Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson is a writer whose lifelong appreciation of nature shows up frequently in his work. Meet Jonathan Previous Answers

Plastic boats need to be well-supported if they are to be hung. The best way to do this is with a couple of broad straps about one-third of the way back from the bow and one-third forward of the stern, or along the lines of the bulkheads if your boat is so equipped. Some people recommend tilting the boat on its side as well, since the edge of the hull is more rigid. I don't do this, my reasoning being that if any hull deformation at all is going to happen, I'd much rather have it happen along the axis of the boat than to have it take a set sideways and turn in inexorable circles the next time I head out.

Another good way to store plastic boats, if your garage has the ceiling height, is on end, leaning as close to vertical as possible. This is how most of the factories store their boats before shipping. It seems abusive, but really isn't.

Fiberglass kayaks are much, much less fussy about the way they're stored. I still support mine by the bulkhead area, just because, but I've never heard of a glass boat taking a set from improper storage.

By the way, keep these comments in mind when you transport your plastic boat, too. Strapping a plastic boat down too tightly on to a roof rack will also temporarily deform the hull, resulting in some really weird handling (I know, I've tried it). Adjust your rack, if possible, so the saddles are under the bulkheads, and keep the straps just snug enough to prevent shifting.

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