According to statista there are 16.3 million kayakers in the US and the number is on a steady rise.
Ok, kayakers. Let’s get that yak off the floor and into a spot where it’s not getting in the way of your kid’s bicycles, bruising your shins, or worse, scuffing or denting your yak.
The first step is to consider the following
- How many kayaks do you need to store?
- What kind of storage system is best for your situation. Here is the quick on each kind:
- Free standing kayak racks: Best for those with two kayaks and space. Best outdoor storage option.
- Wall mounted kayak racks: We feel these are the best option for most people. It’s easier to get the kayak on the rack while making good use of space.
- Ceiling mounted kayak racks: A good option, great use of space but difficult to lift the kayak up that high
- Hoist kayak racks: Great use of space but many products in this category have issues
Best kayak storage solution winners from every category
Ceiling Mounted Kayak Rack
Kayak Wall Straps
Standing Kayak Rack
Kayak Wall Straps
Ceiling Mounted Kayak Rack
Kayak Wall Straps
Standing Kayak Rack
Kayak Wall Straps
The best kayak floor stands and kayak standing racks
If you have some space to spare in your garage, why not try a standing rack? None of the racks we reviewed come with wheels but all seem to have ways to add wheels. Having wheels would be a great addittion as it would allow you to move the entire unit with kayaks over just a bit if needed.
What you need to know about free standing kayak racks
- Weight Capacity: Obviously, duh.
- Size of hook: You’ll need to make sure the hook depth will accomodate yur kayak. You’d think they all do but…..
RAD Sportz Double Kayak Storage Rack- Self Standing Dual Canoe Kayak Cradle
- SPACE SAVING- Make the most of the storage space you have available! Safely and securely stack two kayaks or canoes vertically to preserve more floor space.
- STRONG BUILD- Tough steel tubing makes up the two kayak stands and the four rack hooks. Durable enough to use indoors or out! Each set of docking hooks have a maximum weight capacity of 100 lbs for a total of 200 lbs.
- EASY SET UP- No need to damage your walls with permanent mounting hardware and hooks! This self-standing rack is easy to erect and just as easy to rearrange, move, or take back down once set up.
- DESIGNED TO PROTECT- The strong, steel arms that hold up your boat are coated with a thick foam to protect the boat while docking or undocking. Mounting your kayak off the ground also provides protection from potential damage while not in use!
- PRODUCT DETAILS- Dimensions- 24 inches (L) x 24 inches (W) x 53.1 inches (H). Racks made from iron. Protective foam coated in nylon. No cross bar or wheels included. Maximum weight capacity- 100 lbs per boat.
The stand is made from strong steel tubing durable enough to use indoors or out! The legs do not have a cross-bar so they are disconnected from one antoher. Allowing you to spread them apart to a length perfect for your kayak.
- Warranty: None mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 100lb per kayak
- Size of the hook: Supports kayaks up to 36″ wide
Positives
Generally well-reviewed, simple install, and great support for even the largest kayaks.
Negatives
Instructions: A small complaint is there are no assembly instructions. Although most people figured out assembly pretty easily anyway.
Insight Kayak Rack – Free Standing Kayak Storage for Indoor/Outdoor
- GET ORGANIZED: Create More Room In Your Home and Yard. Our Double-Layered Rack Stows Your Kayaks So They're Out of the Way.
- STRONG and DURABLE: Steel Construction Holds Up to 180 LB's.
- ADJUSTABLE: Easily Adjust Width from 72 Inches 48 Inches.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:
Much like the other solutions reviewed, the Insight rack is made frm steel tubing, has foam padding, although a slightly lighter weight capacity then some others.
- Warranty: 100% money back gaurantee
- Weight Capacity: 90lb per kayak
- Size of hook: Supports kayaks up to 31″ wide. This is our estimation. Product doesn’t actually say but reviewers cautioned about wider kayaks not fitting.
Positives
Generally well reviewed. Cross-bar means the entire unit is rigid and can be rolled (casters not supplied). This is an advantage over some of the other racks out there.
Negatives
Not great for wider kayaks: Many reviewers with wider kayaks stated theirs did not fit.
No Straps: Other racks come with straps, this one doesn’t
RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Rack
This free standig solution is also made from powder coated steel tubing. It has foam padding, although a slightly lighter weight capacity then some others.
- Warranty: 100% money back gaurantee
- Weight Capacity: 90lb per kayak
- Size of hook: Supports kayaks up to 31″ wide. This is our estimation. Product doesn’t actually say but reviewers cautioned about wider kayaks not fitting.
Positives
Generally well reviewed. Cross-bar means the entire unit is rigid and can be rolled (casters not supplied). This is an advantage over some of the other racks out there.
Negatives
- Wider kayaks: May not fit on bottom rack or at least, forces you to take the top kayak off so the bottom wone can be slipped into place.
- Tipping over: Some small number of reviewers reported the item tipped over
Best wall-mounted kayak racks
Wall mounted storage racks are rigid arms that extend from the wall. They hold your kayak horizontally against the wall. The arms provide a place to rest the kayak. Some of these kayak storage rack products have supports or arms that extend further from the wall. Others are shorter which means you have to watch out that your kayak will have proper support. Those that have shorter arms need straps to secure your kayak. Irionically, the shorter arms solutions don’t have straps where the deeper armed ones do. It seems the shorter ones are really just large hooks not specifically designed for kayaks but for general use.
What you need to know about wall-mounted kayak storage racks
- Weight Capacity: Obviously, duh.
- Size of hook: You’ll need to make sure the hook depth will accomodate yur kayak. You’d think they all do but…..
RAD Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers 100lb Capacity
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 100lb
- Installation: Like all kayak wal mounts these are easy to install.
RAD Sportz kayak storage rack offers another product for kayak storage; its sturdy wall hangers. These ones are a bit similar to the Suspenz EZ with a plush foam padding that’s gentle on your kayak and won’t ever scratch it!
Regarding the build, it’s made of powder-coated steel and can hold up to 100 lbs. It’s lightweight, as well.
A common issue with this product is that it comes with faulty screws, so you may have to replace the provided screws with different ones.
Positives
Generally well reviewed, simple install and good support for most kayaks.
Very economical: these are some of the cheapest racks reviewed.
Negatives
Installation: It’s weird, nealry every single produc in this review had issues with the supplied screws being cheap and breaking. No biggie, though, you can get stronger scews easily.
Limited to small to medium kayaks: Some reviewers had issue with the largest of kayaks. They had to fashion their won straps, usually with ropes to hold larger kayaks from falling off the rack.
1220 RAD Sportz Wall Hanger Pro Kayak And Stand Up Paddle Board Rack
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 125lb
- Installation: Like all kayak wall mounts these are easy to install.
RAD Sportz 1220 kayak storage rack offers another product for kayak storage; its extra duty wall hangers. These ones are a bit similar to the Suspenz EZ kayak storage rack with a plush foam padding that’s gentle on your kayak and won’t ever scratch it!
Regarding the build, it’s made of powder-coated steel and can hold up to 125 lbs. It’s lightweight, as well.
A common issue with this product is that it comes with faulty screws, so you may have to replace the provided screws with different ones.
Positives
Excellent build quality, deeper support for larger kayaks, safety straps built in.
Negatives
None, no complaints here!
Suspenz EZ kayak storage rack
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 100lb
- Extension from wall: Extends 21-Inch from the wall
- Installation: Like all kayak wall mounts these are easy to install.
The Suspenz EZ kayak storage rack is made of powder-coated steel, meaning it’s durable and corrosion-resistant. To keep your kayak in tip-top condition, the rack has nylon-covered foam padding. Nope, we’re not tolerating any scratches!
To hold the kayak in place, use the safety straps of this wall-mounted rack. This will prevent any mishaps or falls. We love the fact that it’s suitable for storing paddle boards as well.
Suspenz EZ kayak storage rack can hold up to 100 lbs while being pretty lightweight itself.
Positives
Generally well reviewed. Has safety straps built in. Many other hangers required buyers to fashion thie own straps.
Negatives: None
Installation: This is literally the only rack that costomers didn’t complain about cheap screws. Wow!
Vahodegn Garage Storage Heavy Duty Hooks
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 50lb
- Extension from wall: Extends 15-Inch from the wall
- Installation: Like all kayak wall mounts these are easy to install.
Vahodegn presents general purpose heavy duty storage hooks that you can use to store your kayaks, surfboards, ladders, bicycles, gardening tools, etc. You name it!
The wall-mountable hooks are made of tubular carbon-steel to withstand the weight. However, their downside is their low storage capacity, where they can hold up to 50 lbs only.
On the other hand, the rack’s arm length is about 15″’ to withstand lengthy kayaks or surfboards. Besides, you can install them indoors or outdoor.
Positives
Multi-purpose, these are basically large hooks. Labelled for kayak use but yu could use for anything. They are cheap enough and you get 6 in the pack.
Negatives: None
Capacity: Not well suited for larger kayaks. The arms are only 15″ from the wall and there are no straps to secure yur kayak.
Best kayak wall straps and double kayak straps
Alright, this category maybe the winner. It turns out that the best kayak storage rack may not be a rack at all. Straps are totally flexible so any size kayak can fit. Many are double kayak capable. Installation is just as easy as wall racks if not easier. Generally speaking you scre in one large screw and tha straps hook on that.
What you need to know</>
There really aren’t any specific considerations in this category.
Pelican Double Kayak Storage Strap System
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 100lb
Saving the best for last, we’d love to introduce you to Pelican’s double kayak strap system. The system is composed of two adjustable straps, each of which can hold up to 100 lbs, making the system’s full capacity 200 lbs.
To secure the kayaks in place, there are velcro straps that you can adjust in each section. It comes with robust carabiners and a D-ring for closure. However, you’ll need to buy a wall or ground mounting hardware separately. Nothing’s perfect, we know!
We love this storage system because it withstands plenty of weight while minimizing space. A match made in heaven!
Positives
Totally flexible, easy install, cost effective.
Negatives: Barely
Convenience: Barely a concern, but if we had to pick one issue it would be ease of use when placing your kayak. With wall racks you lift the kayak onto rigid arms. Straps must be wrapped around the kayak on the floor then grab both or one strap and hang it on the wall. It can be a bit cumbersome but really isn’t too big a deal.
Rad Sportz 2029 Double Kayak Storage Strap
- Warranty: None specifically mentioned
- Weight Capacity: 55lb per kayak
Just like other strap options these Rad Sportz have the right idea. Straps are a great design option. Sadly, these specific straps are not worth your time and money. They simply are not strong enought to hod a kayak, especially one that might have some water in the hull which adds extra weight.
Positives
Totally flexible, easy install, cost effective.
Negatives:
Regulary fails, straps break. Not Recommended!!!
<h3
ZUJARA Double Kayak Storage Straps System Comes With 2 Carabiner Paddle Clips
Negatives:
Regulary fails, straps break. Not Recommended!!!
The best kayak ceiling hoists
Ok, let’s admit it, kayak hoists are an attractive idea. Even if you are a burly dude or gal who can spin a kayak on your fingertip we still like the idea of not having to pull out a ladder to get our yak off the floor. These hoist systems solutions use pulleys mounted to the ceiling. They offer a good storage solution but of all the solutions they have the most concerns as well.
Now the Negatives!
Lots of reviewers show concern over solutions in this category. Most are about the safety of dangling objects above their heads.
Ceiling hoists have more involved installations. For you handy people out there, it’s no big deal. For the rest of you, consider that you may have to mount the hoist to a 2×4, then mount the 2×4 to the ceiling joists.
Locking mechanism issues: Many of these solutions have issues where the cable locks grab the rope and result in frayed lines which shortens life an ultimately leads to failure.
220 RAD Sportz Wall Hanger Pro Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rack
Cord woes: A cord hanging off the wall. When your kayak is raised there will be a cord for you to pull to lower your kayak. Where does that cord hang? YOu’ll probably have to find a way to mount the cord.
Only one kayak: If you only have one, fine! Have more than one, you’ll need two hoists and two installs.
What you need to know
- Weight Capacity: Obviously, duh.
- Is it easy to mount: some are awkward so we’ve checked this detail for you
- Floor to ceiling hoist height: Is the hoist cable long enough to go from your floor to ceiling?
1003 RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Lift
- Warranty: 100% unconditional lifetime warranty.
- Kayak Width Capacity: Not limited
- Kayak height capacity: Not limited
- Floor to Ceiling Max Height: 12ft
- Weight Capacity: 125lb
- Installation: Poor instructions for Again! Many reviewers complain about the included bolts. Many are buying lag bolts instead.
The 1004 RAD Sportz Kayak hoist is featured as an ‘Amazon Choice’ for a reason. It’s made to be installed into the ceiling of your garage easily with minimal use of tools. It features rubber-coated hooks to ensure that your kayak is well supported and won’t be scratched.
With 125 lbs storage capacity, probably this hoist lift offers the biggest capacity among its counterparts. To ensure that the weight is well supported, RAD Sportz has improved its design by replacing the old-fashioned hooks with robust straps.
This storage device also includes safety locks to keep the kayak in place. We’d recommend it for storing kayaks indoors on ceilings up to 12 feet high.
Positives
Newly designed straps do away with problems caused by the previous hook only solution.
Negatives
Not safe? Here is a quote from one reviewer – Ok, we get the company has to be careful and protect themselves, but this warning might be enough to cause you to choose another option or take extra precuations.
… The first thing I saw when I opened the box was a small slip of paper warning me not to park or place valuables under it. –
Safety locks: WHen raised there are locks that bite into the cord. Reviewers say the locks eat into and damage the cord.
Bolts are insufficient: Again, reviewers bought new bolts to have a more mounting connection
Poor instructions: Many reviewers complain about poorly written instructions. Remember, with hoists you have to thread the rope through several pulleys so instructions are important.
Locking mechanism gets stuck: Many complain about the locks not releasing when pulling on the cor din the proper way. Which means you have to get on a ladder to unlock. Kinda defeats the purpose of a hoist – hey!
StoreYourBoard Kayak Ceiling Storage Hoist
- Warranty: No warranty, No Guarantee
- Kayak Width Capacity: Not limited
- Kayak height capacity: Not limited
- Floor to Ceiling Max Height: 12ft
- Weight Capacity: 60lb
- Installation: Poor instructions for Again! Many reviewers complain about the included bolts. Many are buying lag bolts instead.
StoreYourBoard Kayak Ceiling Storage Hoist – It’s by a brand we’ve reviewed before and generally has great products. But here, we are going to stop the review and put this product on the not-recommended list. See below.
Negatives
Not safe? Here is are some quotes from reviewers.
” … Today the straps just snapped and dropped the kayak. … ”
” … Green straps rotted in less than 1 year. … Had to purchase new straps. … ”
” … Today while lowering it, the straps holding the kayak snapped. … ”
” … Straps broke and my 50lb kayak fell on my truck. … needs to upgrade to sturdier straps. …
” … 9/16/20 Flat bottom canoe would not cause the strap to fray. … ”
” … Horrible product the rope is cheap and broke as I tried to raise my kayak causing my kayak to fall and hit the ground very hard … ”
” … Had to purchase new straps. … ”
” … Today while lowering it, the straps holding the kayak snapped. … ”
” … It was very difficult to hoist the kayak to the position. … ”
Extreme Max 3004.0204 Kayak/Canoe/Bike/Ladder Hoist & Lift for Storage in Shop or Garage – 120 lb. Capacity
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- Kayak Width Capacity: Not limited
- Kayak height capacity: Not limited
- Floor to Ceiling Max Height: 12ft – possible 15ft.
- Weight Capacity: 120 lb. capacity
- Installation: Poor instructions for Again! Many reviewers complain about the included bolts. Many are buying lag bolts instead.
Extreme Max hoist can be described as similar to all the others we reviewed with no real distinction. Let’s see what the reviewers had to say.
Negatives
Not safe? Here is are some quotes from reviewers.
” … 3/4 screw snapped. … Did not even attempt to use the fourth screw. … ”
” … The straps aren’t long enough to wrap twice around my recreational kayak so I’ll have to rig something up there too as it slides a lot now. … ”
” … Bolt snapped after two weeks, raise and lowered the kayak 3 times. … ”
” … It shouldn’t have been because the wooden beams were too solid, since the instructions stress using solid wood. … Just cheap screws. … ”
” … Not FIVE MINUTES rigged up in the air the rope BROKE and my VERY EXPENSIVE kayak came crashing into the ground. … ”
The best kayak ceiling rack
If a ceiling rack is your choice there are a few details you should be aware of.
What you need to know
Does the ceiling rack have rotating mounting brackets?
This is an important feature because your garage ceiling joists (the wood that you’ll screw the rack into) can go in either direction. If the rack doesn’t allow the center arm to rotate you’ll be stuck with only one direction to mount your kayaks.
Is the ceiling rack height adjustable?
Many of you will mount this rack above a garage door or other tight spaces. You’ll want some adjustability so that you can fit the kayak on the rack with as little space left over as possible so you can still sneak the rack above a garage door for example.
Will the arm widths accommodate your kayak’s width?
Yeah, this one’s probably not too much of a concern. Kayaks are not usually wider than 34″.
Weight Capacity
Some kayaks are heavier, much heavier than others. So we’ve listed out the weight capacity for you.
StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack (Winner)
No products found.
- Warranty: There is no mention if an included warranty
- Rotating Arms: Yes
- Kayak Width Capacity: with storage arms 25″ or 30″ wide it can hold all types of kayaks
- Kayak height capacity: adjustable height bracket to fit kayaks between 10” and 18”.
- Kayak length capacity: Mount the two arms however far apart you like
- Weight Capacity: Support up to 150lbs (75 lbs per side).
- Installation: Most reviewers are happy with the ease of installation.
Negatives: Some reviewers did complain about the included screws not being adequate for ceiling application. Ok, it’s a PITA but it’s easy to get a few cheap wood lag screws to fix the problem – if there even is one.
An interesting option to look at is the famous StoreYourBoard ceiling rack. It’s a ceiling rack made to accommodate two kayaks at once while clearing up some floor space.
It’s made of heavy duty steel, where it can lift up to 150 lbs, with 75 lbs on each side. The rack itself is 18” thick to withstand the weight. More importantly, installing these racks is a breeze!
The rack has an adjustable height bracket to fit kayaks between 10” and 18”. To secure your kayaks, each arm is connected to the base with a push pin that you can lock in a few moves to keep things in place.
Nothing is perfect. Some reviewers complained of faulty bolts during installation, so you have to watch out for that!
Adjustable Kayak Paddleboard Ceiling Rack Indoor Kayak Storage Hanger
- Warranty: There is no mention of an included warranty but there is a No-Questions-Asked, 30-DAY Money-Back Guarantee.
- Rotating Arms: Yes
- Kayak Width Capacity: with storage arms 24″
- Kayak height capacity: adjustable height bracket to fit kayaks between 10” and 18”.
- Kayak length capacity: Mount the two arms however far apart you like
- Weight Capacity: Support up to 150lbs (75 lbs per side).
- Installation: Most reviewers are happy with the ease of installation.
Negatives: Not many reviews and some have complained that mounting holes are either not present or misaligned. Some reviewers did complain about the included screws not being adequate for ceiling application.
ECOTRIC 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack Hi Port 2 Adjustable Storage Hanger Overhead Mount for Surfboard SUP & Kayak, Garage, and Home Use
- Warranty: There is no mention of an included warranty or guarantee
- Rotating Arms: Yes
- Kayak Width Capacity: Not specified, that’s annoying.
- Kayak height capacity: adjustable height bracket to fit kayaks between 10” and 18”.
- Kayak length capacity: Mount the two arms however far apart you like
- Installation: Most reviewers are happy with the ease of installation.
Negatives: Once again, some reviewers did complain about the included screws not being adequate for ceiling application. Ok, it’s a PITA but it’s easy to get a few cheap wood lag screws to fix the problem – if there even is one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to store kayak outside in winter?
Yes, as long as you have a cockpit cover and the kayak is stored on an angle so that water will spill off the cover. A cover for the entire kayak is also something to consider.
Can I hang my kayak by the handles
Not recommended. No matter that material your handle is made of, long-term storage by hanging your kayak onthe handle will eventually tear the materal.
What is the best outdoor kayak storage rack?
Generally speaking, outdoor kayak storage will be on a free standing rack. The best free standing rack we found is the RAD Sportz Double Kayak Storage Rack. Wall mounted racks are generally meant for indoors so there aren’t many that will weather well.
Which type of kayak storage is the cheapest to use?
Kayak straps are the cheapest option. In this case cheap doesn’t mean bad. Actually, kayak storage straps are among the best options of all that we reviewed.
How do I store my kayak in my garage?
We have evaluated every possible option. The answer for you will depend on the space you have. Generally speaking wall mounted racks are the most common option. Read the rest of this article to find other solutions.
Where should I store my kayak?
THe answer will depend on the space you have available and how many kayaks you have. Generally speaking wall mounted racks are the most common solution. Read the rest of this article to find other solutions.
Wrap Up
Having nowhere to store your kayak or paddleboard shouldn’t hinder you from practicing such a fun and engaging activity. As you’ve seen, there’s a handful of options to store your kayak and free up storage space for other things. You can use a wall-mountable hook, a ceiling rack, a standing rack, or a hoist lift.
To choose the perfect one for you, consider your available space and the options of how to fill it. Next, take a look at the number and weight of kayaks you want to store. These pointers should guide you.
