My s&g is going to be stored outside year round and I am wondering what, if anything, I should do about covering it. I am going to paint the boat but I assume that constant exposure to the elements is going to take it's toll no matter. Here is what I think (any advice or corrections are welcome)

1. The material should be waterproof or at least shed most water. I don't want to have to keep pulling off the cover to dry it out.
2. The material should be a light color to cut down on heat gain.
3. The cover should tie together (even if it is loose) so that it does not blow off in wind.
4. Summer is worse than winter because of rain, intense sun and temps.
5. Painted canvas is an option for material type and probably the cheapest.

The rack I made is simply a set of shelf brackets (heavy duty) with 2x4s bolted on them and carpet glued on. The brackets are mounted to two 4 x 4 posts which I use for my hammock (haven't used that nearly as much as I'd like this year). The kayak lays across the shelves on it's deck at the front and rear. I can store it on it's side too if that is preferred (I like the deck down myself).

I have an idea, it came from seeing some of the SOF projects going on. Maybe a cover would not have to totally enclose the boat. How about a very long skinny piece of material that drapes the hull and loosely laces across the bottom (deck). This could be put on after the kayak is sitting in it's rack and the laces drawn to.

Well that's where I'm at with that.

--Tony