How To Store A Canoe

Storing your canoe properly is essential to maintaining and prolonging its lifespan.

If you’re new to owning your own canoe, you might be wondering: How do you store a canoe?

In this article, I will cover some key information about maintaining a canoe, including how to store a canoe and storage tips to bear in mind.

Let’s get into it.

How To Store A Canoe 

When it comes to storing your canoe for a significant period of time, the main thing to bear in mind is that you need to store your canoe off the ground.

This comes down to the fact that it’s not properly supported, and this can therefore cause damage to the structure of the boat over time.

There are a variety of different ways to store your canoe off the ground to ensure that it remains in the best possible condition.

These methods include but are not limited to:

Storage Rack Systems 

When space in your home isn’t an issue, a storage rack is one of the best ways to store your canoe indoors. There are numerous storage rack systems available on the market that range significantly in price depending on your budget.

Canoe storage racks are made to evenly distribute the weight of a canoe to minimize the risk of damage when you leave it in storage for long periods of time.

This is a much safer alternative to storing your canoe on the floor, as your canoe is properly supported and not subjected to the cold ground.

That being said, you will need to make sure that you choose the right location for your storage rack, and ensure that it’s not blocking a frequently used room or frequently used possessions.

Slings 

When you’re limited on space, hanging your canoe up somewhere out of the way means that you can save a lot of room which is why they’re often a convenient storage option. 

There are a variety of different suspension systems available on the market, and one of the easiest ways to hang a canoe is to support it with slings at each end.

You will need to make sure that it is strong enough to support both the weight of the canoe and the force you’ll need to use to hoist the canoe into the correct position.

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t hang a canoe from its grab loops, handles, or thwarts, as they’re not intended to support the weight of your canoe for an extended period of time.

It’s good to remember that one person’s ideal storage solution might not be the same as yours, as it entirely depends on the space that you have available to store your canoe.

Before making your choice, make sure that you measure your canoe and measure the space that you have available and make your choice in accordance with that.

Other Factors To Consider 

When it comes to storing your canoe, which method you use is only half the battle to ensure that your canoe remains in the best condition possible. There are also a variety of other factors to consider when it comes to choosing the location, including:

Sunlight 

One of the biggest factors to avoid when choosing a location for your canoe is direct sunlight. Direct sunlight causes the exterior of your canoe to fade over time, making it look older and more weathered. 

More seriously, prolonged sun exposure can also weaken the structural integrity of your canoe. This comes down to the fact that UV rays can cause damage to certain materials that canoes are made out of, which can result in cracks and water leakages.

Moisture Levels

Storing your canoe outside isn’t advised because your canoe should not be exposed to moisture for a significant amount of time. High levels of moisture, such as rain, hail, and snow, can slowly warp your canoe and damage it over time. 

If you’re storing your canoe in an old garage or shed, you will also need to be mindful of the moisture levels to ensure that your canoe remains in the best possible condition. For instance, using a dehumidifier might be necessary in a damp garage.

Temperature 

Temperature is another important factor to consider. Drastic temperature changes can be detrimental to your canoe’s structural integrity, which is why leaving it out to continuously freeze during the winter is a bad idea.

To keep it in the best condition, you will want to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment. This is why it’s best to keep your canoe indoors in a garage or storage room where you can control the temperature. 

Even if your garage doesn’t have central heating, you’d be surprised by how much just keeping your canoe inside as opposed to outside will help to maintain your canoe.

Tips When Storing A Canoe 

When the time comes when you’re ready to put your canoe into storage, there are a few tips that you should bear in mind. These include:

Clean Your Canoe Before Storing It 

Before placing your canoe in storage, you will need to make sure that you clean your canoe properly beforehand. This comes down to the fact that saltwater can degrade your canoe over time, as well as corrode metal parts if it is left to sit on your canoe for too long.

Wash out your canoe with a hose, making sure that you clean the interior and exterior of your canoe to remove any dirt, sand, and debris.

You don’t want to store your canoe for a long period of time without cleaning it, as this could easily result in stale smells. By cleaning it before you place it in storage, you’ll be ready to hit the water straight away when you next come to use it!

Dry Your Canoe Thoroughly Before Storing It 

While cleaning is important, drying your canoe afterwards is equally as important. Allowing your canoe to dry completely or thoroughly drying your canoe with a towel before placing it into storage is absolutely crucial.

If any moisture is left and you are putting your canoe away for a significant period of time, this will increase the risk of mold and mildew growing and deteriorating your canoe.

In Summary  

So, there you have it. Hopefully now you’ve read this article you have a better idea of how to store a canoe.

Make sure that you opt for a storage option that is the most convenient for your lifestyle.