Is it OK to leave kayak outside in winter?

Many kayak owners wonder if it’s safe to leave their kayak outside during the winter months or if they should store it indoors. There are pros and cons to both options that should be considered when deciding where to keep your kayak in the colder weather.

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Quick Answer

It is generally OK to leave a kayak outside over the winter as long as you take some precautions to protect it from the elements. Storing the kayak upside down, out of direct sunlight, and elevated off the ground can help prevent damage. However, indoor storage is ideal for protecting the kayak from UV damage, extreme cold, snow loads, and icing.

The risks of leaving a kayak outside in winter

There are a few potential risks to be aware of if you plan on leaving your kayak outdoors throughout the winter:

UV damage from sunlight – The sun’s UV rays can damage and fade the kayak hull and deck rigging over time.
Extreme cold – Frigid temperatures can make plastic brittle and affect seals and gaskets.
Accumulated snow – Heavy snow piles can bend or crack the kayak if it collapses.

Ice formation – Water freezing inside or on the hull can expand and cause cracks or distortion.
Precipitation – Sustained exposure to rain, ice and snow can weather and degrade the hull.
Wood rot on wood trim – Any wood trim or outfitting is vulnerable to moisture damage.

Warping – Prolonged laying flat on one side can cause subtle hull warping over time.

Tips for leaving a kayak outside in winter

If you don’t have the option of indoor storage, here are some tips to help protect your kayak when left outside for the winter:

Store it upside down – Flipping the kayak over will prevent snow and rain from accumulating inside the cockpit.

Elevate off ground – Get it up on blocks or sawhorses so it’s not directly on the ground.
Avoid sun exposure – Keep it in a shaded area away from direct sunlight if possible.
Cover deck rigging – Use a tarp or cover to protect ropes, lines, cables from UV and weathering.

Check periodically – Make sure snow loads aren’t excessive and remove any accumulated ice.
Re-wax hull – Waxing the hull can help prevent fading and adds a protective layer.
Use kayak storage bag – A snug-fitting storage bag adds an extra layer against the elements.

Preparing a kayak for outdoor winter storage

To maximize your kayak’s chances of making it through winter unscathed, it’s important to properly prep it for seasonal storage:

Clean hull – Give the kayak a thorough washing to remove grime and prevent staining.
Dry completely – Ensure no water remains pooled anywhere before flipping over.

Remove accessories – Take off any removable parts and store indoors if possible.
Check gaskets and seals – Ensure all gaskets are intact with no cracks or leaks.
Lubricate rudder cables – Lube cables and rudder system to prevent freezing.

Tie down securely – Use straps and anchors to keep it in place during high winds.

Taking steps to seal up any holes in the hull and giving it a fresh coat of UV protecting wax before winter are also great preventative measures.

The advantages of indoor kayak storage

If available, indoor storage is the ideal solution for protecting your kayak from harsh winter elements:

No UV damage – Kayak is shielded from the sun’s harmful rays.
Stable temperatures – No extreme cold or fluctuation causing contraction/expansion.
No precipitation – Eliminates exposure to rain, ice and snow accumulation.

Reduced weathering – Greatly minimizes general wear from the elements.
Decreased risk of warping – Laying flat won’t warp the hull when inside.
No chance of theft – More secure against potential criminals.

Peace of mind – You won’t have to worry about the kayak while away.

The main downside is finding adequate space to store a 12+ foot boat inside a garage or shed over the winter. But the added protection is worth the effort if feasible.

What to avoid when leaving a kayak outside

There are a few scenarios that should definitely be avoided when storing a kayak outdoors in winter:

Laying flat on ground – Allows rain/snow to pool and warp hull over time.
Standing upright – High chance of filling with rain/snow and ice damage.
Under trees – Higher likelihood of falling branches during storms.

Near firewood – Rodents could be attracted to wood and chew on hull.
In direct sunlight – Magnifies UV damage from the sun’s rays.
Uncovered – Leaves kayak fully exposed to elements and precipitation.

In high traffic area – Increased risk of accidental damage from people/vehicles.

Storing the kayak upside down on raised blocks in a shaded, low traffic area is the best approach if indoor storage isn’t an option.

Kayak types that can be left outside

Here are some kayak types that are generally well-suited for outdoor winter storage:

Rotomolded plastic kayaks – Durable polyethylene construction can withstand seasonal weathering well.
Thermoformed plastic kayaks – Slightly more vulnerable to sun damage but still handle outdoor conditions.
Composite kayaks – Fiberglass or Kevlar kayaks need extra UV protection when stored outside.

Inflatable kayaks – Can be left outside if dried thoroughly and well-secured from wind lift.

Old Town, Perception, and Pelican are some brands known for rotomolded kayaks that hold up nicely to outdoor storage. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Kayak types not ideal for outdoor storage

Here are some kayak types that are better off stored indoors for the winter:

Wooden kayaks – Very prone to moisture damage and wood rot when left outdoors.
Skin-on-frame kayaks – Vulnerable to UV damage and stretching when not supported.
Custom built kayaks – Susceptible to damage without proper winterization.

Old or sun-faded kayaks – Existing sun/weather damage multiply over winter.

In general, antique or home-built kayaks using more vulnerable materials require indoor winter storage and precautions.

How to prepare a wooden kayak for outdoor storage

While not ideal, sometimes outdoor storage is the only option for a wooden kayak. Here are tips to prepare it for winter:

Re-varnish entire kayak with marine spar varnish.
Seal all hardware holes and rigging points with silicone.
Coat hull bottom with an epoxy barrier layer.

Install fitted kayak cover for full weather and sun protection.
Place on raised stands and avoid direct ground contact.
Store under shelter or tent to minimize precipitation exposure.

Periodically check for any moisture or ice buildup.

Even with meticulous preparation, outdoor storage is risky for wooden boats. But taking proper precautions can make it possible when there are no other options.

Tips for storing a kayak on its side or upright outside

Storing an upright kayak outside leaves it very vulnerable to filling with rain or snow. But if there is no way to store it upside down, these tips can help minimize risks:

Seal cockpit rim with weather stripping or a spray sealant.
Plug scupper holes to make cockpit more water resistant.
Slope kayak slightly to encourage drainage.

Put plastic bags over foot braces to block openings.
Cover with tight-fitting cockpit tarp to create barrier.
Place upside down plastic tub over cockpit opening to minimize water intrusion from top.

Check frequently for water accumulation inside kayak.

Storing on its side is slightly better as it allows drainage. But the hull shape can cause puddling or distortion over time. Frequent monitoring is key if upright or sideways storage is unavoidable.

Kayak winter storage checklist

This checklist summarizes the key steps to prepare a kayak for outdoor winter storage:

– Thoroughly clean hull, deck and cockpit

– Completely dry kayak before flipping over

– Remove all accessories and store indoors if possible

– Check gaskets/seals and repair any leaks/gaps

– Lube rudder cables and pedal mechanisms

– Re-wax hull for extra water protection

– Seal hardware holes with silicone or marine sealant

– Flip kayak upside down and place on stands or blocks

– Position out of sunlight and precipitation if possible

– Cover deck rigging with tarp to protect from sun/weather

– Secure with straps/ties to prevent wind damage

– Check periodically for snow/ice buildup

Taking the time to properly winterize your kayak will give it the best chance of surviving the cold, ice and snow in peak condition, whether stored indoors or out.

Conclusion

Leaving kayaks outside exposed to the elements all winter does carry some risks of UV, heat and precipitation damage. But with careful prep work, the right storage positioning and periodic monitoring, most modern kayaks can be left outdoors over cold seasons with minimal deterioration. The ideal solution is always indoor storage. But with some common sense precautions, upside down outdoor storage can be a viable option for protecting kayaks through winter.