How to lock up a kayak? There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tying up a kayak. It’s wise to be prepared since people may be very inventive. You’re hoping that locking up your kayak isn’t worth the effort and that they’ll move down the line. Remember that if a determined burglar wants your boat, they’ll find a way to steal it.
There are various excellent and reasonably priced kayak locks on the market; make sure you have one in your kayaking accessories kitbag. Keep a note of your hull identification number; this will aid in the recovery of your kayak if it is stolen. Knowing how to lock up a kayak is all about making it as difficult and dangerous for a prospective thief as possible.
How To lock Your Kayak
Depending on the model of the kayak and where you need to lock it, there are a variety of options.
Anchor Point Locking Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Setting them on or near an anchor point is one of the most acceptable methods to lock them if you’re dealing with sit-on-top kayaks. A huge tree, an outside kayak storage rack, or a stake permanently placed into the ground are possibilities. The issue is that your anchor place must be unyielding and permanent. Otherwise, any prospective kayak thief will be able to recognize your kayaks and compromise to hoist them.
Sit-on-top kayaks feature scupper holes through which you can pass a cable, making it simple to lock them up after you’ve found your anchor site. Purchasing a kayak lock for sit-on-top kayaks is also reasonably affordable due to this. You may make your solution by obtaining a length of wire and a keyed or combination lock from your local hardware shop.
You’ll typically have to develop your method if you want to lock up many kayaks at once. Most hardware shops will assist you in purchasing a straight piece of cable, then bending and securing the ends to form loops. You’ll need rope sleeves to feed the line through, loop it around, and then feed it back through before crimping the sleeve.
If you’re going to rig your kayak with a rope sleeve, ensure the loops are tiny enough to pass through the scupper holes on the bottom of your sit-inside kayak. Before you start using it, you should wrap the rope sleeve and the end of the cable threaded through it with duct tape or Gorilla tape.
The stainless steel strands may occasionally split at the ends of this cable when used over time. If exposed, they may grow sharp and harmful to your hands, so cover them with tape or anything protective to prevent injuries. Now that you’ve got your cable, all you have to do is wrap it around your anchor point, feed one loop through the other, and tighten it down.
After threading the exterior loop through the scupper holes, you’ll have enough cable length to loop it over the top of your kayaks and lock it back to the other circle near your anchor position. You may also lock the internal loop directly to a straight piece of cable between two kayaks if you don’t have enough length.
Anchor Point Locking Sit Inside Kayaks
Because they lack the scupper holes that enable you to run a cable length through them, sit-inside kayaks are more difficult to lock. These people used a big, fallen tree trunk as a central anchor point. Their cable was looped once around the tree and then fastened around the bow and stern of each kayak.
Place one end of the cable around the bow and the other end around the stern if you’re merely securing a single sit-inside kayak to an anchor point. A prospective thief won’t be able to slip one of the loops over and off the bow or stern of your kayak since there isn’t enough slack in the cable.
If you’re searching for a simple method to lock a sit-inside kayak to an anchor point, purchasing a manufactured kayak lock rather than a DIY solution might be advantageous. A single-keyed or combination lock and two cable lengths are required for this approach. Here’s a quick diagram of what a single sit-in kayak would look like.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks Locked Together
If you have many sit-on-top kayaks, you may always lock them together to make them less likely to be carried away while you’re gone. The primary concept behind this method is that having stolen many kayaks is far more difficult for a single criminal. This is particularly true if they are securely bound and unable to be readily separated.
Using the same fundamental approach we described before, you may lock sit-on-top kayaks to an anchor point. Thread your cable length through the scupper holes in the kayak, then pull it back to lock the loops on both ends together. You may even loop the wire through two sets of scuppers before securing it to itself if you have enough length. If you don’t have an accessible anchor point to lock to, this will act as a more significant deterrent to possible kayak burglars.
Sitting Inside Kayaks Are Locked Together
If you don’t have a working anchor point nearby, locking sit-in kayaks to one another is also a safe option. The problem with sit-in kayaks is that they don’t have scupper holes through which a length of cable may be threaded.
Small metal loops are bolted onto the deck in the bow and stern of many sit-in kayaks, and they look somewhat like this: These loops can be used to connect two sit-inside kayaks, but they’ll need a lot thinner cable than you’d need to connect them to an anchor point. This implies you’ll need to hook your line to hardpoints on your sit-ins.
You’ll need to measure the area underneath those loops to ensure that your lock will fit through the opening. If your sit-inside kayak has rails, you may add tie-down eyelets to offer you additional options for fastening the kayaks together. Here’s an illustration of how these eyelets appear:
These eyelets slot into your kayak’s rails and provide extra anchor points through which a cable lock may be threaded. This gives you different options for securing sit-in kayaks when the current hardpoints aren’t close enough to lock them together.
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How to lock a kayak in your house
If you intend to keep your kayak outside all of the time, try to keep it out of direct sunlight. UV radiation may cause damage to many kayak materials. When you lock up your boat, try to keep it hidden. You may use these techniques outside your house now that you know how to lock a kayak in several ways.
A good kayak cover or tarp will protect your boat from the weather and help you hide it. Lock your kayak to a tree, a post, or other solid object using the techniques mentioned on this page for various types of kayaks. The goal is to make it difficult for a criminal to take my kayak and, in the process, possibly deter them from doing so.
Using A Roof Rack To Secure Kayaks
This allows you to go to the shop after a morning paddle without worrying about it being untethered while you’re gone. Purchasing locking straps is the simplest method to lock a kayak to a roof rack.
We’ll show you some examples of fantastic locking kayak straps below, but they are wonderful since they can be used as tie-downs and fastening your kayak to your roof rack. If you don’t want to use this method, you may use a cable lock, similar to what you’d use to secure a sit-on-top kayak or an anchor point.
Your setup should look like this if you’re securing a sit-inside kayak to your roof rack using a kayak cable lock. In this situation, the crossbars of your roof racks will serve as your anchor point, and the cable will run beneath them rather than around a central anchor point. This diagram looks like the one we showed you before for securing an anchor point to a moored kayak.
You may use a similar approach to connect a kayak to its roof rack by simply threading the cable through two holes in the bow and stern of your kayak. The wire should then be routed below your roof rack bars and through a scupper hole in the stern. You can use a similar approach if you’re in a sit-on-top kayak.
What is the best way to lock your kayak to a roof? This is the start, whether you’re utilizing a cable lock or a DIY cable locking solution. However, remember that the cable lock may not always be very tight and should not be depended on to hold your boat in place. Go to the last two options after you’ve fastened your kayak to your roof rack.
When You’re Away From Home, Here’s How To Lock Your Kayak
If you parked near the campground, securing the kayaks to the trailer or vehicle rack with a cable lock should suffice. If you brought it to a distant campground on foot, this strategy would not work. If you have an inflatable or foldable kayak, the most convenient way to store it is inside your tent.
A paddle lock may be used to secure electronic kayak attachments within the hull of your sit-on-top kayak. Hard shells, on the other hand, are more challenging to secure. To secure the kayak using a cable lock, you’ll need to locate a solid structure nearby, such as a tree. You’re OK if it’s a sturdy, permanent construction near your campground.
Lock Your Kayak Locked Up At Home
How do you keep your kayak safe and secure when you’re out on the water? One of the best methods is to keep it locked up inside a shed, garage, or house. If you must lock it outdoors, make sure it is as near as possible to your home. You could even wish to mount a wall rack to one of your home’s external walls to keep it.
If you’re storing your yak outdoors, you may want to invest in a tarp or cover to protect it from the weather. A wall-mounted bolt loop or eye bolt may suffice. You could also construct your exterior wooden rack, which would provide a more secure location to loop a locking cable through.
How to lock a kayak to a vehicle or trailer
If you’re planning a road trip, you may want to stop for a meal or stay in a motel. You’ll almost certainly need to lock your kayak to your roof rack or trailer when you’re on the road. If you have a sit-on-top kayak, you may fasten the lock to a roof rack by running a cable lock through the scupper plug holes. You may either utilize a pre-existing drain plug or make your own. Alternatively, a loop-type cable may be used by looping one loop over each end of the kayak. Then, beneath, draw the loops tight and lock them together.
Conveying your kayak from place to place requires not only an effective locking mechanism but also an appropriate transport cart. This duo creates a fortified defense against unwanted mishaps, adding a layer of protection and convenience. Imagine setting off on a tranquil lake journey, your kayak safely attached to your vehicle or trailer.
With the best cart for kayak and the landscapes you’ll traverse, you form an unbreakable bond of security. This choice goes beyond mere functionality; it’s about aligning your kayak’s unique attributes with the lock and cart that resonate with them, like a well-rehearsed dance, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
Kayaks Should Be Locked When Traveling
A cable lock is great for fastening your kayak to your roof rack and locking it up. Sit-on-tops are likely to feature scupper holes through which you may thread the cable and attach it to your roof racks. A cable lock is vital when going camping or on an overnight vacation.
You may need to drill a hole in your kayak to a sit-inside. If your cockpit has a storage deck or a cup holder, this may be an excellent spot for a drill. Using the tie-down points provided within the truck bed or trailer, you may fasten it to a truck or trailer using the same technique.
Inflatable Kayak with Locks
Because they don’t need a complicated locking system, the finest inflatable kayaks on the market today are pretty popular. Deflate your kayak and lock it inside your car, condo, garage, or covered kayak storage facility.
You may not want to deflate your inflatable kayak every time you use it if you have one. If you carry your kayak on a roof rack, you may use locking straps or the same cable lock technique as a sit-inside kayak to lock it to the roof rack. In this instance, you’ll need a way to secure your inflatable kayak between paddle strokes.
Most inflatable kayaks are compatible with the universal kayak cable locks that you’ll need to secure sit-inside kayaks to an anchor point. However, make sure the cable doesn’t have too much slack that a thief may use to slip one end over and off the bow or stern of your kayak.
If you’re searching for a fun method on the water, inflatable kayaks are fantastic. Still, we don’t advocate locking two inflatable kayaks together for security if you don’t have an anchor point. Inflatable kayaks are significantly simpler to pick up and take off than other kinds of kayaks due to their little weight – and this is true even when two inflates are locked together.
How can you keep your kayak from being stolen?
How can you keep your kayak from being stolen or lessen the possibilities of it being taken? There are several things you can do to assist. Keep your boat hidden and undercover. Photograph your Hull Identification Number. This won’t stop a burglar from stealing your kayak, but it will aid in its recovery.
Lock it away! This will not prevent theft, but it will assist you and provide you with peace of mind if your kayak is taken. Don’t keep it on top of your vehicle for a long time, mainly if you reside in an area where auto theft is prevalent.
Don’t Let It Become Visible.
Some thieves are opportunistic, and seeing your kayak out in the open by itself may entice them to grab it. It’s better to store your boat out of sight and inside a garage or shed. If you’re unable to do so, covering it with a tarp may make it less visible.
Write down your Hull Identification Number.
It’s generally situated on the stern of your boat, although finding it might be difficult. For this reason, some criminals may try to get rid of the HIN. As a result, consider putting the number somewhere else on the craft where thieves won’t see it.
Always lock it locked up.
When your yak is on the top of your car, in the back of your truck, or on your trailer, it’s good to keep it secured. It will save you time on the road if you remember to lock it securely before starting your trip. Make sure to lock your yak whenever you leave it, regardless of where you’re going.
Out of Sight, Out Of Mind
Knowing how to lock a kayak is simply the first step in keeping your kayak from being stolen. When it comes to kayak theft, opportunistic burglars enjoy an easy target, and it’s up to you to make sure you’re not one of them.
One of the essential things you can do to keep your kayak secure from thieves is to keep it hidden. Designated storage space in the garage, cellar, or shed is best, but if you must keep it outdoors, at the very least, cover it with a tarp!
Make Sure It’s Insured
If you’ve invested a large amount of money in your kayak, having insurance might provide the extra peace of mind you need. It’s recommended to double-check your policy specifics before buying special protection for kayaks and canoes since some house insurance plans do cover them.
How to keep your kayak safe while camping
When you’re camping, the last thing you want is for someone to take your kayak. Using the techniques detailed on this page, you may attach your boat to a tree (either standing or fallen), a pier, a picnic table, and other structures. Use the scupper holes, drain plug, handles, or loop-type cable lock to tie your boat to a hefty, sturdy object.
Review Your Homeowner’s Policy and Consider Purchasing Kayak Insurance
The good news is that if you have a current homeowner’s insurance policy, your kayak and accessories may already be covered. The bad news is that certain plans are only applicable to watercraft in a specific price range.
If the cost of your kayak exceeds the policy’s set maximum, you should reconsider. A kayak or watercraft insurance coverage could be the best option for you. Some insurance will also cover your kayak’s accessories, such as fish finders and fishing poles.
Things To Look For When Purchasing A Kayak Lock
Lock with a key or a combination
It’s a matter of personal taste whether or not you need a lock for your kayak. A combination lock might be handier because you don’t have to worry about losing a key. With a key lock, you must remember to have the key with you. If you forget your combination number, it’s a good idea to write it down someplace secure, such as on your phone.
Length
The length of the locking system is an essential consideration since you must ensure that it fits around or through your kayak. The sizes of many locking cables or straps are mentioned instead of the breadth or length of the boat they’ll work on. Remember that if the straps wrap around your hull, you’ll want to account for the depth of your hull rather than just doubling the width of your yak.
Before utilizing a lock, double-check the diameter of the cable connecting to your boat. Some locks are meant for longer touring kayaks and may not be suited for small leisure boats. Although specific cables may be coiled numerous times around a rack or post, this may not be practicable in all circumstances.
Corrosion Resistance
Many locking cables contain a coating that helps to prevent corrosion. This may help keep the locking mechanism and the metal wires on your kayak from rusting. The layer may also help prevent scratches on your boat or car. Some locks come with a coating on the inside of the lock that might help maintain it in good operating condition.
Read more: How to use a kayak cart?
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you lock your kayak?
There are a variety of circumstances in which you will need to lock your kayak. Suppose you’re traveling and want to eat at a restaurant or stay the night. Even in densely populated locations, thieves may be audacious. When you’re not paying attention, you’d be shocked how fast a kayak may vanish.
Why is it necessary to lock your kayak?
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a cable lock to keep your belongings safe, but you should still lock them up. If a burglar wants your boat, they’ll figure out a method to acquire it, so why not make it challenging?
What’s the best way to lock your kayak to a roof rack or trailer? Consider installing a drain hole if you don’t have a simple method to loop a cable lock through your boat. You may also look at other solutions, such as utilizing the handles. Rope-style handles are pre-drilled holes in specific kayaks.
What Is Required to lock a Kayak?
To lock any kayak, all that is required is two anchor points, one on the kayak and the other permanent. The permanent anchor point must be an item that cannot be readily moved or damaged for the lock to be removed. The sort of kayak you have and where it is secured will determine this.
Kayaks with a seat on top will be the most practical and secure way to loop through a lock. The scupper holes allow water to drain from the kayak, but they also provide an excellent position for a locking wire. If you’re going to use scupper plugs, make sure you remove them beforehand and put them somewhere you won’t forget.
Final Thoughts
A kayak lock is an affordable solution to safeguard a costly purchase like a kayak. Locks can be broken, and if a thief wants something badly enough, they can obtain it. Although nothing can be guaranteed, taking precautions to preserve and secure your kayak is always good.
