled containers. If you remove bolts, clips or mounting hardware, keep them with the corresponding accessory.
Do not store food, bait, plants, liquids, flares, fuel, hazardous chemicals or other prohibited items.
What About Motorized or Pedal-Drive Kayaks?
Pedal drives, electric motors, batteries and other powered components require model-specific preparation.
Before storage:
- Review the watercraft and accessory manuals.
- Remove fuel and fuel-powered equipment.
- Clean vegetation and debris from propellers and moving parts.
- Remove batteries when directed by the manufacturer.
- Check the facility’s rules before storing any battery.
- Pack eligible electrical components according to manufacturer guidance.
- Label removed equipment and hardware.
Gasoline, fuel containers and other flammable materials cannot be stored in a Public Storage unit. Do not assume that a motor, battery or pedal drive should remain installed; requirements vary by watercraft.
What Is the Correct Position for a Kayak or Canoe?
There is no universal storage position for every kayak and canoe. The appropriate position depends on the hull design, construction material and manufacturer.
General considerations include:
- Use padded supports that distribute weight across appropriate areas.
- Position supports according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Avoid resting the hull on a small or sharp pressure point.
- Do not place the full weight of the boat on grab handles.
- Do not hang the boat from carry handles or end loops unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
- Avoid overtightening straps around the hull.
- Keep heavy items off the boat.
Many canoe manufacturers recommend storing canoes upside down with the gunwales resting on padded supports. Kayak instructions vary: some models may be stored deck-side down, on their side or in a manufacturer-approved rack.
Check the owner’s manual instead of assuming that upright storage is appropriate for your particular watercraft.
Can You Store a Kayak or Canoe Vertically?
Some watercraft may be stored vertically when their manufacturer permits it and the boat is adequately supported. Others may develop concentrated pressure at the bow or stern if left standing for an extended period.
Before using vertical storage, confirm:
- The manufacturer allows that position.
- The boat will fit beneath the unit’s ceiling.
- The end resting on the floor is properly supported.
- The watercraft cannot tip into the door or other belongings.
- No sprinkler, light or building equipment is obstructed.
- The boat does not interfere with the unit entrance.
Do not modify facility walls, ceilings or other building surfaces to install a storage system.
How Should You Use a Storage Rack?
Choose a freestanding rack designed for the type, dimensions and weight of your watercraft. The contact areas should be padded and wide enough to distribute weight.
Set up the rack according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Check its weight capacity and confirm that it remains stable on the unit floor.
Avoid narrow hooks or rigid supports that concentrate pressure on one part of the hull. If you are storing multiple boats, use a rack designed for that purpose rather than stacking the watercraft directly on one another.
Do not attach shelving, hooks or racks to facility walls without permission.
Should You Cover the Watercraft?
A clean, breathable cover can help limit exposure to dust. Make sure the boat and cover are dry before use.
Avoid wrapping the hull tightly in plastic if moisture could become trapped. The cover should not place pressure on hardware, seats or other components.
Secure the cover according to its instructions, but avoid tightening straps enough to distort the hull.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
The right unit depends on more than the watercraft’s length. You must also consider its width, height, storage position and the route into the unit.
Before renting:
- Measure the full length, width and height of the kayak or canoe.
- Include fixed seats, rudders and other parts that remain attached.
- Measure the storage rack or support system.
- Confirm the unit’s interior dimensions.
- Check the door’s height and width.
- Consider hallways, elevators, corners and loading areas.
- Allow room to position the boat without forcing or bending it.
- Include space for eligible paddles and gear.
A 10-foot-long unit will not automatically accommodate a 10-foot boat. The watercraft must also pass through the door and turn into its storage position.
Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare available spaces. Actual unit sizes, door dimensions, layouts and features may vary, so inspect the specific unit when possible.
Would Drive-Up Access Be Helpful?
Drive-Up Access allows you to pull a vehicle directly up to a ground-level unit. This may make loading and unloading a long or bulky watercraft more manageable.
More than 2,200 Public Storage facilities offer Drive-Up Access. Availability varies by property and unit.
Use an appropriate cart, enough help and the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points when moving the boat. Do not drag the hull across the floor or lift it by attachments that were not designed to bear its weight.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth Considering?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for wooden boats, composite materials, electronic accessories or other components that may react to temperature or humidity changes.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. Conditions may still vary, and climate control does not guarantee a particular storage outcome.
Public Storage offers climate-controlled storage at more than 4,300 facilities. Availability, unit dimensions and access methods vary by location.
How Should You Arrange Paddles and Gear?
Store clean, dry paddles horizontally on a freestanding rack or in another position permitted by the manufacturer. Avoid leaning them where they could fall onto the boat.
Use labeled containers for eligible smaller accessories, such as:
- Gloves
- Clean straps
- Empty dry bags
- Repair tools
- Seat components
- Personal flotation devices
- Clean fishing accessories
Keep boxes and bins separate from the hull. Do not balance containers inside an open kayak or canoe unless the manufacturer permits it and the weight will not affect the hull.
What Should You Check During the Off-Season?
Visit periodically to check the condition and arrangement of the watercraft.
Look for:
- Shifting supports
- Loose straps
- Pressure points
- Moisture
- Dust buildup
- Changes in the hull’s shape
- Items leaning against the boat
- Boxes placed on top
- Loose or fallen accessories
Adjust the setup if something has shifted, but continue to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store a kayak in a storage unit?
A clean, dry kayak may be stored if it fits inside the unit and complies with the rental agreement. Measure the kayak, unit door and complete access route before renting.
Can you store a canoe in a storage unit?
A canoe may be stored if its dimensions, support system and permitted storage position fit the available space. Long canoes may require a larger unit or a unit with easier loading access.
Should a kayak be stored vertically?
It depends on the model. Some manufacturers permit vertical storage with appropriate support, while others recommend a different position. Review the owner’s manual before standing a kayak on its end.
Should a canoe be stored upside down?
Many canoe manufacturers recommend storing a canoe upside down on padded supports so the gunwales carry the weight. Follow the instructions for your specific model and material.
Can you hang a kayak or canoe by its handles?
Avoid hanging a kayak or canoe from grab handles or carry loops unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Those parts may not be intended to support the boat’s weight for an extended period.
Can kayaks be stacked?
Do not stack boats directly on one another unless the manufacturer provides instructions for doing so. A freestanding rack designed for multiple watercraft may provide more even support.
Can fishing equipment be stored with a kayak?
Clean, dry and eligible fishing equipment may be stored. Remove food, bait, plants, liquids, fuel, flares and hazardous materials before move-in.
Can a kayak battery be stored in the unit?
Battery requirements depend on the battery type, equipment instructions and facility rules. Remove the battery when directed by the manufacturer and confirm that it is permitted before storing it.
Prepare Your Watercraft for the Off-Season
Good off-season storage starts with three steps: clean the boat, dry it completely and support it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Measure the watercraft and access route carefully, remove prohibited items and keep heavy belongings away from the hull.
Public Storage offers month-to-month rentals at more than 4,600 facilities nationwide. Find Public Storage near you and compare available unit dimensions, access types and features before renting.
Public Storage rental agreements prohibit storing property with a total value of more than $5,000 per unit. Review your rental agreement and facility policies before move-in.
