Easy Kayak Storage for Your Garage

In my last post, I showed you how to create a do-it-yourself storage method for your kayak that gives you more space in your garage by storing the boat up near the ceiling.

This rig, which cost me a few bucks at the local hardware store, uses some anchor bolts in the ceiling and two tie-straps. Using the tie straps you can raise the boat into its storage position with minimal effort.

I have to emphasize one element. Make sure when you mount your storage eyelet bolts in the ceiling that they are anchored into a cross member. You can't just thread these into the drywall, as it won't hold the weight either of the boat or the force used when pulling on the tie-straps to raise the kayak.

How to Store Your Kayak

If you're like practically every kayaker, then you've got more than one yak.

Storing multiple boats can crowd your garage and make it tough to use. We all know kayaks live longer when stored inside, but even playboats aren't small and they can take up a lot of much-needed space.

I've found the best way to store my boats and maximize garage space is to elevate -- get them up off the garage floor. And I've gone two different routes to make this happen. First, I bought ready-made wall hanger storage hooks from my local Dick's.

These hangers, so far, have worked well. They were fairly easy to install. All I had to do was find two studs in my garage wall, one for each hanger, and screw the hanger into the stud. Measure the height of the anchor points to ensure your boats hang level if you're big on aesthetics. The key to using these hangers is to make sure you anchor them into the stud. If you don't, the weight of your boat could pull the hangers, and part of your drywall, down.

These are a straightforward solution, but it can be a comparatively expensive option. At $30 per hanger set, it costs $60 to hang two kayaks. These hangers have kept my Dagger Axis and PureSport rec boat neatly on display when stored for almost three years now.

I opted for a more do-it-yourself route for my Freeride.

To hang my playboat, I bought two eyelet bolts and two non-locking carabiner clips. I found two cross supports in the ceiling, drilled pilot holes and then screwd the eyelet bolts into the ceiling of my garage as anchor points. Next, I clipped the two carabiners to the anchor bolts for some flexibility in attachment points.

Using a tie strap, I fed the strap through the grab handles on my kayak and then attached the hooks of the strap to the carabiners.

I can then pull on the strap to remove the slack and raise the boat up near the ceiling. And voila! My boat is securely stored leaving ample space below for other storage or work space.

By taking the do-it-yourself route I saved a ton of money compared to buying the ready-made boat hooks. All total, the stainless hardware I bought for this method cost about $15. If you're deft with a drill, stud finder and measuring tape, then you can tackle either of these mounting methods.

All in all, both methods offer a convenient way to store your boat without taking up floor space and cluttering your garage.

Elevated storage for your kayak means there's more room in your garage for other toys. Credit: Matt Fredmonsky