Rooftop kayak storage: I'm getting a kayak next week that will be living on my cars roof. It's a cheaper kayak, and a storage unit would cost more than the kayak in about 6 months. Is...

FS Digest

I'm getting a kayak next week that will be living on my cars roof. It's a cheaper kayak, and a storage unit would cost more than the kayak in about 6 months.

Is there anything I can do to protect the kayak from the sun to prolong it's life?

Thanks

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by swimbaitrods

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Swimbaitrods: I am puzzled about your question. You mean you intend to leave the kayak on the roof of your car all the time? And since lodged there, you want to protect it from the sun? One thing y ou could do is cover it with a sheet of canvas. Just Sayin...RJS

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

FS Digest wrote:

I'm getting a kayak next week that will be living on my cars roof. It's a cheaper kayak, and a storage unit would cost more than the kayak in about 6 months.

Is there anything I can do to protect the kayak from the sun to prolong it's life?

Thanks

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by swimbaitrods

Depending on the quality of your yak no cover would be needed. What protects it while its out on the water? My yak sat on the dock for 3 years and never faded. It was a Bonafide and sold it for the same price i bought it for.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

?

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Fredfish wrote:

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Am guessing it may get a tad warm there? 🤔😂

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Fredfish wrote:

?

So that is an example of a Cheap kayak.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

plumbob wrote:

So that is an example of a Cheap kayak.

And some really HOT weather.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

plumbob wrote:

So that is an example of a Cheap kayak.

In Arizona!

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

FS Digest wrote:

I'm getting a kayak next week that will be living on my cars roof. It's a cheaper kayak, and a storage unit would cost more than the kayak in about 6 months.

Is there anything I can do to protect the kayak from the sun to prolong it's life?

Thanks

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by swimbaitrods

I’d be worried that some unsavory elements around town would notice it’s always there and wait for an opportunity to steal it. But that’s just my paranoia coming out. They do make a kayak leash that has a large loop on each end that goes over the front and back of the kayak and around the rack and locks it in place. It’s made from plastic covered steel cable that can’t be cut with bolt cutters.
As to the sun question, I’d find someone that makes boat covers and have them make one to fit your kayak.

Rogue One Loc: Monterey, CA

Kayak covers provide UV protection and run about $40.

Mark V Loc: Colorado,now RV full time we winter in MesaAZ

Why must it live on the roof of your car? Do you not know someone who could store it at their home in or outside the garage. Even inside it could be hung from the ceiling taking no room at all. I am assuming that you either live in your car or a very small apartment. A kayak does not require much space.

Dendo Loc: Napa, CA

A current hdpe kayak is not an Old Town aluminum canoe!!! I have used many different “plastic” kayaks and find they bend and warp when strapped down for extended times. They end up pulling to one side until they regain shape. Driving from NorCal to the San Juan islands, I found our kayaks were slightly warped, but returned to straight later. You can leave a kayak on the dock, but strapping it on a car and exposing it to solar heat, necessitating retightening of straps, is bound to not be good for your yak for extended storage. Put it in the garage and throw it on the car when you go, soft pads are cheap.