Protecting your investment ensures your canoe or kayak will give you decades of reliable performance on the water. Here are our top recommendations for maintenance, cleaning, and off-season storage, including specific guidelines for the brands we carry.

General Cleaning & UV Protection

Sunlight is the biggest enemy of any watercraft, regardless of the material.

Washing: Wash your hull a few times a season using mild, non-abrasive soap and water. Avoid harsh chemical degreasers or solvents.

UV Protection: For polyethylene (plastic) and composite hulls, apply a marine-grade UV protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant at the beginning and end of the paddling season to prevent fading and brittleness. For high-gloss gelcoat finishes, use a standard marine fiberglass wax.

Hull Care: These materials are incredibly tough but use a gelcoat or clear-coat finish that will show surface scratches. Light scuffs are normal and purely cosmetic.

Repairs: Deep gouges that expose the inner fabric should be patched with a marine epoxy or gelcoat repair kit to prevent water intrusion.

Hull Care: Plastic boats are virtually indestructible against rocks, but they are susceptible to warping if strapped too tightly to a roof rack in the hot sun.

Storage Warning: Never store a plastic boat resting directly on its hull over hard crossbars for long periods, as it will create permanent dents (oil-canning).


Oiling: Ash and cherry wood trim require regular oiling to prevent rot and cracking. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) and apply a coat of boiled linseed oil, tung oil, or specialized gunwale oil 2 to 3 times a year.


Brand-Specific Hardware & Quirks

If storing a composite Nova Craft canoe with ash gunwales in freezing temperatures, you must back out the gunwale screws (from the decks to the center thwart) by a half-turn. Wood and composite materials expand and contract at different rates during deep freezes; loosening the screws prevents structural “cold cracks” in the hull.

Never hang a heavy Old Town canoe or kayak by its grab handles, as the handles will stretch and the hull will warp. Store them upside down resting on the gunwales, or vertically on their side (the most rigid part of the hull).

Always remove the pedal drive for transport and storage. Rinse the drive with clean water after every use, check the propeller for wrapped fishing line or weeds, and store the unit indoors.

Never store a touring kayak long-term with the rubber hatch covers sealed tight. Fluctuating temperatures cause air pressure to build up, which can damage the bulkhead seals or blow the covers off completely. Store the boat with the hatch covers removed to let the compartments breathe and prevent mold.


Winter & Long-Term Storage

Keep It Dry: Store your boat upside down to prevent snow, ice, and water from accumulating inside. Freezing water expands and can cause severe structural damage.

Mind the Hazards: Avoid storing your boat under trees or directly beside buildings with sloped roofs. Falling branches, heavy snow shed, or dropping ice chunks can cause severe impact damage to the hull.