Kayaks may not be as expensive as your house or the brand-new car you just acquired, but they still hold value. Thus, keeping them safe and secure should be the owner’s top priority. Many ask, what is the best way to keep a kayak secure and locked up?
Here is the answer to that.
What Is The Best Way To Keep A Kayak Secure And Locked Up?
Here are different suggestions to achieve that.
Be Basic:
Your garage can be a great storage space for your belongings. If you don’t have a garage, see if you can use a basement or another room in your home. If you can’t use either of those, see if you can find a friend who has a storage space that you can use. Consider renting a storage unit if all else fails.
Go Simple:
If you can’t secure them inside, I recommend a big cable and a brass padlock. We can all agree that a determined thief will eventually find a way to steal what they want. However, thieves are usually lazy; if you make it difficult enough, they will move on to an easier target.
A thief will have a harder time trying to defeat a large cable and high-end brass padlock than if you had no security measures. Just the visual of the cable will likely cause the would-be thief to move on to an easier target.
Keep The Kayak Out of Sight:
Although we mentioned that a kayak lock would likely deter thieves, it’s important to remember that no lock is foolproof. Your kayak could still be targeted even if it is locked.
It is always a great idea to store your kayaks in a covered, out-of-sight location. Doing this will protect them from harsh weather conditions and prying eyes.
Find an Anchor Point:
The first and foremost step to keeping your kayak safe is to store it in an appropriate manner, which usually requires a storage rack of some kind. This rack works as a stationary object to which you can lock your kayak; therefore, make sure it is bolted into a wall for extra protection. Not only will this give peace of mind, but it’ll also ensure that your kayak is well-taken care of when you’re not using it. In order to secure your kayak, you will need a rack or an anchor spot to lock it to.
Locking The Kayak (Sit on top):
Locking up your sit-on-top kayaks can be easily achieved by setting them on or near an anchor point such as a big tree, an outdoor kayak storage rack, or a stake that is driven into the ground where you store your kayaks.
You must make sure that your anchor location is permanent and immovable when securing your kayaks. If it’s not, then it will be the weak point that a potential thief will identify and exploit in order to steal your kayaks.
Locking The Kayak (Sit inside):
Sit-inside kayaks can be a little trickier to secure because they don’t have the scupper holes that would otherwise allow you to feed a cable or rope through for added stability.
Kayaks that have these feature loops installed on them usually require a cable that goes around the bow and stern, which is then secured to an anchor point. The anchor point is typically located in the center of your kayaks or on one side.
Get A Lasso Style Cable Lock:
Unfortunately, if you own a high-end kayak, you may not have some storage options available to those with lower-quality kayaks. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still secure your investment. Most kayak shops offer lasso-style cable locks, which are adjustable and can be looped around the bow and stern of your kayak. You can run the other end through whatever you store your kayak on and tighten the cable to ensure it is locked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Should a kayak be stored upside down?
Ans: Upside down is the best way to avoid dents. On its side: If you’re storing a kayak on bars, be careful which way you orient it. It is possible to dent the side lying on the bars if you lie the kayak on its side. So remember that storing the kayak upside down is your best option.
Q: Is it OK to leave a kayak outside?
Ans: Where to store your kayak: The best protection for it is to store it indoors. However, that’s not always practical. If you have to store it outdoors, make sure the boat is in a shady and protected area.
Q: How do you store a kayak when you live in an apartment?
Ans: The best place to store your kayak is in a dry, secure, and shaded area. Also, avoid storing it on the floor for an extended period, as this could potentially damage the hull, making it more susceptible to moisture and dirt. Search for storage space in your living area. No doubt someone would be providing that service.
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