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Best Kayak Storage Racks (For Indoor And Outdoor Use)

Mark Armstrong
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Usually, the best kayak storage racks will be the ones that suit your needs the most. There are various types and sizes of racks out there which can make finding the one you need a little baffling.

Because we know how important it is to want to keep your kayak safe when you’re not using it, we’ve put some information together to help you find the right storage solution whether you have one, two, or multiple vessels.

Quick Picks:

Top 9 Best Storage Racks For Kayaks Reviewed

1: Suspenz EZ 2-Boat Freestanding Storage Rack (best overall)

  • Weight Capacity: 175 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 2
  • Weight: 46 pounds 9 ounces
  • Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 24 inches

This Suspenz EZ 2-Boat is a durable freestanding rack made from powder-coated steel. It features two sets of foam-padded cradles that have a canvas covering so that you can use the rack both indoors and outdoors, with the foam helping to protect the hull of your boat.

The two towers are 48 inches tall and have a T shaped base, which is 24 inches long and wide. These bases have adjustable feet so that you can easily level them on uneven surfaces.

The EZ 2-Boat can hold up to 175 pounds of total weight and a maximum of two kayaks. Each cradle also benefits from having an adjustable strap with a buckle closure so that you can secure your kayak while on the stand.

Because of the design of the cradles and the length of the straps, it’s recommended for boats that are no more than 30 inches wide. However, there are expansion posts that you can buy separately to increase the height of the stand to better suit wider boats.

Features

  • Padded cradles – protects your hull from damage
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Includes straps – for securing your boat

2: Malone Auto Racks FS Rack 2 Kayak & 2 SUP (most versatile)

Malone Auto Racks FS Rack 2 Kayak & 2 SUPPin
  • Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 2 (plus 2 SUPs)
  • Weight: 67 pounds
  • Dimensions: 83 x 37 x 48 inches

This Malone FS Rack is freestanding and built to accommodate two kayaks, as well as two stand up paddle boards, making it a great space-saving solution for multi-sport enthusiasts and families.

The heavy-duty frame has a powder coating for added corrosion resistance, which is ideal if you’re using it outside. It features J style holders for one kayak as well as padded blocks on the lowest level for the second craft. The top level has paddle board storage for two boards.

There are six leveling feet at the bottom to help you set it up straight even if your floor is not level.

Features

  • Indoor and outdoor use – corrosion resistant
  • Multi-sport rack – holds two kayaks and two SUPs
  • Leveling feet – for uneven ground

3: StoreYourBoard Outdoor 4 Kayak Rack (best 4-kayak storage)

StoreYourBoard Outdoor 4 Kayak RackPin
  • Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 4
  • Weight: 26.4 pounds
  • Dimensions: 46 by 27 inches

The StoreYourBoard Kayak Rack is a wall-mounted storage rack that is designed to hold up to four vessels. The wall track is 46 inches long and features 45 mounting points so that you can adjust the height of the horizontal bars to suit each of your vessels.

This can be fixed to a wall either inside or outside, with the frame being made of powder-coated steel and aluminum for added durability and rust resistance.

Another handy feature of this one is the anchor point at the end of each level, so you can easily secure your kayak using a strap or lock (sold separately).

Features

  • Wall-mounted – can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Space-saving – can keep 4 kayaks off the ground
  • Height adjustable levels – for different sizes of kayaks

4: RAD Sportz Double Kayak Storage (best freestanding rack)

RAD Sportz Double KayakPin
  • Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 2
  • Weight: 65 pounds
  • Dimensions: 53.1 x 24 x 24 inches

This Rad Sportz Double Kayak Rack is a freestanding option that can let you store up to two kayaks at a slight angle, with one on top of the other, keeping them both off the floor.

It is made from durable steel and comes with two sets of foam-padded cradles to safely support your vessel. Each cradle has a strap with a buckle to hold your boat safely in place. The maximum capacity of each pair of cradles is 100 pounds.

This one can be used either inside or outdoors and comes with hardware included. You can also adjust the height of the cradles on the vertical stand to fit different widths of boats.

Features

  • Height adjustable – cradles can be positioned at a suitable level on the stand
  • 200-pound capacity – holds two kayaks up to 100 pounds each
  • Foam padded cradles – helps to protect your boat from scratches

5: RAD Sportz Wall Hanger Pro Kayak Rack

RAD Sportz Wall Hanger Pro Kayak RackPin
  • Weight Capacity: 125 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 1
  • Weight: 4.4 pounds
  • Dimensions: 27 x 13 inches

The Rad Sportz Wall Hanger Pro can be an ideal choice if you only want to store one kayak. This wall mounted storage option lets you keep your boat off the ground to free up your floor space.

It’s made from powder-coated steel and can be used on both interior and exterior walls. The cradles are padded with nylon covered foam, providing a soft surface for the hull of your boat. There are also nylon straps that can be secured with buckles to help keep your vessel in place.

This can be an ideal choice if you have a heavy fishing kayak, as it can hold up to 125 pounds. It can even be suitable for a stand up paddle board.

Features

  • Generous weight capacity – good for fishing kayaks
  • Nylon straps included – keeps your boat from sliding off
  • Durable steel construction – ideal for indoors and outdoors

6: Suspenz Deluxe Boat Rack (best wall hanger)

  • Weight Capacity: 125 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 1
  • Weight: 11 pounds
  • Dimensions: 26 x 22 inches

This Suspenz Deluxe Boat Rack can be a good option for larger or heavier kayaks, or even canoes, as it has load-assist pivoting arms which can make it easier to load and unload. It also has a generous capacity of 125 pounds.

It can be mounted onto an interior or exterior wall and is made from durable steel with a powder coating for added corrosion resistance.

One of the main features of this wall mounted storage is that it has a Cradling Strap System, which takes the weight of your kayak, essentially suspending it. This means your boat does not have direct contact with the metal frame, which can help distribute weight more evenly and help to reduce pressure on the hull.

Features

  • Cradle Strap System – suspends your boat above the frame for even weight distribution
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Load assist arms – easier loading and unloading of heavy vessels

The best kayak wall racks

7: StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack (best ceiling rack)

StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling RackPin
  • Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 2
  • Weight: n/a
  • Dimensions: 18 x 62 inches

The StoreYourBoard ceiling rack is designed to hold up to two kayaks. It is crafted from steel and can hold up to a maximum weight of 150 pounds, distributed evenly across the two sides.

The padded crossbar arms are 30 inches long, providing storage for wider vessels, as long as they don’t weigh more than 75 pounds each. If you only want to store one boat on one side, you can remove the arms on the other side if necessary and even mount them onto a wall.

The depth of the center posts can be adjusted from 10 inches to 18 inches to accommodate larger boats and different ceiling heights.

Features

  • Stores up to 2 kayaks – utilizes ceiling space for storage
  • Padded arms – helps to protect hulls
  • Adjustable height – suits different depths of kayak and ceiling heights

8: Suspenz EZ Boat Rack

  • Weight Capacity: 125 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 1
  • Weight: 8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 21 x 12 inches

The Suspenz EZ Boat Rack is designed to hold one craft weighing up to 125 pounds, so it can be ideal for a range of kayaks, including heavier or wider fishing kayaks. The cradles help to keep your vessel stored on its side, which can accommodate any extra width.

The wall-mounted cradles feature foam padding with a protective nylon cover to prevent scratches and dents on the hull of your boat. Each cradle benefits from having an adjustable strap with a buckle closure to help secure your vessel in place for safety while it’s not in use.

This can be mounted either indoors or outdoors on a sturdy wall.

Features

  • Wall-mounted – keeps your vessel off the ground
  • Padded cradles – protects the hull
  • High capacity – ideal for fishing yaks

9: RAD Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers (best budget rack)

RAD Sportz Kayak Wall HangersPin
  • Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
  • Maximum Number Of Kayaks: 1
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Dimensions: 25 x 15.25 inches

The Rad Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers can be great if you’re looking for an affordable way to store one kayak. This wall mounted option features foam padded steel hooks that are designed to hold one kayak on its side, weighing up to 100 pounds.

This can store a range of sizes of vessels, as you can position the holders as far apart or close together as you need, which can be useful for wider recreational boats.

The wall hangers come with instructions and all the mounting hardware you need to install them on your wall. The hardware is designed for mounting to wall studs. For other types of walls, you may need different screws (sold separately).

Features

  • Affordable – budget-friendly wall storage
  • 100 pound capacity – good for heavier vessels
  • Mounting hardware included – straps not included

Types Of Storage Racks

Freestanding

A freestanding storage rack can be ideal if you want to be able to move it around or use it outside. A benefit of this type of rack is that you don’t need to drill into any walls or ceilings to securely attach it, as it can be placed against any wall or even right in the middle of your garage or backyard.

This can be useful if you don’t want to put holes in the walls of your home, which might be more of a concern if you rent your home. It also means that if you move home, you can easily take your kayak storage with you without having to uninstall it or patch up the walls.

However, these types of kayak racks might take up more room than some of the other types, as they rely on your available floor space.

Wall Mounted

Wall mounted racks can be great for keeping your boat off the ground, as these can be fixed directly to a strong wall. This can be a good way to store kayaks in your garage or on the outside walls of your home. If you want one for outside, remember to make sure it’s corrosion resistant.

An advantage to a wall mounted rack is that it can increase your storage space without affecting your square footage. Although, you will likely need some free floor space to be able to load and unload your boat.

Overhead

An overhead rack is designed to let you store your kayak on your ceiling. This can significantly increase your storage space as it can keep your walls and floors clear.

You can also use this option to store boats underneath a deck, although you would probably need to make sure there are strong joists under the deck to support the weight. You may also want to make sure the rack can handle outdoor conditions.

This type of rack will often feature a hoist so that you can raise and lower your boat when needed.

However, these types of kayak storage can be tricky to install and you might need a second person to help.

Remember to consider the headroom that you might lose with this type of storage. This may be a particular concern if you want to be able to park your car underneath. It can be useful to know the height of your vehicle, as well as the total depth of your yak when stored in this way.

General kayak storage guide (inside and outside)

Kayak Rack Features To Consider Before You Buy

Rack Size

Before you choose a rack it can be a good idea to work out how much space you have available to make sure that it will fit in your intended location. Some racks may need a certain amount of clearance so that you’re able to safely load and unload your kayak.

It can also be worth measuring your kayak so that you know the exact length and width. Knowing these measurements can be helpful, especially if you have a very narrow or very wide boat, as not all racks will accommodate every size of vessel.

Maximum Weight

One of the more important factors to consider is the maximum weight that the rack is able to hold. This can be vital for safety and to prevent damage to your boat.

Some racks can hold more than one kayak but you may still find that there is a maximum weight limit for each craft in addition to a total weight capacity. Overloading a rack beyond its capacity can be dangerous, so make sure the rack can safely hold the weight of all of the vessels you want it to store.

Number Of Kayaks

As you’ll probably have seen, there are lots of different kayak racks out there, with some designed for a single boat and others designed for two or more.

Many of them will have a maximum number of vessels that they can carry, as well as a weight capacity. You shouldn’t load on more than the maximum number of kayaks stated on the product, even if the weight capacity allows.

Think about how many kayaks you want to store and whether a multi-kayak rack might be more suitable. Remember to consider the extra clearance space you’ll need if storing multiple yaks.

Versatility

Some storage racks have room for additional vessels, such as stand up paddleboards. These types of racks can be useful for families with lots of gear or if you like to switch between different paddle sports.

However, if you only want to store one kayak you may not need the extra storage space.


Commonly Asked Questions: Kayak Storage Racks

Can I Build My Own Kayak Storage Rack?

Yes, it is possible to build your own kayak storage rack, if you have the time, materials and DIY skills. You might find it’s safer to build a wall mounted or freestanding one rather than an overhead one.

Video: Build Your Own Kayak Rack?

Are Racks Easy To Set Up?

Most freestanding ones are usually easy to set up because they generally don’t need to be fixed to a structure. Wall and ceiling mounted ones will usually require a little DIY to mount them properly on the wall or ceiling. It’s important to follow the instructions for your specific rack.

Do These Storage Racks Secure My Kayak?

A lot of dedicated yak racks will have some type of strap that can allow you to secure your kayak to the rack for safety. However, you may want to use a kayak lock as well if you want to prevent anyone from trying to steal it.

What Types Of Racks Are Used Outdoors?

Usually a freestanding rack can be more suitable for outdoors. But you can also use a wall mounted rack on an exterior wall or even an overhead one for under an outdoor deck, as long as they are rated for outdoor use.


In Conclusion

The best kayak storage rack is the Suspenz EZ 2-Boat Freestanding Rack because it features padded holders for two kayaks and can be moved around easily and levelled using the adjustable feet.

However, if you’d prefer a wall mounted option, the Rad Sportz Wall Hanger Pro is a worthy runner up. Its padding helps to protect your boat and the straps keep it safe and secure. It can even be used for paddle boards.

Remember to think about your available space and the type of rack that is most likely to work for your particular storage area. Knowing the measurements and weight of your boat can be a big help in finding a suitable storage rack.

Best Kayak Storage Racks (For Indoor And Outdoor Use) - PinterestPin

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