Stand up paddle boarding is a fantastic sport that can be practiced almost anywhere. Installing a SUP rack system on your boat allows you can take your SUP board out with you and explore out-of-reach places while enjoying everything paddle boarding has to offer.
Like deciding on any major purchase, choosing a boat rack system can be a difficult one to make.
There are many paddle board racks on the market, and to make your decision easier, we’ve narrowed down our top 4 SUP boat storage rack systems that’ll get you and your board out on the water.
The Krypt Towers SUP rack has a simple design that can comfortably hold 2 paddle boards on the side rails of your boat.
It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum that can withstand both fresh and saltwater. The rack is then covered with an EVA foam lining to protect your paddle boards from dents and dings while stored in the rack. Bungees on both arms will also secure the boards down and prevent them from moving.
The Krypt Towers SUP rack system includes the rail mount, crossbar railings, and 4 x 360 degree swivel clamps.
It is important to note that the Krypt Towers rack system only fits around round tubing with clamp sizes of 0.875”, 1”, and 1.25”.
The Magma boat storage rack is one of the most popular SUP boat racks on the market.
It is made from mirror-polished stainless-steel construction with accompanying stainless-steel brackets.
The rack arms are extremely strong, and can also be adjusted to fit larger water toys and kayaks.
The rack can fit straight, tapered, vertical, or diagonal rails from 22mm to 38mm in diameter and folds flat against the rails when not in use.
The Brocraft SUP Board Rack has a minimal design and is our list’s most affordable boat rack.
It is made of strong aluminum and holds only a single paddle board. The arms are covered with an EVA protective foam to keep your board safe and secure while transporting it on your boat.
You can use this rack on 22mm - 38mm round railings or 32mm square railings, and its rotating clamps allow for mounting on straight or angled stanchions.
The SurfStow Transport SUPRax 50050-2 is the last rack on our list and is made from anodized aluminum alloy that can hold a single board.
The arms are layered with EVA foam padding, and they feature heavy-duty shock cords to keep the board in place during transit.
The rack is able to fit rails 22mm to 32mm, and the rotating clamps mean the rack can be mounted on angled or straight rails.
There will be times that you want to take your paddle board to hard-to-reach places or simply have a paddle when you go out on a boat trip.
Although you can just place your board on your boat, boat racks offer a more convenient way to transport your paddle board while you head out for a day on the water.
Using a boat rack allows you to place the board out of the way and free up valuable deck space.
Whether you’re on a solo trip or with family and friends, having deck space will help your boat feel less cluttered and more streamlined on the water.
One of the best reasons to strap your SUP to your boat is because your SUP can reach places that larger boats can’t.
A SUP can easily explore smaller sections of water in hard-to-reach locations, so you won’t be missing out on incredible views and experiences.
Depending on your boat and rack type, your board could be conveniently placed on the side of the boat and can easily be lowered into the water instead of having to haul it over the side.
Keeping your SUP in a rack will prevent damage from happening to its deck.
If your board is lying on your boat deck, it can move around in transit or bang into objects that could ding or scratch it.
Your paddle board is an expensive piece of gear, and you want to make sure it’s safe and secure while in its rack.
You need to consider a few different factors when purchasing your boat rack system to ensure it is a good investment and can withstand the outdoor elements.
If you have a pontoon boat, the railings will be square, and you’ll need clamps of a square configuration to attach to the boat properly.
If your boat has rounded rails, the clamps will need to be of a rounded configuration.
It’s vital to double-check your rails and the product description to ensure you’re getting the right clamps for your specific boat.
The first thing you need to do before purchasing a rack is to measure your SUP.
Some boat racks will only hold paddle boards of certain sizes, so it’s a good idea to take all measurements and check them against the racks manufacturer’s specifications.
The number of boards you’ll be transporting at any one time will influence which type of boat rack you’ll need to purchase.
There are racks designed for both one or two boards, and it may be beneficial to purchase a rack that can hold two in case you gain another board along the way or if a friend wants to bring theirs along.
In the long run, it will be more cost effective to buy a dual board rack first, instead of purchasing a single and needing to upgrade to a double in the future.
Your boat rack will be exposed to the outdoor elements and therefore needs to be made of corrosion-resistant materials.
Stainless, galvanized steel, and aluminum, are great material options for boat racks as they take an extremely long time to rust.
If you plan on using your boat in saltwater, opting for a steel rack will be better than aluminum because it has higher corrosion resistance and will require less maintenance.
As with all bits of equipment, a boat rack is a large purchase that needs careful thought.
If you can’t yet afford the quality board rack you want, it would be better to wait instead of settling for a cheap rack that could break or cause damage to your board.
There are paddle board racks for cars, walls, ceilings, and boats, and they can easily be confused!
When doing your research, make sure you’re specifically looking for a boat mount rack and pay close attention to the product’s description.
Side mounts are the most convenient type of mount as they require less lifting and make it easier to get your board in and out of the water.
You can carry a paddle board on a boat by either placing it on the deck of your boat or using a boat rack system.
There are a few problems with simply placing your board on the deck of your boat, such as taking up most of the limited deck space and the risk of the board moving and damaging during transit.
The safest and most secure way of carrying a paddle board on a boat is by installing a mounted SUP rack that’ll keep your board away from any objects that could damage it and also give you as much space on board as possible.
You don’t need a boat rack for a paddle board, but it is highly recommended to use one to prevent your board from getting damaged by objects on the deck of the boat.
Using a boat rack will also keep your board out of the way and give you as much space as possible on your boat deck.
The easiest way to carry a SUP is to first place the board on its side on a padded surface, like grass, to prevent pressure indents from rocks or other debris.
Next, place your dominant arm over the board and grab the center carry handle. The board should now be between your leg and your arm.
Finally, bend your knees and hoist your board up, so it fits securely under your armpit.
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