7 Ways To Store Canoe In Garage: (Which is the Best One for You?)

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As the crisp chill of winter begins to creep in, the question of how to store canoe in garage in the best way possible becomes pertinent. For those unfamiliar with this task, the prospect can be daunting.

The key lies in understanding the right prepping and storage method. In this post, discover the expert-backed methods to ensure your canoe remains safe, secure, and ready for the next summer adventure!

• BEST SPACE SAVER: StoreYourBoard  Garage Storage Canoe Hoist
• MOST DURABLE: SPAREHAND Catalina Freestanding Double Storage Rack

How to Store Canoe in Garage the Right Way!

Here are 9 tips to store canoe in garage the right way:

1. A canoe is best stored indoors; opt for garage storage.
2. Leverage your garage’s space for secure canoe storage.
3. Prepare your canoe meticulously before placing it in storage.
4. Store canoe in garage elevated from the floor. The garage floor, typically has dirt.
5. Use a free standing rack, a wall mounted rack, a ceiling mounted rack or a ceiling hoist.
6. Consider Overhead Storage as a space saving option.
7. Garage climate control will protect your canoe from extreme cold and heat.
8. The garage will shield your canoe from UV rays from direct sunlight.
9. The garage also safeguards against theft.

Prepping a Canoe for Storage in Garage

Before you are ready to store your canoe in the garage for the winter you have to ensure that the canoe is totally clean. This is not as difficult as it sounds.

• Clean out anything and everything that you have kept in the canoe. One tends to forget small items in the canoe, especially after a long canoe trip.
• Next rinse the canoe, both inside and outside with a garden hose. Wait for about ten minutes so that any dried up mud or other grime has had a chance to soften.
• Then wash your canoe thoroughly with a mild detergent using a sponge or a wet rag. Use a soft bristled brush for the nooks and crannies and the hard to get areas.
• Rinse off the canoe once again so that all traces of soap or detergent have been washed away.
• Use a towel to dry the canoe as much as possible. Leave it to air dry so that all the moisture is gone.
• Wax may not adhere to a plastic or polyethylene canoe. 
• However, if you have a fiberglass, Kevlar or canoe made of similar material, waxing the canoe outer hull is necessary. 
• Dirt & dust will not adhere to the canoe hull. Wax also reduces adherence of grime and marine life from sticking to the canoe hull, next time it is in water. Wax reduces friction so paddling a waxed canoe is less tiring.
• Last but not the least, spray on a coat of UV protectant.

A really good product for your canoe or for that matter any paddle sport watercraft is Star brite Ultimate Paddlesports Cleaner & Protectant with PTEF – 22 oz available at Amazon.

Ways to Store Canoe in Garage

There are several ways to store a canoe in garage, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Store on the Gunwales: 

Canoes should be stored upside down on the gunwales to prevent distortion or flattening of the hull from prolonged storage. This is a popular storage method and is best for smaller garages.

2. Use a Canoe Hoist: 

A ceiling-mounted hoist is a slick solution to store your canoe or kayak in your garage without taking up valuable floor space. So you can continue to park your car as usual!

Depending on the model you choose, it can easily be operated by one person and holds up to 150 pounds.

3. Store Vertically: 

Canoes can be stored vertically by standing them up on one end. But definitely not recommended.

To be honest you may opt for this method if you are really short of floor space, but it can cause damage to your canoe hull as the support is not uniform. There is also a high risk of it tipping over and causing injury.

4. Place it on a Canoe Rack: 

A canoe rack is a great option for storing multiple canoes. They can be freestanding or mounted on the wall and can hold multiple canoes at once. They are also great for keeping canoes organized and off the ground.

5. Use Foam Blocks: 

Foam blocks can be used to store a canoe horizontally. They provide some protection for the integrity of the canoe structure. Make sure that the blocks contact your gunwales at at least 4 points for stability.

6. Use a Sawhorse: 

A sawhorse is a specially constructed wooden storage rack that cradles the canoe. Sawhorses are a great budget option and can be found at several big box construction stores like Home Depot, Lowes or online at Amazon. 

Some sporting goods stores like REI may even have versions that are specifically made to store canoes. In case you are a DIY enthusiast, you could build one yourself!

7. Make a Canoe Trapeze Overhead Storage Rack: 

This is a great option for those who want to store their canoe overhead. The trapeze system allows the canoe to be easily lifted and lowered from the ceiling.

The canoe trapeze overhead storage rack is a simple and fun DIY project. Check out this you tube video:

FAQ

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.