Can you store the kayak in water at a dock?

I've got problems with my joints and find that for me, the hard part of kayaking is getting it to the water and getting it home. I recently found a nice place on a lake that i could keep it docked but it would have to be in the water.

Is this a viable long term storage solution?

What are the weather conditions, as in temp. And will it be stored in direct sunlight all the time? Good luck with this solution.

its in the pacific northwest at american lake (near puget sound), so the temperature doesnt get too extreme. Highs are usually mid 40's in winter to 80's in summer, and a few times a year it will go down to 20-30 and up to 100.

It would be out in the sun so i would have to get a cover for it.

My primary concern is water getting in the kayak causing it to sink and possible degradation of the plastic through constant exposure to the water.

There are rental kayaks stored on the lake here. The sun accelerates fading and deterioration of soft materials (seats, bungees). Over time marine life attaches to the hull (slime, algae, etc) which degrades the performance of the boats. You would also need to check for water intrusion from rain, etc. before using. All and all I wouldn't recommend it unless there was no reasonable alternative and you were willing to inspect the boat carefully before each use.

If you had a way to store it off the water, covered, that would be much better -- or perhaps on a rack behind a building (cabled for security). It would be easy to wheel to the water without lifting the entire boat. Even with a nominal fee, you would probably come out ahead in the long run. There are marinas in this area that have racks and/or stand-up storage available for those who want to keep their boats at the water. You might check with the owner about the possibilities. If not, what about a dockside cradle for easy mounting, dismounting and sliding it out of the water? Here are some ideas:
http://www.kayakcradle.com/products.php
http://www.kayakdock.com/
http://www.ezdocktexas.com/floating-doc ... craft.html
http://www.ezdocktexas.com/floating-doc ... docks.html

What model do you have, I have a brand new Tandem Island cover for sale.

_________________
It's a good Life, Let's sail!

iHop

Dune TI - 6/4/2011
Camas, WA