Carrying, Storing and Looking After a Kayak

Your kayak’s journey from storage to the water involves carrying, loading and securing it, then cleaning and putting it away. Use the named guidance below to plan those jobs for your boat and vehicle.

This page summarizes published safety guidance. It is not a substitute for instruction, and conditions on your water may differ. Check the current rules for the state and water you paddle.

Key Takeaways

• Thule directs you to select a roof system by vehicle brand, model and year, and says the vehicle determines the system maximum. ¹

• REI’s partner roof-loading method switches from carrying handles to hull grips for the overhead lift; Eddyline’s Carbonlite 2000 manual also rules out carrying a heavily loaded boat by its handles. ^{2 3}

• REI recommends snug, not overtight, cam straps for its crossbar method and a tug-check after about 15 minutes of driving. ²

• Storage positions differ: Eddyline’s Carbonlite 2000 manual specifies support under or near bulkheads, while Old Town’s Ocean sit-on-top guidance allows adequately supported deck-up or deck-down storage, including padded ground. ^{3 4} For that Carbonlite 2000 kayak, bulkheads are the partitions between its compartments. ³

• Eddyline recommends 303 for rubber hatch covers, with hatch UV treatment at least annually and more often in very sunny regions or outdoor storage; Delta’s winter guidance advises against 303 on its boats. ^{5 6}

Choose the Vehicle System and Boat Support

Start with your exact vehicle details. Thule’s roof-rack guide directs you to enter the vehicle brand, model and year when selecting a system. Its system discussion distinguishes the bars across the roof, the feet that attach to the vehicle and a fit kit matched to the vehicle and roof type; some systems do not need a fit kit. ¹

Thule says the maximum system weight is determined by the vehicle and directs you to the vehicle manufacturer for its maximum capacity. Treat the particular vehicle and roof-system instructions as the starting point for your selection, rather than choosing from a carrier’s advertised capacity alone. ¹

Yakima’s Weight Limits guidance directs you to the vehicle limit in its Fit Guide. It describes that dynamic limit as the weight of the rack system and load while the vehicle is moving. Yakima’s calculation subtracts rack and accessory weight from the vehicle-listed allowance, and it specifically says to include other mounts attached to the bars. ⁷

Use that accounting principle for the components you are considering. For custom or unlisted vehicles, Yakima assigns determination of the application’s maximum weight to the installer. ⁷

The support that touches the boat needs its own check. Eddyline’s FAQ describes deck-down transport on padded bars for its sit-on-top models. For its sit-in models, Eddyline lists cockpit-down, on the side, or cockpit-up with appropriate carriers such as saddles, stackers or J-cradles. ⁵

Eddyline also identifies a specific saddle-fit issue with the Caribbean series’ pronounced keel and calls for a padded spacer between the saddles and kayak to provide clearance. If you are choosing a carrier for an Eddyline, its FAQ recommends contacting a local dealer about a system suited to your vehicle. ⁵

Carry on Land, Then Prepare to Load

REI’s land-carry method uses two people, one holding the grab handle at each end. Both can face the direction of travel rather than having one person walk backward. Keep the maker’s handle restrictions in view: Eddyline’s Carbonlite 2000 manual says to hold a heavily loaded boat by the hull instead of its carrying handles. ^{2 3}

For solo carrying, REI qualifies its shoulder method by the boat’s size and weight; it does not present a really large, heavy kayak as suitable for that method. Its sequence uses the cockpit opening: squat beside the kayak, draw its near edge onto your thighs, reach to the underside of the cockpit, then stand and balance the cockpit rim on your shoulder. ²

REI advises bending your knees and keeping your back straight when reaching down to pick up the kayak. Choose help or a cart if carrying solely by hand is too difficult; REI names a wheeled cart as an alternative. ²

For an Eddyline, the FAQ generally allows wheeled carts with pads and straps. It specifically says not to use a scupper cart for an Eddyline sit-on-top, including the Caribbean models. That is a restriction on the cart design for those boats; use it when choosing how to move your Eddyline. ⁵

Before roof loading, REI calls for installed crossbars and rack or padding, with straps and lines ready. REI describes crossbars as the bars running across the roof, with the attachment arrangement depending on the vehicle. Its essentials for the method include two cam straps and bow and stern lines, usually one at each end, although line count can vary with boat and vehicle length. ²

Keep Partner and Solo Loading Methods Separate

Loading with a Partner

For REI’s partner method, have the bars, rack or padding installed and the straps and lines ready first. Position the kayak beside and parallel to the vehicle, with the bow toward its front. ²

REI describes carrying it into that position by the handles, then changing to a hull grip at each end for the overhead lift. The hull is the boat’s bottom or body; in this lift, your grip changes before you raise it above the rack. REI says to lift with your legs, then place the boat directly above the rack and lower it gently. ²

The final boat position depends on the type of rack, according to REI. For a heavily loaded Carbonlite 2000 kayak, retain Eddyline’s hull-carry restriction when moving it into position as well. ^{2 3}

Loading on Your Own

REI makes an unaided overhead lift conditional on your height and strength. If that does not suit you, its solo section offers distinct alternatives, each involving the rack setup. ²

• Integrated lift system: REI describes systems that lower from the roof to the vehicle’s side so you need not lift the kayak as high; after loading and strapping the boat, you raise the system. ²

• Rack with rollers: REI’s sequence sets the bow into the rear rack cradle, then lifts the stern and rolls the kayak forward into the front cradle. ²

• Towel or blanket: REI describes placing padding on the rear of the vehicle, setting the bow on it, then lifting the stern and pushing the boat up and forward onto the rack. ²

Choose the loading approach while selecting your vehicle system, rather than arriving with a boat and deciding how to lift it. Check the instructions for the specific rack and boat before adapting one of these methods.

Secure the Boat for the Drive

REI describes a cam strap as a strap fed through a buckle and cinched down. The following is its crossbar method; use the instructions for your particular carrier when its arrangement differs. ²

1. REI starts with the kayak centered fore and aft between the crossbars and parallel to the vehicle. ²

2. At one crossbar, place the cam buckle on the kayak’s side just above and beside the bar, then take the free end over the boat. ²

3. On the other side, route it under the crossbar, inside the bar’s attachment to the vehicle, and bring it back over the kayak. ²

4. Back at the first side, route the free end under the crossbar, again inside its vehicle attachment, and feed it into the buckle. Repeat at the other crossbar with the other strap. ²

5. REI says to tighten both straps until snug, without overtightening. It warns that excess tension can deform plastic hulls and crack fiberglass. ²

6. Tie the loose ends just below the buckles and secure remaining slack to the crossbars. REI finishes with a side-to-side shake at either end to check that the kayak is secure. ²

REI recommends securing the bow and stern to the vehicle, especially for freeway driving or high winds. Its essentials section says you usually need a line at each end, with the number dependent on boat and vehicle length. ²

For its ratcheting end-line method, REI attaches the line to a secure point on the boat and a secure point on the vehicle, such as a tow hook. If you lack a suitable vehicle point, it names a hood-loop strap as an option, and says never to attach the lines to plastic vehicle parts. ²

REI’s sequence pulls the line snug without overtightening, ties the loose end below the ratchet and repeats with the stern line. For Eddyline transport, its FAQ likewise calls for snug straps and recommends bow and stern lines to secure vehicle attachments, with loose ends secured. ^{2 5}

After about 15 minutes of driving, REI advises pulling over and tugging the kayak to check it remains secure, because straps can loosen during the drive. Keep that approximate advice attributed to REI alongside your own carrier’s instructions. ²

Match Storage to the Named Boat and Document

REI’s storage guide recommends padded cradles or wide straps matching the hull’s curve, distributing support along its length. It gives approximately one-third in from each end as an effective position and cautions against leaving storage straps tight like transport straps, because prolonged pressure can deform the kayak. ⁸

Those positions need to be read beside your maker’s instructions. The documents below give different choices for where the kayak rests and how you leave it stored.

Named guidance	Support and position	Stored configuration or exposure
Eddyline Carbonlite 2000 manual	Broad cradles, slings or padded supports; rack/cradle support under or near bulkheads; side, slings or end-standing options.	Shade or cover outside; store clean and dry, including compartments; dry and protect against snow loads in harsh winters. 3
Old Town’s Ocean sit-on-top storage article	Adequately supported deck up or down; blankets or foam on the ground; padded, hull-conforming side racks with the seat installed.	Open the drain plug, close and fasten hatches, remove and clean scupper plugs if fitted; never suspend by handles or scuppers. 4
Old Town owner’s manual, kayak section	Side or end-standing if possible; upside down is another option, preferably in slings or cradle-style supports.	Cockpit cover outside; suspend a tarp above the boat with room for air circulation. 9
Delta’s winter guidance	Indoor storage preferred; padded rack support at bulkheads in front of and behind the cockpit.	Outdoors only as a last resort, sheltered from accumulating snow, ice and debris; hatch covers may remain on. 6
Advanced Elements FAQ, extended storage	Store the kayak deflated in a cool, dry area.	Keep it out of direct sunlight for the extended storage period. 10

These are storage examples for the named boats and documents; use each row’s conditions together.

REI generally discourages long-term floor or ground storage and recommends side or hull-up racks; its suspension advice uses broad straps around the body with the hull toward the ceiling, never the grab loops. Old Town’s Ocean sit-on-top article specifically allows padded ground storage with adequate support. ^{8 4}

That Old Town article also prefers an off-ground rack when possible, with supports roughly 30 percent in from the ends. Its side-rack option requires padding that conforms to the hull and the seat left installed. Do not turn the retailer’s ground caution into a prohibition that removes this named maker option. ⁴

Eddyline’s Carbonlite 2000 manual instead places rack or cradle supports under or near bulkheads; locate those areas in your boat’s manual before positioning supports. It allows side storage, slings or standing on end and recommends broad support that spreads the stress. ³

Delta’s winter article also puts padded supports at the bulkheads, in front of and behind the cockpit. It prefers indoors; for unavoidable outdoor storage it advises a covered area, shade and avoiding places where snow, ice or falling debris can accumulate. ⁶

Clean and Dry Before Choosing the Stored Configuration

REI recommends a freshwater rinse before storage, including the rudder, cables and footbraces, plus mild soap and water a couple of times each year. It says to let the kayak air out and dry before putting it away, including inflatable and folding boats. ⁸

For an Advanced Elements inflatable, its FAQ calls for a freshwater rinse and air drying before extended packing, with a sponge to remove excess water and grit. It permits soft liquid soap or diluted Simple Green. Its separate extended-storage answer specifies deflated storage in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. ¹⁰

For Carbonlite 2000, Eddyline’s manual calls for clean, dry storage, especially in the bulkheaded compartments, and protection from snow loads in harsh winters. Its cockpit-cover advice keeps creatures and outdoor rain out. ³

Drying the kayak and choosing its final hatch arrangement are separate jobs. Old Town’s Ocean sit-on-top storage list calls for the drain plug open and hatches closed and fastened. Delta says hatch covers need not come off; if you remove them, put them inside the hatches and cover them with a sheet or tarp, rather than leaving them hanging by their bungee cords. ^{4 6}

Match Cleaner and Protectant Advice to the Part

Eddyline describes Carbonlite as an ABS substrate with an acrylic exterior. Its FAQ generally recommends freshwater rinsing, or a light soap solution for a dirtier kayak. It names isopropyl or denatured alcohol for stubborn marks and forbids acetone, other strong solvents and ammonia-based cleaners on Eddyline kayaks. ⁵

That same FAQ recommends Mer-Maid Boat Wash with Carnauba Wax for combined cleaning and waxing. For cosmetic shine, it names Shurhold Serious Shine and says most automotive or marine waxes should be suitable. Keep these Eddyline permissions with the Eddyline boat, rather than extending them by material name to another maker. ⁵

Old Town’s manual names mild soap and water, or Murphy’s Oil Soap, for the exterior of its Polyethylene, Superlinear, Royalex and Fiberglass boats. It suggests Armor All, 303 Products or Pledge on those exteriors, but advises mild soap and water inside and cautions against exterior products or polishes there because the floor can become slippery. ⁹

Old Town also discourages paste wax because it can dry white in scratches and make them more visible. That is its cosmetic warning, so keep it separate from Eddyline’s wax advice. ⁹

For Eddyline rubber hatch covers, its FAQ recommends products such as 303 Aerospace Protectant. Its maintenance answer calls for hatch UV treatment at least once a year, more often in very sunny regions or when the kayak is stored outdoors. ⁵

Delta’s winter article, by contrast, advises against 303 on its boats and names Novus 1 Clean and Shine or Armor All Original for hatch gaskets. Use the maker and the part as your product-selection guide; the Eddyline rubber-cover recommendation is not whole-hull permission for Delta. ⁶

Inspect Parts and Prepare a Useful Maker Inquiry

Eddyline recommends checking that deck hardware and fittings remain secure, and checking cords, perimeter lines and carry handles for wear and secure attachment. It also calls for checking the rudder or skeg housing for debris that could interfere with use. ⁵

Old Town’s Ocean sit-on-top article asks you to look for cracks, damaged parts and missing hardware before storage, and names customer service as a route for replacement parts. Use those observations to describe the issue when you contact the maker. ⁴

For a suspected Eddyline kayak warranty issue, the FAQ directs you to its form with the serial number, model and problem description, and asks you to be ready with multiple photographs or video. For an accessory issue, it directs you to contact the company with a description and photographs or video. ⁵

Before your next outing, use this page as a planning list: identify the vehicle system, choose a carry and loading method, read the securing instructions, and locate your boat’s storage and care guidance. For the water itself, the American Canoe Association’s Paddler’s Safety Checklist carrying the year 2011 recommends wearing your lifejacket. ¹¹

Related guides

• How to Store a Kayak: Indoors, Outdoors and on a Wall
• Kayak Care by Material: Poly, Thermoform, Composite
• Winterizing a Kayak: The End-of-Season List

Footnotes

1. Thule, roof-rack guide ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. REI, Transporting Your Kayak ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷ ↩¹⁸ ↩¹⁹ ↩²⁰ ↩²¹ ↩²² ↩²³ ↩²⁴

3. Eddyline, Carbonlite 2000 owner’s manual ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸

4. Old Town, Ocean sit-on-top storage guidance ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

5. Eddyline, care and transport FAQ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰

6. Delta Kayaks, Winter Storage ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

7. Yakima, Weight Limits ↩ ↩²

8. REI, Kayak Storage ↩ ↩² ↩³

9. Old Town, owner’s manual ↩ ↩² ↩³

10. Advanced Elements FAQ ↩ ↩²

11. American Canoe Association, Paddler’s Safety Checklist ↩