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The best kayak wall mount can let you save floor space and keep your kayak off the ground for improved storage either inside or out.
There are many options out there that can let you store your kayak on a wall. To help you find the best one, we’ve listed some of our favorites as well as some tips on how to choose.
Top 10 Best Kayak Wall Mounts Reviewed
1: Suspenz Deluxe Boat Rack (best overall)
- Mount type: wall cradle strap mount
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Weight capacity: 125 pounds
This Suspenz Deluxe Boat Rack is designed to be used either inside or outside, so it’s a versatile wall mounted kayak rack. It features a powder-coated steel frame for strength and durability, including added weather-resistance.
It has a cradle hook design with load-assist pivot arms that make it easier to load and unload your kayak on your own.
One of the best features of this rack is the Cradling Strap System with quick-release buckles for safety. These adjustable straps hold and secure your kayak so that it’s not resting directly on the steel cradles, meaning there are no pressure points to damage your hull. The adjustability of the straps also means the rack is ideal for storing SUPs and canoes as well as wider kayaks up to 125 pounds in weight.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Exclusive strap system
- Load-assist pivot arms
- Indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Pricey
2: Sea to Summit Aquaracks Watercraft Storage System (runner-up)
- Mount type: cradle hooks
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Weight capacity: 175 pounds
The Sea to Summit Aquaracks storage system features two cradle hook bars constructed with powder-coated steel. Each hook benefits from closed-cell foam wraps which help to protect the hull of your kayak from scratches and dents. The foam padding has the additional protection of a nylon sleeve for extra durability and helps to protect your kayak’s finish.
This can be an excellent storage rack for heavier fishing kayaks with a generous capacity of 175 pounds.
This can be used either inside or outside and is made to be easy to install. A nice feature of this rack is that the padded cradles are crafted to prevent pressure points or depressions to the hull of your boat. It can also let you rotate the hull easily without touching the wall, and can let you store your kayak at multiple angles.
Pros
- Nylon covered foam padding
- Great for heavy fishing kayaks
- Easy to install
- Multiple angle hull storage
Cons
- More expensive than others
- No safety straps
3: Suspenz EZ Boat Rack (best value)
- Mount type: wall cradle strap mount
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Weight capacity: 125 pounds
The Suspenz EZ Boat Rack can offer fantastic value, as it has plenty of features without a hefty price tag. This is a versatile storage option that can be used to store a kayak, canoe or paddle board either inside or outside.
The rack features a strong steel frame with a powder coating. Each cradle arm is padded with nylon-covered foam to protect your kayak’s hull from abrasions. The cradles are also designed to distribute weight evenly to prevent hull distortions.
Another great feature of this wall mounted rack is that it comes with adjustable safety straps so that you can secure your kayak to the cradles to help keep it in place.
Pros
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Safety straps included
- Nylon padding
- Great for multiple types of crafts
Cons
- Not the best for very wide or heavy kayaks
4: StoreYourBoard Outdoor 4 Kayak Rack (best for multiple kayaks)
- Mount type: wall mount rack
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 4
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
This StoreYourBoard Outdoor kayak rack is designed to store up to four kayaks and hold up to a total of 400 pounds. It can be ideal for storing canoes and paddle boards as well as kayaks, so it can be great if you have a variety of vessels that you want to keep organized and off the ground.
It can also be ideal for a variety of different kayaks, including heavy fishing kayaks or long sea kayaks.
The rack benefits from having stainless steel hardware for rust resistance and all-weather use outdoors. You can also mount it to an indoor wall.
It has an aluminum and steel frame with nylon padding to protect the hull of your boat. Another great feature is the built-in locking points so you can attach a cable lock (sold separately) for security.
Pros
- Stores up to four kayaks
- 400-pound capacity
- Corrosion resistant hardware
- Great for outdoor storage
Cons
- Expensive
5: Malone Auto Racks YakSwing Folding Kayak Storage (best for saving space)
- Mount type: wall cradles
- Indoors/Outdoors: indoors
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Weight capacity: 150 pounds
The Malone Auto Racks YakSwing storage can be a great option to store your kayak at home without the rack itself taking up too much space when not in use. The best feature of this rack is that it folds. This means it can be positioned flat against the wall when you’re out using your kayak, unlike some other cradles that are not movable once installed.
The rack features two powder coated steel cradles that are padded to prevent scratches on your kayak. Once installed, the cradles can pivot 90 degrees using the lift and rotate feature.
Another nice feature of this wall mount is the welded security cable ring, so you can attach a cable lock (sold separately) to deter thieves. Mounting hardware is included.
Pros
- Folds flat when not in use
- Padded cradles
- Compatible with cable locks
- Ideal for kayaks, canoes and SUPs
Cons
- Compatible cable lock not included
6: Best Marine Kayak Storage Rack (best hook system)
- Mount type: wall mount hooks
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Weight capacity: 100 pounds
The Best Marine Kayak Storage Rack features two cradle hooks that can hold kayaks weighing up to 100 pounds. The rack is also rated to hold canoes, surfboards and SUPs.
These hooks are very durable, crafted from heavy-duty powder-coated steel for resistance to rust. This means they can be used to store kayaks outside or inside.
The hooks have nylon covered padding on the cradles to protect the hull of your boat from damage. A great feature of this rack is the strap system. The straps can be adjusted to suit different widths of kayaks. The straps can give an extra layer of protection for your kayak, helping to keep it in place on the cradles.
Pros
- Durable for indoors and outdoors
- Safety straps included
- Nylon padding on cradles
- Holds various crafts
Cons
- Not great for heavy kayaks
7: Malone Auto Racks SlingTwo Double Kayak Storage System (best strap system)
- Mount type: strap
- Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
- Number of kayaks: 2
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Weight capacity: 135 pounds
The Malone SlingTwo Double Kayak Storage System can be a great strap rack if you want to be able to store two kayaks at once. This storage system features straps, so your kayaks are suspended using straps only, with one kayak below the other.
The straps benefit from carabiner and D-ring closure systems for safety. The straps are 1.5 inches wide to provide strength to hold up to 135 pounds. This is the total weight capacity to hold two kayaks, so both kayaks must weigh less than 135 pounds combined.
This strap system can be mounted to the wall or the ceiling and comes with hardware included.
Pros
- Good value kayak storage
- Can store two kayaks
- Ceiling or wall mounted
- Affordable option
Cons
- Not great for outdoor use
- May require two people to load
8: Rad Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers (best budget wall mount)
- Mount type: wall hooks
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Weight capacity: 100 pounds
The Rad Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers can be great for storing a single kayak either in your garage or outside. This affordable rack consists of two hooks, like J-cradles, that are made from powder-coated steel and padded with foam to provide protection for the hull of your kayak. You can also store a canoe, SUP or surfboard using this rack.
This wall mount comes with hardware to let you mount it to wooden studs. If you want to mount it to a different type of wall you’ll need to use alternative screws to suit your particular type of wall (not included).
The hooks are designed to hold your kayak in place while on the wall. There are no straps or securing system included.
Pros
- Affordable kayak rack
- Great for a single kayak
- Easy to install
- Padded hooks
Cons
- No safety straps
9: Seattle Sports Kayak Wall Cradles
- Mount type: wall mount cradle
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Weight capacity: 200 pounds
The Seattle Sports Kayak Wall Cradles are designed to hold a single kayak and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
They are crafted from strong steel with a powder coating for added corrosion resistance. Each cradle also benefits from having a foam padding to support the hull of your kayak and prevent scratches and dents.
This rack comes with mounting lag bolts. With a huge capacity of 200 pounds, this could be an ideal rack for heavier fishing kayaks. It can also be easy to lift on and off, with no straps to contend with.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great for heavy kayaks
- Indoor or outdoor storage
- Mounting lag bolts included
Cons
- No security straps
10: Suspenz Big EZ
- Mount type: wall cradle hooks
- Indoors/Outdoors: both
- Number of kayaks: 1
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Weight capacity: 150 pounds
The Suspenz Big EZ is the larger version of the standard EZ boat rack with an extra 7 inches of storage space for your vessel. This one has a higher capacity and can be ideal for storing heavier kayaks. It can be mounted to a wall either inside or outside.
The cradles feature nylon-covered foam pads for your kayak to rest on to minimize pressure points and hull damage.
There are also 1.5-inch straps to help you secure your kayak to the rack safely. The straps are adjustable and feature a UV-protective coating for outdoor use.
Pros
- Great for inside or outside
- Adjustable safety straps
- UV-resistant material
- Ideal for heavy and wide fishing kayaks
Cons
- Not the best for small kayaks
What To Look For In A Kayak Wall Mount
Capacity
One of the main things you should look for when choosing a kayak wall mount is its maximum capacity. This can be even more important if you have a heavy kayak, such as a large fishing kayak.
Some wall mounts for kayaks won’t be able to handle a kayak heavier than 100 pounds. So check the weight of your kayak before you settle on a storage solution.
Another thing you might want to think about is how many kayaks the wall mount can hold. If you have more than one kayak, you may want to consider a wall mount that can hold two or more kayaks.
However, it may also be more convenient for you to purchase two solo kayak wall mounts if you want to spread the kayaks out around the wall rather than have them mounted together.
Remember to think about the available space you have, as some wall mounts will protrude more than others.
Indoors Or Outdoors
Some kayak wall racks are designed to be mounted either indoors or outdoors, which can give you the choice of where to use them. However, if you plan to store your kayaks outdoors, it can be important to choose a wall mount that is definitely suitable for outdoor use.
Unless the mount is built for outdoor use only, you may have to upgrade the included hardware to hardware that is suitable for outside. Rain and humidity can cause screws to rust, which means the screws can lose their ability to keep the rack on the wall.
Padding
Having padding on the frame of the kayak wall mount can be a good idea, as this can help to prevent you from scratching your kayak as you load and unload it. You’ll find that some storage options don’t have padded arms, as they are designed to have the kayak suspended above the arms using straps or other methods.
Even on this type of suspended storage system, padding can still be useful to protect the hull of your kayak as you lift it on and off the straps.
Some cradles will have a foam padding that’s covered with a nylon fabric. The nylon can add another layer of protection for your hull, as well as helping to boost the longevity of the foam. Nylon-covered padding can be particularly useful on outdoor storage racks, as this can have an extra layer of UV protection to minimize the disintegration of the foam.
Safety Straps
Safety straps can be found on many kayak wall mounts but not all. This can be a useful feature, as the straps can provide an additional level of protection both for safety of yourself and for your kayak.
Straps can mean you can secure the kayak to the rack, so that in the event that it’s accidentally nudged or knocked, there’s less of a risk of the kayak crashing to the ground.
You’ll also find wall mounts that have built-in holes for kayak locks. This can let you lock your kayak to the rack to deter and prevent theft, which can be ideal if your kayak will be stored outdoors. However, not all kayak wall mounts have this feature.
Some kayak wall mounts have straps instead of cradles or arms. These can be more space-saving than other storage solutions due to their lack of frames.
Are There Other Types Of Kayak Storage? Why Use A Wall Mount Instead?
There are other types of kayak storage, such as free-standing racks or overhead storage systems. However, a wall mounted rack can be better as it can provide a solid home for your kayak that’s easy to access while keeping it safely off the ground.
How Do You Install A Kayak Wall Mount?
Tools Needed:
- Stud finder (if required)
- Drill
- Pencil (to mark drill points)
- Hammer
- Mounting hardware (suitable for your wall type)
- Tape measure
Remember to choose the correct hardware for your wall type and either indoor or outdoor conditions. The included hardware may not always be suitable for your wall.
Step 1: Find your stud
Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. If you’re mounting the rack to a fence post you won’t need to do this.
Step 2: Measure your required rack height
Mark your stud with a pencil and measure the height from the floor to the point where you want to install the rack. Mark this point and drill a small hole into the wall. You may need to use plastic wall plugs depending on the wall type.
Step 3: Mount the rack
If you’re mounting a J-cradle style rack, mount the first cradle according to the manufacturer instructions using the hole you’ve just made on the wall. You may have multiple points to secure depending on the model of your rack.
Step 4: Mount the second arm
Measure along your wall to where you want to mount the second arm of your rack. The cradles should ideally be spaced around 40 percent of the length of your kayak. You may need to use your stud finder to locate the stud.
Mark your stud with a pencil and measure up from the floor to the same height as the first cradle to ensure both cradles are in line with each other. Then install the rack as you did with the first one.
Conclusion: All In All It’s Just Another Kayak “On” The Wall
We think the best kayak wall mount is the Suspenz Deluxe because of its easy-loading pivot arm and its suspension straps for minimal pressure points.
A fantastic runner-up is the Sea to Summit Aquaracks system. This durable rack is ideal for heavy kayaks and has excellent padding to protect your craft.
Alternatively, the Malone YakSwing can be great if you want to fold the rack away while you’re out paddling.
Remember to think about what you want from a kayak wall mount, as not all of these will suit everyone. Let us know your thoughts.
