Can A 14-Foot Kayak And Trailer Fit In My Garage?
If you’re a kayak fisherman like me, you know that storing your kayak and trailer in the garage is a great way to save money. But can an ordinary garage accommodate a 14-foot kayak and trailer? In a word, yes!
You don’t need an oversized garage with extra storage space to store your kayak and trailer. With some creativity and planning, you can easily fit everything in an ordinary garage.
Here are some tips on how to make it work. Keep reading for my tips on how to make this work for you!
Why I Wanted To Store My Kayak In My Garage
I decided to store my kayak in my garage first because I wanted to save money. A boat self-storage is fine if you’re only storing your kayak for a short time, but the costs can add up if you want to keep your kayak stored long-term. I could avoid those costs by keeping my kayak in my garage.
One of the main reasons I wanted to store my kayak in my garage was to protect it from the elements. Wet weather and exposure to sunlight can damage your kayak over time, so keeping it stored indoors is an excellent way to prolong its lifespan.
Additionally, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions (like hurricanes or tornadoes), storing your kayak in your garage will help ensure that it doesn’t get damaged during a storm.
Another reason to store your kayak in your garage is to save your trailer’s tires from rotting. If you leave your trailer outdoors, the wet weather and grass or mud can cause the tires to deteriorate over time. This can be a costly repair, so it’s best to avoid it. Plus, if you store your kayak and trailer in your garage, you won’t have to worry about them being stolen or damaged by vandals.
Finally, keeping your kayak in your garage allows you to work on improvements and accessories indoors. If you want to add new fishing gear or make repairs, you can do so without worrying about the weather conditions outside. Plus, you’ll have all the tools and supplies right at your fingertips!
1. Measure The Size Of Your Garage
You first need to grab a tape measure and measure the size of your garage. This includes front to back on one side of the garage. Then, measure the width of one side of the garage, allowing for a walkway between the trailer and your car on the other side.
Make sure to allow for room to get to the door to the inside of your house. Leave enough room for the garage door to close easily. Also, account for bicycles and other kayaks hung from the garage ceiling.
Consider the length allowed if you store the trailer at a slight angle diagonally. Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should know how much space you have for kayak storage in your garage. Just remember to leave some extra room for maneuvering around inside your garage.
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2. If You Need More Space, Consider What You Can Do To Make More Room
Now that you know the size of your garage, it’s time to start making some room! One way to do this is by rearranging your shelving. If you have shelves full of stuff, try taking some out and seeing if you can store them elsewhere.
Another way to create more room is by moving bulky items like garbage cans out of the way.And finally, remember the power of decluttering! Sometimes all it takes is getting rid of some old stuff you don’t need anymore to free up some much-needed space.
This opportunity provided the perfect chance for me to do some much-needed Spring cleaning and finally organize the garage. This allowed me to get rid of old college boxes and other random items we no longer have any use for.
3. Calculate The Height, Width, And Length Of The Kayak And Trailer
Calculate the height, width, and length of the kayak. You can do this by measuring the length of the hull from end to end, the width of the hull at its widest point, and the height of the hull at its highest point. I found the dimensions for my Hobie Pro Angler 14 to be 13 feet 8 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 20 inches tall.
Use the kayak dimensions to research the combined length of a kayak on the trailer. The best way to do this is to call the trailer manufacturer or check their website for estimates by kayak length.
I talked with a Trailex sales rep that helped me calculate the combined size of the Trailex SUT 220 trailer I intended to buy and the Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayak. The assembled trailer is 15 feet 2 inches with a width of 53 inches. It accommodates a 17-foot kayak (which would not fit in my garage).
The representative told me that the combined length of my kayak and trailer is 17 feet 2 inches. It can be tricky to estimate because the kayak is offset on the trailer with the most weight over the axle. To be safe, I added an extra foot to these measurements to be sure you have enough space to store my kayak and trailer comfortably.
4. Compare The Measurements Of The Kayak And Trailer To See If They Will Fit In Your Garage
Most garages are approximately 20-24 feet in length. If your garage is 20 feet long, you have two remaining feet to work with. My trailer needs about 20′ 6″ of space if angled slightly diagonally.
Generally, garages are 10-12 feet wide. If your garage is of average size, you should have four extra feet to work with. This was perfect for me; my kayak and trailer combo only took up 6’4″, leaving enough space to walk between my car and the kayak without feeling cramped.
The average garage is 8-10 feet high, giving you an extra 2 feet to work with if your garage is only 8 feet tall. This space is generally Enough for most kayaks and trailers – my trailer combo sits at 48″ tall once the kayak seat is folded down, for example.
5. Buy The Kayak And Trailer That Will Fit In Your Garage
Now it’s time for the fun stuff! You did all the research and, took measurements of your garage, estimated the dimensions needed for the kayak and trailer you wanted to buy. Now it’s time to purchase those items so you can get out on the water!
Conclusion
Before buying a kayak and trailer, you need to make sure it will fit in your garage – otherwise, what’s the point? A 14-foot kayak WILL fit in an ordinary garage with some careful planning.
This article provides the steps to determine whether your garage can accommodate your new purchase. If you follow these directions, you’ll be able to buy with confidence, knowing that everything will fit perfectly.
Comment below and let me know your experiences!
