Winter storage of a polyethylene boat

You are the lucky owner of a polyethylene kayak or canoe, you were right to choose this attractively priced material. Its qualities of robustness and longevity offer you peace of mind. No more preparation time and inspections to be made whenever you use it. You have vowed to take the time in future. Just for winter allow ten minutes before leaving your summer partner and donning skis and “moon boots”! Pay attention to a few checks so as to take pleasure in finding it in the first light of spring.

Whether it is a Sit-on-top or open, touring or freestyle, plan its storage location. Of course polyethylene has developed considerably over the last 10 years, the composition and pigments now allow you to leave your favourite outside throughout the year. Nevertheless, if you have space to bring it in, do so, it is still the best way to take care of it.

Do not forget to rinse it, particularly if it is a sea kayak (In this case it is even better to do so after each use.). Finally if it is outside and open, close it’s coaming with a cloth bag or an old skirt, this will avoid it becoming the refuge of the local mice.

For all types, store it upside down or on edge without direct contact with the lawn (if possible). Inside, in the same position, you may also place it on bars or hang it up.

Take care; distribute the mass of the boat on its supports. PE does have its weaknesses: it is sensitive to deformation along the line of its hull. The ideal for a single seater is upright and for a canoe, on the side or upside down. Support it using the deck or the most rigid places.

If your boat has a drain plug, opening it will prevent the air inside expanding and contracting, guaranteeing correct retention of its shape.

With these few pieces of advice your boat will be ready for this period of inactivity, however we are not forgetting those who never stop. If there are any...