The 8 Best Kayak Storage Racks and Wall Mounts In 2024: Reviews and Buying Guide

Finding a good solution to leaving your kayak on the floor is important to keep it in the best condition and not get scratched or knocked when you’re not using it. One option is to use a kayak rack to keep it out of the way and safe in the garage.

In this post, we review some of the best kayak storage racks available this year. We’ll also take a look at some of the pros and cons of them as well as our buying guide talking you through the different types and what you need to look for when choosing one.

How To Choose A Kayak Storage Rack: A Guide For Buyers

But, have you ever thought about how or where to store your kayaks while tending to other responsibilities in life? A kayak storage rack is an answer to all your storage-related prayers. Kayaks are enormous and heavy. Sometimes they are as long as 12 feet. A storage rack will protect your kayaks from any damage and will also keep them in an organized manner. 

Types Of Storage Racks

There are three main types of kayak storage racks. They are:

• Free Standing Kayak Racks
• Wall Mounted Kayak Racks (Hangers)
• Ceiling Mounted Racks

Let’s have a quick look at each type and discus some of the pros and cons of each one to help you choose which type might be best.

Free Standing Kayak Racks

The first type we’ll look at is free standing kayak racks. These as the name suggests are free standing and aren’t attached to a wall or the ceiling. They typically are able to hold more than one kayak and are easy to assembly and get the kayak into position. One of the downsides is they take up quite a bit of floor space which isn’t always a luxury most people can afford in a busy garage.

Wall Mounted Kayak Racks

Next we have a very common and popular type of storage which is wall mounted kayak racks. There are a few types but the main ones are holders that are attached to the wall that act like a cradle to hold the kayak. These are very easy to set up but can be a bit difficult as you’ll have to lift the kayak into them. That being said, they’re not usually high off the ground so you won’t have to lift it very high.

Ceiling Kayak Racks

The last type of storage rack is one that are attached to the ceiling. These are great for those who don’t have too much floor space as they kayak is stored above your head. The one downside is that you’ll have to lift the kayak fully above your head to slide it on to the rack so it’s not suitable for those with very heavy kayaks or those who aren’t able to lift it that high.

Inside vs Outside Storage

Where you plan to store your kayak is another consideration that will affect which one you go for. Most people will store their kayak inside, but during the summer a lot of people will also store them outside for easy access.

For an outdoor storage rack, you’ll need to consider the type of materials used in making the rack. If the space hasn’t got a roof or cover, ensure that the material can survive rain, wind, and sunlight. You don’t want rust and corrosion to damage its strength. You also need to consider that the sun’s UV rays are damaging and can cause you kayak to age quicker. The other thing to think about is security. If you’re leaving your kayak outside for a long time unsupervised it might be more likely to be stolen.

We’d recommend, if possible to store your kayak indoors both to extend its longevity. The extreme temperature changes can wear your kayak out sooner than you’d anticipate, especially if the product material is polyethylene.

Where ever you plan on storing it, just remember to ensure that the material used is suitable. Indoor racks might not necessarily be suitable for outdoor storage.

Space 

It is a no-brainer that you will need a large space to store your kayaks. Firstly, you need to determine whether you’ll be storing your kayak indoors or outdoors as we just covered. If you’re planning to store inside however space might be an issue.

One tip if storing your kayak inside is to try mounting it vertically. It saves up a lot of floor space and also organizes the area. You can also mount it on the ceiling as we covered with ceiling racks. However, keep in mind the height of the mount from the ground. If you are kayaking regularly it can be annoying to have to keep getting your kayak down and you’ll want it to be as easy as possible.

Weight Capacity 

Another key thing to look at before purchasing is the weight capacity of the storage rack. Typically a kayak can weigh anywhere between 30 to 50 pounds. The sturdiest racks (single occupancy) can withstand a weight of up to 100 – 150 pounds, depending on their material quality. If you plan to mount your kayak on a ceiling or your sidewall make sure that the rack is compatible with the kayak’s weight. Also, ensure that your wall has the required load-bearing capacity. 

If your kayak is bulky and heavy, you should opt for a rack that will not require you to lift the kayak on a height. Avoid overhead mounts unless you’re going for a kayak hoist to make mounting and dismounting a lot easier.

Kayak Size 

Kayaks come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Whitewater kayaks are usually a lot shorter where as fishing and touring kayaks can be very long. You’ll want to check if opting for a floor standing racks come that it can take the length of your kayak. Some have maximum lengths and widths that they will fit.

In the case of wall mount, check for hook dimensions and the material. It shouldn’t scratch the body while it is hanging for a long time. You want to get one that has padding on the cradle that holds the paddle to avoid causing any damage..

Number of Kayaks 

If you have more than one kayak to store you can get racks that can hold multiple kayaks. These often have much larger weight capacities and lots more cradles to hold the kayak. They Make sure that you load them in in a balanced way though as not to cause the rack to tip over. Ensure that the

Assembly

Kayak storage racks don’t usually come in one piece. The free-standing stands require the assembly of parts into one combined unit. All of them will come with detailed instructions however and if you’re still struggling there are lots of youtube videos with step by step instructions to guide you through the process.

Storing Other Accessories and Gears 

Another thing to think about is where you’ll store all the accessories you’ll need for your kayaking expeditions. You’ll need somewhere for your paddles, life vests,helmets, fishing rods, and all the other essentials. If you have a lot of things like then you might want to opt for a hoist or a ceiling mount to free up more space on the floor. The other option is to look for a rack that has additional storage for items like this.

The Best Rated Kayak Storage Rack Reviews

Having looked at a lot of the options on the market, here are some of the best and most convenient racks for storing your kayaks or SUPs at home.

#1. Malone 3 Free Standing Kayak Rack

In our number one spot we have the Malone 3 Free Standing kayak rack. It’s a strong, incredibly sturdy J-style holder that comfortable fits up to 3 kayaks. They also come in lots of different sizes with one to fit 6 kayaks, SUPs, bikes and lots of other configurations.

One of the reasons we like it so much is the frame. The frame is made from strong 1.25″ high load steel that feels very sturdy. As a result it can hold a large 250 lbs of weight which is plenty for even 3 very heavy kayaks. The frame is also powder coated which means that it won’t rust if exposed to moisture and is a lot more durable. This means you can even use it outside! Plus you can adjust the heights with the built in levelers. It doesn’t have wheels but you can purchase them additionally here if you want to be able to move it around.

As you’d expect from one of the best racks, the cradles are well padded with EVA foam to prevent scratches to your kayaks and it comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacture. All in all, a brilliant kayak storage rack that we highly recommend. For more information, to read the reviews and get the best price click the button below.

#3. Suspenz Marine Grade 2-Boat Free-Standing Storage Rack

Another fantastic option is the Suspenz Marine Grade 2 boat free standing storage rack. This rack is different as the strong frame is made from galvanized steel which means that it will resist the effects of saltwater and won’t corrode if left outside. With space for two kayaks, and a max weight capacity of 225 lbs this is one of the most heavy duty kayak storage racks you can buy.

Other features we like to see are the four adjustable safety straps made from strong UV protected fabric to hold the boats in place. We would have liked to see some foam padding too but it’s not essential. We also liked you want to store more than two boats you can even get additional extensions to bring it up to 6. The downside is the price which is the most expensive one on our list, but with storage racks, you get what you pay for and you won’t be disappointed.

#3. Suspenz Big EZ Kayak Wall Mount Rack

If you’re looking for a wall mount kayak rack then we’d suggest getting the Suspenz Big EZ kayak storage rack. With a max weight capacity of 150 lbs it is an ideal option if you only have one kayak and want to be able to store it out the way easily and safely. The heavy duty, powder coated steel frame is strong and sturdy plus rust resistant to ensure it lasts for years to come. It also means you can use it inside and out.

The cradle arms that hold the kayak are padded 600D nylon foam pads to prevent damage to your kayak’s hull, plus it features adjustable safety straps to firmly hold the boat in place and prevent it from falling and causing damage. All in all, a good affordable option for anyone who’s looking for a single kayak wall mount.

#4. Ajillis 71 Kayak Storage Rack

Another one of our favorite options was the Ajillis 71 kayak storage rack which is able to hold up to 6 different kayaks so is an ideal option if you have a large family each with their own one. Totally stress free to assemble and can be done easily by someone on their own.

It’s incredibly durable and sturdy being made with strong steel that will keep your kayaks safe and secure when in storage. The arms are all completely padded to prevent scratches and they can be easily removed for cleaning too. We liked that it has four caster wheels to make moving it around simple even when it’s fully loaded with six kayaks. The only downside is that it can be a little difficult putting kayaks on the top racks, especially on your own but with a little help from a willing participant you won’t have any trouble. Easily the one of best racks on the market and highly recommend.

#5. RAD Sportz Deluxe Heavy Duty Kayak Rack

Another great option for storing your kayaks at home is the RadSportz Deluxe Heavy Duty rack which is built to be able to hold two kayaks. Again, it’s a strong and durable rack being made out of steel and powder coated to prevent it from rust if it gets wet from the kayaks. It’s also has UV protection so is a good option if you plan on storing your kayaks outside as it won’t fade in the sun.

Easy to assemble and to get the kayaks on and off, even alone. Plus, it has a high weight capacity and can hold kayaks up to 175lbs. The one downside for us was that it didn’t have wheels but for most people that won’t be a problem.

#6. SPAREHAND Freestanding Dual Storage Rack

If you’re looking for a really simple no thrills rack then this freestanding dual storage rack from Sparehand could be a good option. Made from Tubular steel it’s able to hold up to 90lbs on the top storage rack and 120lbs on the bottom. The arms that cradle the kayaks are padded too so to prevent it from wearing out from scratches over the years.

We particularly liked how easy it was to assemble requiring no tools to put together. Sadly it doesn’t have any wheels however you can purchase them separately if you do want to make it more portable. If keeping it outside we’d advise securing it down as it can sway a bit if left in a windy area.

#7. Best Marine Kayak Storage Racks

One option a little different from the others we’ve looked at so far is the Best Marine Kayak Storage rack which is a wall mount to store kayaks. It’s made from powder coated steel with the cradle arms being covered with foam nylon padding to prevent scratches and damaging the body of your kayak. They don’t require any assembly but it will take a little bit of time to install.

Each arm has straps to prevent your kayak from falling and getting damaged and the fact that it doesn’t take up any floor space is another pro that could make it a good option.

#8. StoreYourBoard Kayak Ceiling Rack

If floor space is a luxury you don’t have then this storage rack from Store Your Board could be the answer. It’s a ceiling rack that means it takes up zero space on the ground with the kayaks being stored over head. The two kayak support arms are padded and adjustable to allow you to fit all types of kayaks and SUP. On the ends of the support arms are locking pins to stop it from slipping out and falling down ensuring they’re completely safe.

The one downside is they can be a little tricky to install if you don’t know what you’re doing, but if you’re a little bit handy it shouldn’t take long with some customers reporting it only took 5 minutes!

So, Which One Should you Buy?

Thanks for reading our guide to buying a kayak storage rack. We hope it’s helped clear up all the questions you might have had. Storage racks are one item you don’t want to go cheap on as if they fail you can end up causing a lot of damage to your kayak which can cost a lot more!

If you still don’t know which one to go for we’d recommend the Malone 3 Free Standing Kayak Rack. The incredibly good build quality, large weight capacity, padded foam cradle and amazing customer reviews all point to it being one of if not the best storage rack for kayaks on the market. For more information to read what previous customers though and get the best price click the button below.