How to Store Paddleboards and Kayaks Off-Season with the Stow & Go and Ramp Rack

September 12, 2025

Learning how to store your paddleboards, tubes, floats, and kayaks in the off-season determines whether the first warm day brings dock clutter or a seamless first launch into fresh waters. Skip storage headaches with LakeEze’s engineered first-to-market accessories—the patented Stow & Go and Ramp Rack—built to help you create a streamlined setup that keeps your dock clear in winter and effortless in spring. This guide explains how to set up both systems, providing simple placement, operation, and maintenance tips to ensure your gear stays elevated above the waterline, organized, and launch-ready.

Off-Season Kayak Storage and Launch with the Stow & Go

The LakeEze Stow & Go is a patented, above-the-waterline storage and launch system designed to solve the top three challenges of kayak storage: keeping rain out of cockpits, eliminating awkward heavy lifts, and adapting to the ever-changing waterlines. Its angled cradle keeps your kayak elevated and tilted to shed rain, while the integrated winch makes lowering and lifting simple, controlled, and strain-free. Crafted from marine-grade aluminum with stainless steel hardware and durable brass nuts, every component resists rust for lasting reliability through the seasons.

How Do I Store My Kayak or Canoe Properly with the Stow & Go?

Start by viewing our Stow & Go Assembly Guide, following each step carefully, and confirming that all fasteners and safety checks are in place before first use.

Choose Your Mounting Location. Decide where along your dock the Stow & Go will best suit your launch routine—typically near your preferred entry point to the water. Ensure there is unobstructed space for both operating the winch and safe boarding. Refer to the assembly guide for dock frame compatibility and orientation (landward or lakeward) options.
Adjust Step/Cradle Height. Use the pre-drilled holes to set your step height, fine-tuning as needed to match changing water levels. This ensures safe, ergonomic boarding angles while cradling your kayak or paddleboard at the perfect level for you.
Lower with Control. Operate the winch to gently bring the angled cradle down to water level, keeping hands clear of pinch points and bystanders safely clear of the lift path.
Balance and Center. With the cradle at loading height, position your kayak or canoe so it’s fully supported in the hoop, with the bow facing the closed loop for optimal stability.
Winch to Store. Use steady, even motion on the winch to raise the loaded cradle, lifting your craft out of the water and into a secure, angled storage position—naturally shedding rain and protecting your cockpit.
Secure and Protect. Before leaving your dock, make sure the built-in Fidlock system is securely latched and fastened to keep your boat safely stowed. Additional ropes or cables are not necessary and should be avoided. If you want extra security, you can add a bicycle lock through the boat and Stow & Go frame.

Watch It In Action: View our operational video here for a quick demo of the Stow & Go in use.

How Do I Know My Kayak or Canoe Will Fit?

The LakeEze Stow & Go supports kayaks, canoes, or SUPs up to 36 inches wide, 17.75 inches tall, and up to 300 pounds. The 21.5 x 12-inch step drops 18 inches below your dock in 1.5-inch increments, so you can always align your footing with the current waterline for safe, confident access. Still have questions about kayak models, dock compatibility, or installation steps? Find answers in the LakeEze FAQ or reach out to us for assistance.

What Seasonal Maintenance Tips Should I Know for the Stow & Go?

When not in use, always secure the Stow & Go in the upright (“stow”) position above the water. This prevents the buildup of algae, barnacles, and dirt on both the system and your watercraft, and helps avoid rainwater accumulation inside your kayak or canoe. For added corrosion protection in brackish environments, use the LakeEze Universal Zinc/Saltwater Add-On Kit.

How to Store Paddleboards Off-Season with the Ramp Rack

The Ramp Rack is a purpose-built, over-the-ramp storage rack that transforms unused ramp rail space into a dedicated, clutter‑free staging area for paddleboards, kayaks, tubes, floats, and more. Its two-hook design installs quickly and rests securely against the edge of your ramp frame, keeping your gear positioned waterside for clear, unobstructed foot traffic on the ramp. Built with rust-resistant aluminum and stainless hardware, it delivers multi-season reliability, and with its non-permanent design, you can easily move or reposition it as your needs change.

How Do I Use My Ramp Rack as Storage for Paddleboards During the Off-Season?

The first step to getting started with your Ramp Rack is the assembly process. View our Assembly Guide here, follow the steps, and confirm that all fasteners are tight.

Mounting. Place both hooks fully over your ramp handrail so that the Ramp Rack rests securely against the frame of your ramp. Confirm that you can store your paddleboards and float-devices without any lateral movement, and that loading and unloading go smoothly.
Position For Access. Hang the Ramp Rack where you naturally stage for launch.
Load Centered. Place boards and other water toys centered in the rack’s U-Hook to evenly distribute weight.
Secure When Unattended. Loop a bicycle or cable lock through the board handle(s) and the rack frame when leaving unattended.

Watch It In Action: View our featured video here of the Ramp Rack in position.

How Do I Know That My Board Will Fit?

The LakeEze Ramp Rack is 35 inches wide and hangs 39.125 inches down from the rail—bringing grab handles within easy, comfortable reach. Its U‑Hook features a 17.25‑inch inside opening; if your paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or floating pad fits within that space at the contact point, it will store securely. Designed for real‑world use, the Ramp Rack has a total capacity of up to 350 lb. Have a specific question about sizing, installation, or features? Check the LakeEze FAQ for more answers.

What Does Seasonal Maintenance Look Like For the Ramp Rack?

The Ramp Rack is engineered for marine environments with aluminum, stainless hardware, and brass nuts—all rust‑resistant when used correctly. If using in a saltwater environment, remove the rack from water when not in use, and use a fresh water rinse after exposure. If using through winter, perform checks after rainfall to remove water, as the freeze-thaw cycle can warp or bend the aluminum if water seeps into any of the small openings. Recheck fasteners periodically, especially after wind events, and for extreme weather, consider temporarily relocating them to a protected spot and rehang when conditions clear. If you’re concerned about off-season freezing temperatures or security, you can always remove and store the Ramp Rack until you’re ready to use it again.

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Off-Season Storage - Outfit Your Dock with our Stow & Go and Ramp Rack Today

Traditional storage solutions often lead to cluttered walkways, unsafe stacking, and preventable equipment damage. LakeEze products are designed to solve these issues at their source: by elevating gear above the waterline, staging it for spring, and keeping pathways clear and accessible. With the Stow & Go and Ramp Rack, your kayaks and paddleboards are protected and prepped for adventure, so launch day is only about enjoying the water—not untangling last season’s clutter.