Choosing A Kayak Cover: Things To ConsiderĪnd now we get to the core of the problem – how does one choose the right kayak cover? What If you’re going to a far-off area – especially spending a few days on the road – a kayak cover is the most viable method of protecting your ‘yak from, well, everything.Īnd as a bonus, you won’t have to scrape off bugs that splatter on your ‘yak during the drive. How long will it take to reach your destination? So, after you choose the method of transportation – whether you opt for a roof rack system, your truck bed, or a trailer – consider this: Hauling a kayak necessitates careful planning. Oh, and add a locking cable while you’re at it to keep your kayak protected. If you’ll store the kayak outside, go with the out-of-sight-out-of-mind policy and keep your kayak covered. It’s massive it would be damn near impossible for a thief to get away with it without being noticed. The idea of someone stealing your kayak seems ridiculous. I won’t go into the details of the damage and sanitary concerns these creatures are capable of causing, but I’ll sum it up:Īnimal droppings everywhere and chewed-up everything. And yes, they might even try to set up camp in the hull or one of the hatches.ĭoes a family of rats, raccoons, or skunks sound like the perfect neighbor to you? What about spiders? Yes, some critters might want to pay a visit to your kayak when you’re not looking. If you prepare your ‘yak for storage and use a kayak cover, that’s one less thing to deal with when it’s time to go for a spin. These contaminants are usually harmless – as in, they won’t do any real damage – but they’re ugly to look at and a real pain to clean and remove. It’s called “collecting dust” for a reason. And don’t even get me started on bugs and bird poop. When your kayak is just sitting there unused, whether it’s stored indoors or outdoors, you can expect some build-up of dirt, dust, pollen, and whatnot. So, if you plan to store your kayak outside then a boat cover is an essential accessory. Leave it uncovered in direct sunlight, and you’ll get to see the UV rays in action, causing hull discoloration, warping, and rapid deterioration of any fabrics and integrated accessories. I mean, most of us use kayaks during the summer, right?īut again, look out for that fine line between sunny afternoon outings and extended exposure to UV rays – during storage, for example – because the sun is not playing around. #3 UV DamageĪ few hours in the sun won’t cause any real structural damage. The latter will turn your kayak into a moldy, mildewy, mosquito-breeding mess with water spots and deteriorated components to boot. #2 Water Damageīut there’s a pretty significant difference between using it for on-the-water sports and leaving it exposed to moisture and standing water long-term. It encloses your ‘yak, shielding it from rain, snow, and wind – the elements that most watercraft stored outside would otherwise be exposed to – during periods of non-use. #1 Weather Damageįirst and foremost, a kayak cover will act as a layer of protection against various environmental factors and weather damage on a kayak stored outside. So, let’s talk about reasons to use a kayak cover before going any further. I mean, to me, it seems obvious – you’re using protective covering to ward off any unwanted surprises and to safeguard your investment – but I get your skepticism. Some of you might not be sure what all the fuss is about or why you’d even need a kayak cover.

Kayak cockpit cover 90.5 inches