Canoe Storage: How to Store Them at Your Vacation Property

Own a lakeside vacation home or short-term rental with canoes or kayaks for your guests? These lake house must-haves are huge draws, but you'll need a storage plan that works for long periods when you're away and keeps your equipment safe between guest visits. Winter storage is key for houses in colder climates, such as British Columbia.

This guide shows you exactly how to keep your canoes in great shape at your vacation property, whether they sit unused for months or are frequently used by rental guests. These practical tips will help you protect your investment and keep your water amenities ready for action.

How to Store Canoes & Kayaks: Quick Tips

• Proper canoe and kayak storage between guest stays can dramatically extend the life of your equipment and improve rental reviews
• Setting up racks, hanging systems, or even simple DIY solutions like sawhorses prevents hull damage and keeps canoes ready for your next visitors
• Creating clear storage instructions for guests is a MUST-DO to prevent damage from improper handling
• Avoid direct sunlight and control moisture to protect your investment during long periods when your vacation home sits vacant

Why Good Storage Matters for Vacation Rentals

Canoes at vacation properties face unique challenges—they might sit unused for months on end, then suddenly see a lot of action from guests unfamiliar with proper handling. Thankfully, good storage solutions solve both problems.

Canoes are excellent amenities that can draw visitors to your rental (and increase income). Like hot tubs or fire pits, they need the right level of care to remain attractions rather than headaches.

Proper storage keeps your canoes performing better on the water and looking great in your listing photos. It's that simple!

Bad storage leads to big problems and poor reviews. If canoes are left in the sun between guest visits, they will break down quickly. Fibreglass and plastic canoes are especially vulnerable to UV rays.

Want your water equipment to last through multiple rental seasons? Renters who visit the Okanagan Valley every July will probably want to get out on the lake each year. Keep canoes indoors or properly protected whenever they're not in use. It's the best defence against harsh weather conditions at your vacation property.

Skip proper storage and you'll risk replacing canoes much sooner than you originally planned. Not to mention unhappy guests who can't use the lake amenities they were expecting.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: What Works Better?

You've got two main options for storing your canoe: inside or outside. Each has pros and cons.

Outdoor storage makes it easy to grab your kayak or paddleboard and go, while indoor storage keeps it safer from the elements. Your space (or lack thereof) will drive your choice, but it's worth looking at both options in detail.

Why Indoor Storage Works Best

Indoor storage is a canoe's best friend. It protects against ice, rain, snow, and brutal UV damage from sunlight. When you store your kayak indoors, you're automatically reducing many known risks.

What are the perfect indoor spots? Your garage, shed, or basement can all work great—due to a canoe's smaller size, you have much more flexibility than with boat storage. These places shield your canoe from the weather and make theft much less likely.

Keeping your canoe indoors helps it continue to look good and perform well. You don't need fancy equipment, either—a DIY storage solution can be cheap and work perfectly for your space.

If you're hanging your canoe indoors, just make sure you do it right to avoid pressure points.

Smart Outdoor Storage Solutions

Not enough room inside? Don't worry—you can still store a canoe outdoors with the right approach.

Reliable spots for outdoor storage include under your deck, below the eaves of your house, or simply covered with a tarp. Just remember to always store your canoe deck-side down to keep water from collecting.

Check your canoe regularly when it's outside. Look for moisture problems, weather damage, and pests. And don't forget about security—quality canoes don't come cheap, so protect your investment.

Using a weather-resistant tarp hung ABOVE your canoe (not directly on it) helps prevent mould and material breakdown. The key is keeping some airflow while blocking direct sunlight and rain. Like mould remediation in your home, it's tough to get rid of once your kayak gets it.

Simple Ways to Store Your Canoe

There are several easy methods for properly storing a canoe. The right approach keeps the canoe's shape intact and prevents hull damage.

Most people use either a rack system or some kind of suspension setup. Whatever you choose, make sure your kayak has proper support to avoid warping or cracking.

Using Canoe Racks

Racks are probably the most popular storage method, and for good reason. A rack can provide even support along your canoe's hull, preventing pressure points that cause deformation.

Position the supports about one-third of the way from each end of your canoe. This will give your canoe stable, balanced support and keep it in tip-top shape.

If they offer good protection, you can install racks in your garage, shed, or even outdoors. Use straps to secure your canoe to the rack, and store your paddle nearby for convenience.

Despite the steep price tag, a quality rack system is well worth the investment—it provides optimal support and helps your canoe last longer. For luxury waterfront homes, consider splurging on log kayak racks. They provide a rustic, visually appealing storage option.

Hanging Your Canoe

Hanging your canoe from the ceiling is a smart space-saver. If you're tight on floor space, look up!

Use wide webbing straps for long-term hanging storage. A typical hanging system uses two pulleys, some rope, and webbing straps to distribute weight evenly.

You can buy ready-made hanging systems or create your own DIY version.

This is super important: Never hang a sit-on-top kayak by its scupper holes or handles. Don't use grab loops for hanging, either—they put too much strain on those parts.

Sawhorses and DIY Options

Sawhorses can be another simple, effective way to store your canoe. They're flexible, allowing you to position them perfectly for your canoe's specific length.

The main benefit? They keep your canoe off the ground, which reduces moisture problems and keeps pests away.

If you're on a budget, DIY solutions using repurposed materials or custom-built sawhorses can save you money while still providing proper support.

Getting Your Canoe Ready for Long-Term Storage

If you're putting your canoe away for a while, a little prep work can make a massive difference.

Make sure you have reliable locks and proper protection from the weather before leaving your canoe for an extended period.

Clean and Dry It Thoroughly

Always clean your canoe before storing it. Any dirt or grime left behind can lead to mould and mildew problems. In many cases, mild soap and water work perfectly fine for cleaning.

If you've been paddling in salt water, rinse your canoe with fresh water afterward to prevent corrosion and protect the hull. Thankfully, you can skip this step if you're enjoying the lovely lakes in British Columbia.

After cleaning, make sure your canoe is completely dry before storing it.

Check for Damage Before Storing

Take a closer look at your kayak before putting it away. Check for signs of wear or damage—especially around the seams and joints—and patch any cracks or holes you find.

Ideally, you should be regularly inspecting for worn areas in the seams. Even the smallest issues can become big problems if left unrepaired during storage.

Stop Pests and Moisture Problems

Storing kayaks indoors is the best way to avoid pests and mould-forming moisture issues.

A dry, well-ventilated storage area will keep moisture from building up, so make sure your kayaks are kept off the ground to avoid moisture collecting underneath and causing damage.

You might also consider using covers to protect against harsh UV rays and inclement weather, but don't forget to allow some airflow to keep things from getting musty.

Hanging kayaks upside down will protect them from the elements during long-term storage. If you have a waterproof tarp, that can work too—just be sure to suspend it above (not directly on) the canoe to prevent mould with air circulation.

Tips for Different Seasons

The season matters when storing your canoe. Different weather brings different challenges. While outdoor storage might be fine for part of the year, a climate-controlled area will be ideal during winter months.

Winter Storage Made Simple

When preparing your home for winter, simply add canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard storage to that to-do list. 

Before winter storage, you'll need to remove ALL water from inside your canoe. Any leftover moisture can lead to mould and might attract pests. Even dust buildup can be an issue.

During this time, check carefully for cracks, scratches, or damaged parts before putting your canoe away, then store it upside down to prevent snow from piling up if it's outdoors.

Be sure to use a breathable cover that shields your kayak from pests while still allowing moisture to escape. While you're at it, a cockpit cover offers extra protection for the interior, keeping snow and debris out during winter.

These simple steps ensure that your canoe stays in great condition throughout the winter.

Summer Storage Considerations

In summer, direct sunlight is the biggest enemy. UV damage will deteriorate your canoe's materials over time. Excessive heat can also cause warping and other damage.

Since kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are two of the top activities on Okanagan Lake, in the Pacific, and elsewhere, you'll want to keep your boats and boards accessible. If you're storing your canoe outdoors during the summer, use a protective cover, keep it off the ground, and secure it against theft and bad weather.

A weather-resistant tarp hung above your canoe offers good protection from sun and rain. Again, make sure your storage area has decent airflow to prevent damaging moisture from accumulating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let's talk about what NOT to do when storing your canoe. Knowing the common mistakes will help you avoid them and keep your canoe in great condition.

Shield from Sun and Extreme Temperatures

Direct sunlight breaks down kayak materials over time, and too much heat can warp the hull. Remember to store canoes in shaded or cool areas during summer to prevent these problems.

UV-resistant covers are one way to maintain your canoe, but there are also UV protection sprays—use them at the beginning of each season for extra protection. Check out Kelowna's Mountain Equipment Company or a similar outdoor recreation store near you for UV-protection products.

In winter, avoid extremely cold storage areas, as freezing conditions can damage the hull. Use a weather-resistant cover to protect your canoe from snow and ice buildup.

Stop Uneven Weight Distribution

Bad weight distribution creates pressure points that can permanently deform a canoe's hull.

When storing your canoe, place the supports about 30% from each end. Wide webbing straps or rack systems can also help you maintain even weight distribution and prevent hull damage.

Avoid Damp and Unstable Places

Damp or unstable storage locations can seriously damage canoes and create ongoing maintenance headaches.

Moisture promotes mould and mildew growth that can permanently damage your SUP's structure, so avoid storing it in a damp basement, a poorly ventilated shed, or too close to water.

Treat Your Canoe Like an Asset

Taking good care of your canoe, kayak, or SUP through proper storage practices will help it last longer and perform better. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor storage and racks, hanging systems, or DIY solutions, the key is protecting your canoe from the elements and distributing its weight evenly.

Like your vacation home investment, kayaks and canoes are assets that you should maintain and protect. By following the simple storage tips, you can avoid common mistakes and keep your canoe in excellent shape for many years. 

So take a few minutes to store your canoe properly—your future self will thank you when you're still paddling the same one years from now.