Owning a kayak is wonderful until you have to work out where you can store it. There’s nothing better than being able to get out on the water whenever you feel like it.
The problem is:
Kayaks are a large piece of outdoor equipment that can take up a lot of room in your garage, which is why you need to look for the best kayak storage rack.
Storage racks help you store your beloved kayak in the most efficient manner possible.
You see:
Storing your kayak correctly isn’t just about making more room; it’s also about prolonging the life of your kayak.
If you don’t correctly keep your kayak, there’s a good chance that you will shorten the lifespan, which is not something you want.
And that’s why I want to talk you through some of the best kayak racks on the market. Not only that, but I’m going to explain how to pick the right kayak storage rack for you.
Sounds good?
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS…
| Best Kayak Storage Rack | Product | Rack Type | Rack Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopRAD Sportz Double Kayak Storage Rack |   | Freestanding rack | 64.8 lbs | Check price |
| StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack |   | Ceiling mount | 15.74 lbs | Check price |
| RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set |   | Ceiling hoist | 13.18 lbs | Check price |
| Best Marine Folding Kayak Stand |   | Folding stand | 6.15 lbs | Check price |
| RAXGo Freestanding Kayak Rack For 4 |   | Freestanding rack | 74 lbs | Check price |
Table of Contents
Reviewing The 5 Best Kayak Storage Racks
RAD Sportz Double Kayak Storage Rack
- Built Strong: It’s made with strong steel tubing with four hooks. Each set of hanging hooks can hold 100 lbs. in weight very comfortably
- Offers Protection To Your Kayak: The strong steel arms are padded with a durable foam which helps to protect your kayak when you’re docking and undocking the boat
- Safe Storage: Each hook comes with a strap so you can secure your kayak and prevent it from falling off the rack
- Easy Set-Up: The freestanding design means you don’t need to use permanent mounting hardware. It’s a simple case of slotting the pieces together and placing them where you need them
- Max Weight Capacity: 100 lbs. per rack
- Kayak Capacity: Two
- Max Width: 28”
- Adjustable: Adjustable length
- Straps: Yes
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This RAD Sports kayak rack was designed to hold two kayaks comfortably, which comes down to its robust design. It’s made with rigid steel tubing where each set of hooks can hold 100 lbs. in weight.
Not only are the hooks solid, but the company also padded them in with a thick foam. The foam padding helps protect your kayak from scratches when you’re docking or undocking the boat.
One of the great things about this outdoor kayak storage rack is that you can use it indoors or outdoors, which gives you more options. To make things better, you can also adjust the length of the double kayak storage system to suit your kayak.
If you’re looking for an outdoor storage rack that doesn’t require any DIY skills, then this might be the option for you. You don’t need to drill any holes in your walls; all you have to do is slot all the pieces together.
StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack
- Ceiling Mount: There’s no better way of getting your kayaks out the way than attaching them to the roof of your garage
- Adjustable Height: The ceiling bracket allows you to adjust the height from 10” to 18” to help you secure your kayak
- Padded Support Arms: The arms are built with dense closed foam padding to help hold your kayak securely in place and prevent it from shifting or getting scratched
- Quick-Lock Attachments: You can disconnect the support arms quickly and efficiently using the push and pull pins. This allows you to use it as a one kayak rack or a two-kayak rack
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Max Weight Capacity: 150 lbs
- Max Size: 18” width 25” or 30” wide
- Kayak Capacity: Two
- Adjustable: Yes
- Straps: No
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re looking to get your kayaks out of the way, then this might be an excellent option for you. The set comes with two heavy-duty steel outdoor kayak storage racks that allow you to store two kayaks on the ceiling with ease.
In total, the kayak storage rack can hold 150 lbs. in weight, which equates to 75 lbs. per side. You also have an option in arm lengths, ranging from 25” to 30”, so you can choose the size that suits your kayaks.
Another great thing about this storage rack is that you can adjust the height from 10” to 18”, allowing extra room for your kayaks.
When installing the kayak rack, you shouldn’t have any problems. Each bracket requires two screws to secure it to the ceiling. And to help fit the frame to your joists (You can learn how to find joists in your ceiling here), it rotates 90° to allow a safe and secure installation.
RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set
- Made For High Ceilings: If your ceiling is too high to touch without a ladder, and you want to store your kayaks up in the air, this is a great option; it can handle a ceiling up to 12 feet
- Redesigned Strap: They included improved straps compared to cheaper hoists that allow you to lift up to 125lbs
- Easy Installation: You can easily install the hoist into 2×4 joists with just a couple of screws
- Rubber Coated Hooks: To help protect your straps and kayak, they coated the hooks in rubber to prevent scratches and abrasions
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Max Weight Capacity: 125 lbs
- Kayak Capacity: One
- Straps: Yes
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is another excellent option if you’re looking to store your kayak on the ceiling, especially if you have a high roof. Thanks to the hoist system, you can store your kayak on a ceiling up to 12 feet.
The system comes with two hooks coated in rubber to prevent scratches to your kayak or abrasions to the staps. They also added improved straps that can easily hold a 125 lbs. weight capacity.
One of the best things about the hoist system is the safety locking mechanism that helps you lift and lower the kayak safely.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-install hoist system to lift your kayak off the ground, then this might be your best option.
Best Marine Folding Kayak Stand
- Foldable Rack: If you want to save some space when you’re not storing your kayak, you can fold the rack and put them away
- Rubber Padding And Pads: It comes with rubber padding that helps to protect your kayak and hold it in place. They also have rubber padding on the pads to stop the stands from slipping
- Easy To Use: All you have to do is unfold the stand and place your kayak on top. The height also makes it great for maintenance
- Powder Coated: Thanks to the powder coating, you can use the kayak stand outside without the fear of it rusting
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Max Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
- Kayak Capacity: One
- Straps: No
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use outdoor kayak storage rack. The foldable kayak stand is straightforward to use and doesn’t require and DIY skills or knowledge to use.
The kayak stand is made with powder-coated steel that allows you to use it outside without the fear of rust forming. It also comes with rubber padding around the metal to help to prevent scratches to your kayak.
The pack comes with two stands that can hold 100 lbs. of weight without being put under too much pressure. And to stop the stands from sliding across the flow, they placed rubber pads at the bottom.
One of the best things about this kayak rack is how versatile the stand is; you can use it for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes.
RAXGo Freestanding Kayak Rack For 4
- Study Freestanding Design: There’s no need for drilling holes in your wall, thanks to the sturdy freestanding structure
- Extremely Padded: You don’t have to worry about damaging your kayaks when mounting them due to the foam-padded hooks
- Rugged Metal Construction: They use powder-coated steel, which is lightweight to handle and super tough, even outside
- More Than enough Options: If you have a family of kayakers, this is a great option; it can hold up to four kayaks
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Max Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
- Kayak Capacity: Four
- Adjustable: No
- Straps: No
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’ve got quite a few kayaks in your household, you probably don’t want to set up multiple wall kayak storage racks so you can store them all. And that’s where the RAXGo freestanding kayak rack can come in handy.
You can store up to four kayaks on the weight with a maximum weight of 220 lbs. without it wobbling, tipping, or becoming warped.
It’s made with a powder-coated stainless-steel frame, which allows you to use the stand outside without any issues. It also comes with eight hooks that have been padded with foam to hello protect your kayak from scratches.
One of the main problems with this outdoor kayak storage rack is how much room it takes up, but if you’ve got the space and a few kayaks, then it is an excellent option for you.
Our Top Choice
Choosing the best kayak storage rack is never an easy task; there are so many factors to think about, such as:
- How big is the kayak?
- How many kayaks do you have?
- How much space do you have?
Due to these factors, what’s suitable for me, might not be right for you, which is why you should read the following section.
But before you move on, let me show you which kayak storage rack I think is the best.
My personal favorite is the RAD Sportz double kayak storage rack. It can hold two kayaks comfortably and doesn’t take up much room.
You also don’t have to lift the kayak too high, which is excellent if you don’t have much upper body strength.
Overall, the kayak can hold up to 200 lbs in weight, which is more than enough for two kayaks.
I also really loved the padding around the hooks; they provided excellent protection for your kayak. It’s was also great to see some straps around the hook so your kayak won’t fall off if it gets knocked.
If you’re not sure if this is the best kayak storage rack for you, then don’t get anywhere. The following section will help you decide which rack is best for you.
If you want to store your kayak outside with one of the racks above, make sure you check out this article about how to store your kayak outside.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Kayak Storage Rack
Choosing one of the best kayak storage racks is never an easy task. There are so many things you have to think about, and that’s what this section is going to clear up.
So, let’s take a look at the things you need to consider you even think about buying a storage rack:
What’s Your Budget?
When you’re considering buying something, you need to have an idea of how much you’re willing/can afford to pay.
The price can vary greatly depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a low-budget option, you should expect to pay around $100.
These usually have enough space for one/two kayaks and are relatively well built.
And if you go to the polar opposite side of the spectrum, they could go up to $500. These outdoor kayak storage racks are usually huge and can comfortably hold multiple kayaks.
Before deciding on your budget, you need to think about how many kayaks you have and what you’re actually looking for.
What Type Of Rack Are You Looking For?
Another thing you have to think about is what style of kayak storage rack you want to use. Most people will choose between one of the three options:
- Freestanding kayak storage racks
- Ceiling-mounted kayak storage racks
- Wall-mounted kayak storage racks
To help you choose the right one for you and your house, let’s talk a little bit more about the different styles of racks:
Freestanding Racks
As you can imagine, freestanding racks don’t need any type of mounting to walls, ceilings, or anything else. They are a freestanding structure that can stand on the floor independently.
So why is this good?
One of the main reasons is you don’t have to drill any holes into your wall. You can also move them around very quickly, so you can change your storage locations as you please, without filling any holes.
But they do have a downside:
They take up a lot of room, and if you don’t have much space, you might find these aren’t the best option for you.
Ceiling-Mounted Racks
Another option you have is to use a ceiling-mounted rack, and as the name suggests, it’s a kayak storage rack that your mount to your ceiling.
One of the best things about using this system is the amount of space you can save due to using the overhead area. And this is an area most people overlook.
So, if you haven’t got much floor space in your garage, a ceiling-mounted rack is a fantastic option for you to use.
But it does come with problems:
Ceiling-mounted racks can be tough to set up, so you need basic DIY knowledge to get everything sorted.
The other issue is if you haven’t got much physical strength, you might find it tricky to get your kayak up to the ceiling.
Even if you get the pulley system, you still might find it difficult getting your kayak up there.
Wall-Mounted Racks
The final option you have is the wall-mounted rack (You can take a look at some of the best kayak wall mounts here). Again, as the name suggests, it’s a rack that mounts to the wall and stores your kayak.
For this storage rack style, you’re going to need a solid structure like a wall or a fence that doesn’t have anything on it. So, what makes this type of kayak storage rack so effective?
The main advantage is it’s pretty easy to install without having too much DIY knowledge. The other bonus is that it raises the kayak off the floor space, giving you a bit more room.
The downside is, some people can find it pretty challenging to mount their kayak on the wall if it’s pretty heavy.
Weight And Size
One of the things I like to think about when choosing a kayak storage rack is the size and weight. That being said, this is more of a factor when you’re looking at a freestanding kayak rack.
Freestanding racks can be pretty heavy and very large, making moving them around tricky. So, you need to check whether you’ll be able to handle the weight so you can move it when you need to.
You should still be aware of the weight when it comes to ceiling/wall-mounted racks. They tend to be lighter, but you have to mount them to the wall.
And if it’s too heavy for you to hold in place, you’re going to find it very difficult to install it.
Assembly Requirements
Another thing you have to think about is the assembly requirements. Unfortunately, outdoor kayak storage racks don’t come ready to go, so you’re going to have to do it.
Before you buy a new kayak storage rack, you need to think about how you’re going to put it together and what tools you need.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity usually isn’t a problem when buying a kayak rack, but it’s still something to think about.
Most kayaks weigh around 30 lbs., but of course, this depends on what style of kayak you have.
If you’ve got multiple kayaks to place on your rack, you need to weigh them all before buying a kayak rack; you need to know the kayak storage rack can handle the weight.
If you don’t get the weight capacity correctly, you could wake up to the sound of your kayaks crashing to the floor.
Storage Capacity
You need to think about what storage capacity you’re going to need for your kayak rack. And it comes down to two factors:
- How big is your kayak?
- How many kayaks do you need to store?
Large touring kayaks need different storage solutions when compared to playboats. It’s a lot larger, so it needs to hold more weight, have larger brackets, and have more stability.
The length of your kayak plays a massive part in the storage rack’s capacity. With long kayaks, you need arms that are far apart, so they stay in place without too much overhang.
And when you have a short kayak, the arms need to be close together so it doesn’t fall through the gaps or warp.
The final thing you need to think about is how many boats you need to store. If you have multiple kayaks, it’s probably a good idea to find a kayak storage rack that can hold them all.
Reputation
The last thing I like to check out before purchasing a new piece of equipment is the product’s reputation.
Not all kayak racks are built to the same quality, so it’s a good idea to see what other people think of the kayak rack before you make a purchase.
Look at their social media sites and Amazon reviews to see what other people are saying.
That being said, companies can’t please everyone, so you’ll have to work out which people are complaining about nothing and which ones are genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Store A Kayak?
The best way to store your kayak is upside down because it helps to prevent dents. Another great choice is to store it on its side, lying across the bars.
That being said, you still risk denting it, so make sure the bars are padded, and you flip the kayak now and again.
What Is The Easiest Kayak Rack To Use?
For me, the most accessible kayak racks to use are J-Cradles. The cradle makes it very easy to mount and dismount the kayak when you need it.
How Far Apart Should Kayak Storage Racks Be?
When you’re hanging your wall amount, it’s essential to understand how far apart they should be. Ideally, you don’t want around 15” of the kayak extending off the sides of the rack.
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