10 Best Kayak Storage Racks To Buy In 2024
Kayak storage is often an overlooked thing for most users. Most kayakers once they’re back from their kayaking trip just place their vessels anywhere without minding what happens to them. Some who mind do not know the most correct way and place to store their kayaks.
In this article, we discuss extensively the best way to store your kayak using racks. This method of storage is the perfect solution to just leaving your kayak on the floor where it can get knocked, scratched, and ultimately deformed.
We also share details about the three main types of kayak storage racks available on the market and the various characteristics that set each apart. Moreover, we mention how you can store your kayaks in your rack in the backyard if there’s not enough space in the garage or shed.
Furthermore, we provide insights and guides on the factors to consider and the salient questions to ask before buying a particular type of rack. Ultimately, we review the 10 best kayak storage racks with features and specifications that make them top choices among users all over.
There are a lot of options when it comes to kayak racks, and we have narrowed the choices down for you. You will still need to choose the rack that works best for your setup, whether it’s in a garage or outdoors. Let’s get right to it.
1. RAD Sportz Deluxe Freestanding Kayak Storage
Features
- Rack set: Dual Stand 2-kayak freestanding rack set for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 175 pounds plus additional accessories and gears
- Kayak Capacity: 2
- Suitable for: kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
If you have enough space to share for your kayak storage rack, the RAD Sportz Deluxe is a good option to consider. Kayaks are easy to load in it, thanks to the closeness of the unit to the ground.
Like all free-standing racks, you do not have to bother about lifting the rack or kayak overhead as with ceiling and wall racks.
All you have to do is set it up easily wherever you want. Although it may take about an hour give or take to set it up, plus you will have to store your kayak with its shell facing out.
Besides this, the RAD Sportz Deluxe freestanding rack is a great choice with a sturdy design that can hold up to two kayaks with a combined weight of 175 pounds at once. The padded arms are also included for protecting the kayak from scratches and keeping it firm from slipping.
Perhaps, the most interesting thing about this rack is that you can make it movable by adding wheels to its bottom, making it one of the best on the market.
Pros
- It offers easy and convenient storage
- Can hold up to two kayaks plus accessories, with a combined weight of 175 pounds
- Comes with padded arms for kayak protection
Cons
- As a freestanding rack, it takes up space
- It is quite expensive compared to other options
2. StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: 2 overhead ceiling-rack sets for both indoor and outdoor storage plus two ceiling hangers
- Storage type: Ceiling-mounted
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Kayak Capacity: 2
- Available in two sizes with adaptable 30′ arms
This is one special ceiling rack designed to help you save as much space as possible in your garage. It can support a weight of 150 pounds, and if installed correctly it can support two kayaks plus your paddles in between them.
It is also a suitable space-saving storage option for surfboards and paddleboards. On the market, the StoreYourBoard ceiling rack is sold in 2 different arm lengths, 25″ and 30″.
You will find all necessary hardware and accessories present in this rack’s kit such as padded arms to hold your kayak in place and prevent scratches.
The rack allows you to store the side of your kayak on the ceiling. Moreover, you can adjust the height of the rack from the ceiling as well as the mounting bracket depending on the direction of the run of your ceiling joists.
Having the StoreYourBoard ceiling rack installed, however, can be a little difficult, considering you’ll need to hold both the hardware and rack overhead as you drill holes and attach bolts.
Carrying your kayak over your head can be a lot difficult too, so you might need to always get an assistant which is sometimes even harder to get.
Pros:
- It’s a top space-saving storage rack option
- Available in two different arm lengths
- Padded arms are added to the arms to help protect your kayak against scratches
Cons:
- It presents difficulties during the installation
3. Best Marine Wall Mount Kayak Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: 2 wall-rack sets for garage storage plus wall studs
- Storage type: Wall-mounted
- Weight Capacity: 100 pounds plus additional accessories and gears
- Kayak Capacity: 2
- Suitable for: kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for firm gripping
With their freestanding rack making waves, the Best company presents another storage rack which is also a great space-saving option.
The Best Marine Wall-mounted rack is constructed using high-quality, powder-coated steel, making it eligible to carry up to 100 pounds of weight with an easy and quick installation process.
To store it securely, you will have to get technical with your hands by drilling holes, driving bolts, and mounting your kayak, with three screws for each mount.
There are padded arms on the rack that are included to offer protection for your kayak, and prevent it from slipping. The adaptable straps are there also, to better secure your kayak no matter the size.
If you prefer to have your kayak off the floor where it can easily get kicked and dented, then the Best Marine Kayak Storage Rack is a perfect alternative to its freestanding companion. It is one of the best available options on the market for kayak storage.
Pros
- Durable design
- It is easy to mount
- Comes with adjustable straps for better securing of your kayak
- Has padded arms for kayak protection against abrasion
Cons
- The “follow-come” mounting screws could be better
4. StoreYourBoard 4 Kayak Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: 2 wall-rack sets for indoor storage
- Storage type: Wall-mounted
- Weight Capacity: 4 kayaks with 100 pounds weight each
- Kayak Capacity: 4
- Suitable for: kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards
- 45 built-in mounting slots for easy height adjustments
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
StoreYourBoard dominates the world of yak storage with another “banger” rack. But this time it is wall-mounted. Made from a durable aluminum and steel combination, it offers great strength that is hard to find in many racks like it.
It doubles this strength with a large space-saving ability, with 4 storage levels, each of the levels having a depth of 27 inches, and a little tilt for safe securing of the kayaks.
Each level also supports a kayak up to 100 pounds in weight for 4 kayaks, making 400 pounds in total! Interestingly, you even get to adjust the height or space between each of these levels whenever you need to, thanks to the 45 built-in mounting slots
To further ensure their safety, padded arms are included to protect against scratches.
Pros
- Can hold up to a whopping 400 pounds weight
- It has multiple adaptable mounting slots
- Supports 4 kayaks of 100 pounds each
- As a wall-mounted rack, it saves floor space
Cons
- Relatively expensive than many kayak racks in its category
5. Best Marine Folding Kayak Storage Racks
Features
- Rack set: 1 freestanding rack set for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
- Kayak Capacity: 1
- Suitable for: kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and surfboards
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
The Folding Kayak Storage Rack model is the second-Best Marine rack to make our list after the wall-mounted model. It is a perfect substitute for its wall-mounted colleague for those who prefer a freestanding type.
What makes this model special is its ergonomic design and structure. It is easy and quick to set up and put down and allows easy loading and unloading of the kayak with up to 100 pounds weight.
Among the best freestanding racks, this rack stands up there. The frame is constructed using a lightweight aluminum material with rubber padding for firm holding of the kayak, and protection against scratches.
With a 16-inch height, the design is so unique that you can use it to carry out your kayak’s routine maintenance. What we find the most interesting about the Best Marine Folding Kayak Storage Rack is its foldability!
This feature helps take away the stress that comes with rack assembly. You do not need to assemble because everything comes finished for you! Isn’t that amazing enough?
The only thing is an uneven distribution of weight can easily make it lose balance, so always ensure that you set the stands at a reasonable distance apart.
Pros
- It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use
- It comfortably supports 100 pounds of weight
- It requires no assembly
Cons
- As a freestanding rack, it eats up more space than many others
6. Malone Auto Racks FS 3 Kayak Storage Rack System
Features
- Rack set: 3-kayak freestanding rack set for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds plus additional accessories and gears
- Kayak Capacity: 3
- Suitable for: kayaks, SUPs
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
Now, this is the first kayak storage rack on our list with the capacity to comfortably support 3 kayaks! The Malone company has never disappointed us with their different amazing rack configurations for SUPs and bikes, and with this J-style 3-kayaks holder, you can rest assured that you’ll get the topmost experience.
This beast of a rack comes with so many amazing features that set it above many others. One of them is the frame design which is made from heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant, 1.25 inches steel, strong enough to comfortably support a weight of 250 pounds, a more than enough capacity for 3 kayaks.
It is powder-coated to enhance its resistance to rust and corrosion due to moisture exposure. The rust and corrosion resistance further qualifies it for use outside your garage or shed.
What’s more, some built-in levelers help you to adjust the rack heights to whichever you want. Does it end there? No, not for this incredible rack.
There are well-padded cradles with EVA foam included to keep your kayaks from scratches. There’s also a lifetime warranty on the rack! Isn’t that amazing?
It doesn’t come with wheels that can make you push around easily, but you can always purchase them separately to up your storage experience with this rack.
Pros
- A weight capacity of 250 pounds is a lot for racks of its caliber
- It can accommodate up to 3 kayaks
- Well-padded cradles with EVA foam for kayak protection
- Integrated levelers allow for height adjustment
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- Doesn’t come with wheels
7. Ajillis 71 Kayak Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: 6-kayak freestanding rack set for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Multi-level Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 6 kayaks each with 100 pounds weight and
- Kayak Capacity: 6
- Suitable for: kayaks
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
Freestanding kayak storage racks are not worth mentioning without the Ajillis 71 with an incredible weight capacity for up to 6 kayaks!
The frame is constructed using a durable steel material with multiple levels that can each handle kayaks of 32 inches in width and 12 feet in length.
Another interesting thing is that it is easy to assemble, and it comes with wheels for more convenient mobility, loading, and unloading of your kayaks. The included J-style bars with paddings help to prevent the kayak from slipping and keep it from scratches.
The Ajillis 71 is a lot in the world of kayak racks, so vast that you may feel it offers more than you need. If your kayaks are not up to six, you can supplement the remaining space with your paddles, SUPs, and other water sport gear.
All you need to provide on your part is floor space and this great rack shows its worth.
Pros
- Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant frame
- It can hold up to 6 kayaks at once
- Enough room to also hold other additional Watersport gear and accessories
Cons
- Might seem too much for those who have just one or two kayaks.
- Expect a high price for the incredible features it offers
8. Suspenz Big EZ Kayak Wall Mount Rack
Features
- Rack set: 1 wall-rack sets for indoor storage
- Storage type: Wall-mounted
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Kayak Capacity: 1 plus additional gear and accessories
- Suitable for: kayaks
- Available with 600D nylon padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
If you’re interested in buying a wall-mounted kayak, then the Big EZ is one to consider. It is a perfect option if you prefer a wall-mounted rack to a freestanding one like its colleague, the Suspenz Marine Grade free-standing rack.
One thing we like about this model is the frame. It is made with durable, powder-sealed, steel with rust and corrosion resistance for lasting use. Even the 150-pound weight capacity is plenty to hold one kayak.
Moreover, there are 600-Denier nylon foam paddings in the cradle arms that help to hold the kayak in place and prevent scratches or damage to its hull. To further keep your kayak safely secured, adjustable safety straps are included in the rack.
And with all these features, the Suspense Big EZ wall-mounted rack comes at a very affordable price. If you don’t mind its capacity for only one kayak, it is one of the best you can consider out there.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Made of a sturdy, powder-coated frame with 150 pounds weight capacity
- Padded cradle arms for firm gripping of kayak and prevention from scratches
Cons
- The number of kayaks it can contain could’ve been more given its great features
9. Suspenz Marine Grade 2-Boat/Kayak Freestanding Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: Dual Stand 2 freestanding kayak rack set for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 225 pounds plus additional accessories and gears
- Kayak Capacity: 2
- Suitable for: kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards
- Available with padded arms and adjustable straps for extra protection from slipping and scratches
Here comes another great option, the Suspenz Marine Grade freestanding rack. Made of a galvanized steel frame with optimum protection against freshwater and saltwater corrosion and rust, whether on the water or in your garage.
Its sturdy design makes it strong enough to support up to 225 pounds of weight which is plenty for 2 kayaks and is one of the strongest on the market.
Another feature you’ll find interesting is the 4 built-in UV-protected adaptable safety straps that are added for holding your kayaks in place. There’s also a way to extend the rack height to accommodate up to 6 kayaks but you have to put in mind the weight capacity.
There are EVA foam paddings too but they may not be enough, a problem you can easily find your way around. One drawback with this rack is its expensive price.
Compared to other options, it is more costly. However, if you do not mind the cost, go for it, you have many things to gain from it!
Pros
- Large weight capacity of 225 pounds
- Fit to support 2 kayaks
- It has adjustable safety straps
- The presence of padded foams helps keep the kayak from slipping
Cons
- It is relatively expensive
10. Best Marine Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack
Features
- Rack set: 2 wall-rack sets for both indoor and outdoor storage
- Storage type: Freestanding
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Kayak Capacity: 2
The Best Marine Kayak Storage Rack is a freestanding type that comes with easy assembly and mounting in any storage space, whether in your garage, shed or even a covered space in your backyard.
“Best” as the name reads has proven itself to be an excellent choice among many users with its high-end durability and stability. This is due largely to its material of construction which is powder-coated corrosion-resistant steel.
There are pads with nylon cover, added to prevent your kayak from sliding. Moreso, adjustable straps are added to the rack so that you can mount any kayak size and tightly secure it.
The rack is designed to house kayaks with a width between 28 and 34 inches. It also has a robust capacity to hold up to 200 pounds of weight, which is the equivalent weight of 2 kayaks.
With this weight capacity, it is capable of supporting most traditional kayaks and a few fishing kayaks that are heavier than those.
Pros
- It has a weight capacity of 200 pounds
- With that weight capacity, it can hold up to two kayaks
- It comes with padded arms
Cons
- The width is limited to some kayaks
Types Of Kayak Storage Racks
Kayak storage takes three major types namely, freestanding, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted. Each of these three types comes with unique features that give it an edge over others.
While the freestanding option stays on the floor, the wall and ceiling-mounted require that you fix them in the wall and ceiling respectively. Their characteristics are further explained below.
Wall-Mounted Kayak Storage Racks
Wall-mounted kayak racks are the type you fix up on the wall, away from the ground. They’re innovatively designed to ease the stress of kayak storage undergone by users who do not have enough floor space in their garages and sheds.
They’re designed to act like cradles for kayaks. You must understand that to avoid falling off of your kayak, the rack must be perfectly anchored to the wall via the studs.
Installing a wall-mounted rack is not hard but you will need the proper tools, a little technical prowess, and a little help from someone, as it involves overhead lifting.
Another thing to know regarding a wall-mounted kayak rack is that without the right measurement of your kayak’s dimensions, you may end up fitting the rack where there wouldn’t be enough space for the door or window of the garage to open.
So, you have to ensure that the length of the kayaks and the number of kayaks the rack can hold are put into consideration before mounting.
The correct measurement of the width of your kayaks is also important so that after knowing the number of kayaks the rack can take, you can plan on how much room you want to leave for your kayak to fit between the racks.
Ceiling-Mounted Kayak Storage Rack
Most people complain about having limited space to store their kayaks and other water sports gears but often forget that the ceiling of their garage is always free.
This is why kayak storage rack manufacturers came up with the innovative design of ceiling-mounted racks to help create more mobility space on the floor.
To prevent the rack from getting loose and falling in the middle of the night, you have to ensure that it is properly attached to the ceiling joists.
Although this might pose a little bit of a problem as it involves lifting and fitting the rack as well as your kayaks over your head, which can be a huge shoulder workout.
It all becomes easier, however, if there’s a pulley system on the ground with someone to help you with the rigorous process of installation. If you feel your DIY skills are not enough, you may need to reach out to qualified technicians to help you fix it.
Freestanding Kayak Racks
Freestanding kayak storage racks, unlike the aforementioned two, do not require any hole drilling or lifting. They just sit on the floor in a garage, shed, or backyard. Some of them also come with the ability to accommodate more than one kayak.
They are not far to reach for storage, and their cradles are not far from the ground, which allows you to easily load and unload your kayaks, unlike the wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted units.
However, this rack type is only a viable option for those who have enough space to spare in their garage, shed, or backyard. Besides this simple drawback, freestanding is a good option too, with some models coming with wheels for easy movement and maneuvering.
Choosing The Best Kayak Storage Rack: Factors To Consider
Right, all rack models have incredibly unique features that set them apart, but not everyone has exactly what you need for your storage.
Before you make any decision to purchase a brand, take a look at some of the tips we provided below to help you properly select the best for you.
Price
The price plays an important role in the selection of a reliable storage rack for your kayak. While you go for all the “Gen Z” amazing features, remember that all those come at a cost.
Ensure to set a budget and stick to it without compromising on quality as it will not be nice if the rack collapses after the first usage.
The number of kayaks it has the capacity to hold?
Do you have more than one kayak? Two? Three? Or four? Your answer to these questions will tell what kind of kayak storage rack you need to buy.
A multi-stacking freestanding kayak storage rack may not be necessary if you’re planning to store just one kayak. If you only have one rack, you can consider wall-mounting because it allows you to mount as many racks as you want for each kayak on the wall (one on top of another).
Therefore, the next time you visit the store for your rack, be sure of the number of kayaks you intend to store and the capacity of the available options.
Assembly and Mounting: How ergonomic is it?
No matter what type of kayak you have, and what type of storage rack you buy for it, kayak racks do not come assembled. You will need to carry out DIY or simply call a technician to help you assemble it if it’s freestanding or mount it if it’s a wall or ceiling.
A good kayak storage rack comes with an owner’s manual or directions on how to set it up without undergoing stress. You can’t just be drilling holes in walls and ceilings without getting anything out of it.
Using the manual can even save you some extra money you’d spend if you call a technician. Overall, get a kayak storage rack that is ergonomically easy and quick to assemble or mount.
What is the size of your kayak?
When you’re ready to go get your kayak rack, first take correct measurements of your kayak’s dimensions (length, breadth, and thickness). This will give you an idea of the size of rack you need. Kayaks with large dimensions will take up large space both on a freestanding, wall, or ceiling rack.
Having this knowledge will save you the stress of buying the wrong rack size for your kayak. It will also give you an idea of the best spot to place it in your garage or shed so that movement in the garage is not inhibited for you or anyone else.
Weight capacity
Just as kayaks come in different sizes, their storage racks also come in different sizes. Picking the right rack for your kayak out of the abundant options also depends on knowing the exact weight capacity of the rack.
Your rack should be able to safely support your kayak without crashing down in the middle of the night. After knowing and buying a rack with the exact weight capacity for your kayak, another thing is to ensure that it is properly installed whether on the floor, wall, or ceiling.
How much space do you have?
As mentioned earlier, knowing your kayak size is important to know the size and capacity of the rack. In addition to this, the shape of your kayak is also of big importance.
Kayaks are typically irregular in shape and not minding this might make you purchase a rack that will not be suitable for the shape of the kayak you own.
Knowing how much space you’re willing to spare also goes a long way to telling which option will best fit before you buy a freestanding rack or start drilling holes for a wall/ceiling rack.
Where to store: indoors or outdoors?
No doubt, the best position to place your rack and to store your kayak is indoors, in a garage, or under a shed. This is because excessive exposure to damaging UV rays from the sun can shorten the lifespan of the kayak. Moreso, storing it in a garage helps keep it safe from potential theft.
However, if you do not have enough space in your garage or home, you can try outdoors in your backyard, ensuring that you lock it properly to a solid object, like a tree or pole. Also, ensure that you cover it with a tarp or some other thing to protect it from direct sunlight.
Can the rack accommodate additional kayak accessories?
It is good you’re trying to get a good storage rack for your kayak but do you consider its accessories that make your adventure fun and safe, like your life jacket, fishing gear, paddles, etc? Do you consider where you’ll store them?
You need to know whether the rack you’re buying has dedicated space for them, or any space at all to accommodate them too. If you’re the type that has many gear and accessories, you might want to consider a ceiling rack to help leave more space on the ground.
Tips for properly storing your kayak
After purchasing your kayak, the next thing to do is to carry out the storage. Knowing the proper way to store and maintain your kayak is a good thing, and that is why we have brought a couple of things to do after purchase.
The first and most important storage care you can give your kayak is proper cleaning after every use.
Washing by spraying with fresh water immediately after usage, especially if you kayak on saltwater helps to wash off the corrosiveness of the saltwater that may cause damage.
Another reason cleaning is important before storage is that it helps to remove mud, grime, and dirt that may get stuck on the kayak.
You would not want to carry dirt or mud home from your adventure, right? Plus it gets you adequately prepared for your next kayaking adventure.
While you clean the main kayak hull, don’t forget other parts and accessories too: your cables, footrest, rudder, paddles, jacket, etc., after every use. They’re important for your maximum on-the-water cruise, so keep them clean too.
Rightly Distribute The Weight
Kayaks not stored properly may bend, lose position, and fall. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the weight of the kayak you’re storing does not tilt to one side, that is, the weight should be evenly distributed throughout the rack in order to prolong the kayak’s life.
If you feel one side of your freestanding storage rack, for example, is bending under the weight on the side, you can switch the position now and then.
Wow! Good to see you at the end of this article. That you have read it this far proves to us that you’ve been able to pick some insights into the best available kayak storage rack options, and the features that make them so. And we are happy about it.
In this article, we have taken you through different kayak capacities of the 10 best racks. From those who can support only one to those who can support 2, 4, and 6.
We hope the next time you visit the store for your kayak rack, we hope our review serves as a guide towards selecting the best one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to install a kayak rack?
This kind of depends on your DIY skills. As we mentioned several times, if you install a ceiling or wall mount rack, you must secure the rack to the studs or ceiling joists. If you are not comfortable with this, then a freestanding rack might be a better option.
What type of kayak storage rack is best?
Well, this majorly boils down to how much space you have to spare. Freestanding kayak racks are a great option for easy access whenever you need them if you have the space.
They also provide you with much versatility, as you can store multiple kayaks of different sizes. On the other hand, ceiling and wall-mounted racks help to save much space for other uses.
But they can be difficult to access and often require more than one person to unmount a kayak whenever you need it.
Is it better to store my kayak indoors or outdoors?
Both have their specs. If you have enough storage space in your garage or anywhere else in your home, it is better to store your kayak indoors where it will be safe from theft and damaging UV rays.
But in case you do not have enough storage space in your home or garage, you can store it in an open shed in your backyard as it saves you the stress of space. Although it may be susceptible to UV damage or theft.
Do I need to lock my kayak?
It depends. If you are storing in your garage and the garage has a secure lock, you may not need to lock up your kayak cause it’s already out of sight to thieves.
But if your storage space doesn’t have any lock and is exposed, then you will need to lock your kayak up. If you’re also storing your kayak outdoors, then you will need to firmly lock it up.
Do I have to spend a lot of money on a kayak rack?
Yes, you could, depending on what you want, and how much space you have for your kayak storage. Kayak racks come in different capacities, qualities, and brands. The type you get and its price tag depends majorly on these three things.
While we support that you choose a budget-friendly rack, we wouldn’t want you to compromise on quality. Although some kayak racks combine high quality with affordability, there are only a few.
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