Are you wondering about Maintaining A Kayak and how to keep it in good shape? The good news is that kayaks are pretty simple machines that don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to prolong their life and keep them in good condition. One question that often comes up is, “How do I store my kayak properly?” The answer is to store it in a cool, dry place like a garage. If you’re storing it outside, roll the kayak over so water can’t get in, and keep it in a shaded area or at least out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent damage from UV rays.
Another common concern is dealing with scratches and damage to the hull of the kayak. While it’s true that plastic boats can take a beating, it’s still important to take care of them. If you notice deep scratches or damage, you may need to take action to repair them. On the other hand, if you’ve got minor scratches, you don’t need to worry too much about them unless they’re really deep.
As for what can happen to your kayak over time, it’s actually quite normal for the hull of a plastic boat to form a bit. If you get some serious warping or denting, heat will often be enough to return the boat to its original shape. In fact, you can usually just leave it out in the sun on a hot summer’s day, and it’ll pop back out to its original shape. Of course, if you hit your kayak hard enough, there’s a chance that it could crack or you could punch a hole right through it. This is obviously something you need to deal with right away.
Fortunately, competent kayaks can almost always be fixed by someone who’s experienced with fiberglass work. So, what are the key takeaways for maintaining a kayak? Here are a few:
Maintaining A Kayak: Key Takeaways
- Store your kayak in a cool, dry place like a garage
- Rinse your kayak with fresh water after use in saltwater
- Deal with deep scratches or damage to the hull of the kayak
- Use heat to repair warping or denting
- Fix cracks or holes in your kayak as soon as possible
Storing Your Kayak Properly
As mentioned earlier, storing your kayak in a cool, dry place like a garage is ideal. If you don’t have a garage, you can store it outside, but make sure to roll it over so water can’t get in. You should also keep it in a shaded area or at least out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent damage from UV rays.
Rinsing Your Kayak with Fresh Water
For those of you who paddle in saltwater, it’s a good idea to rinse your kayak with fresh water afterwards. This is especially important for parts with metal pieces like rudders, foot pedals, and backbands.
Dealing with Scratches and Damage
While it’s true that plastic boats can take a beating, it’s still important to take care of them. If you notice deep scratches or damage, you may need to take action to repair them. If you’re not sure how to repair your kayak, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.
Using Heat to Repair Warping or Denting
If you get some serious warping or denting, heat will often be enough to return the boat to its original shape. You can usually just leave it out in the sun on a hot summer’s day, and it’ll pop back out to its original shape.
Fiberglass Work: The Secret to Repairing Your Kayak
Fortunately, competent kayaks can almost always be fixed by someone who’s experienced with fiberglass work. This is especially important if you hit your kayak hard enough and it cracks or you punch a hole right through it.
Kayak Maintenance Tips
Here are some additional kayak maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Regularly inspect your kayak for damage or wear and tear
- Keep your kayak clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew
- Use a kayak cover or storage bag to protect your kayak from the elements
- Consider getting a kayak maintenance kit to help you fix common problems
For more information on maintaining your kayak, check out these resources:
By following these tips and taking care of your kayak, you can help extend its lifespan and keep it in good condition for years to come.
