So, the days are getting shorter and colder. I'm not ready to hang up the canoe yet but was wondering, is it ok to suspend my 12' Raddison canoe by running rope through the handles at each end and suspending it horizontally near the ceiling in the garage? Or will months of hanging like that be bad for it? It just seems like the best way to not take up limited floor space in the garage.

Thanks in advance,

mikeg

I'm not sure I'd hang it from the handles - that's a lot of bending moment on that thin aluminum hull.  If you want to hang it, consider supporting it more towards the center of the boat. Better yet, you could build a cradle for it and have the supporting ropes/chains attached to the cradle.

 

Another option - you can store it on it's side and it doesn't take up much room....

 

Divide the length by three, and support it at each end of the middle section.  If the canoe is fifteen feet long, support it at five feet from each end.  Then you need to decide, do you want it right side up, or upside down. 

 

The advantage of right side up is you can store light gear such as PFDs, cushions, paddles, etc., in the canoe.  Store it upside down and you won't have to worry about critters using it for their winter home.