Storing kayak on a trailer?

[ThatFishingGuy]

So I'm coming up with a bit of a long term goal - purchase an Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL and a trailer to tow it. I currently live in an apartment in Colorado which makes things a little more difficult as far as storage, but they offer covered parking spaces so I figured I can rent one of those to store the trailer with the yak on top of it, and lock everything up so no one steals it. Are there any concerns about storing a kayak on a trailer long term? Will it be okay being somewhat exposed to the elements (albeit under a roof) of Colorado? Anything I should know or be concerned about? I plan on getting a Malone ecolight single kayak trailer that Old Town also sells on their website.

 

FWIW, someone stores their jon boat on the side of the road leading up to the apartment complex, locked up, and I've never seen anyone mess with it. So I'm not super concerned about someone trying to nab it.

 

Thanks!!

[gim]

All I can emphasize is to lock it up good, both the yak to the trailer and the coupler on the trailer itself.

 

If someone wants it bad enough, and they have the balls and the rights tools, they’re taking it. The only fool proof way to keep it safe is to keep it in a locked, enclosed garage.

[flyfisher]

Buy a cover, i recommend carver and have used them for years.  Also if storing long term and it has the cradles, I would swap out for some sort of bunks instead.  I use 4" PVC pipe and store my kayak on the trailer year round and have no issues.  Locking it up will keep honest people honest.  Overall though, I would have no concerns about storing it on a trailer.

[FryDog62]

I’ve had no problems storing my Old Town on 4 inch PVC pipes on a trailer for 3 years.  I do keep mine in a garage, but whenever outside or trailering I have a Carver Poly Flex II cover. Always lock it up when outside. Bolt cutters could still be used, but locking deters some theft. Bring electronics, tackle, rods/reels inside. 
 

Also, insurance is relatively inexpensive - get a good, comprehensive policy. 

[Bankc]

If it's properly supported and protected from the sun, it should be fine. 

 

The main problems I would see, other than theft and vandalism, are the heat of the sun slowly warping the hull and the UV light breaking down the plastic and making it brittle.  Ozone will do that as well, but there's not much you can do about that, even in a protect storage space (unless you want to store it in an airtight bubble).  But some kind of cover to protect from the sun's rays will greatly extend the usable life of the kayak.  And if it's properly supported, then warping shouldn't be an issue. 

[airshot]

Hide a couple "airtags" on trailer and kayak so you can locate it, just in case.....