Water toys onboard storage: kayaks, paddleboards, e-foils

Water toys on a yacht need dedicated storage and handling that most builders don't design for. Options: (1) FLYBRIDGE OR HARDTOP RACKS: aluminum or stainless racks mounted above the flybridge for kayaks and paddleboards. Rated by static load, check the manufacturer spec, most flybridges tolerate 200-400 lb concentrated aft, less forward. Rack rules: pad every contact point with closed-cell foam (marine EVA), never use exposed hardware that will scratch gelcoat, use quick-release straps rated for the weight. (2) TENDER GARAGE OR LAZARETTE: internal storage keeps toys UV-protected and dry. Ventilation matters, a wet kayak in a sealed lazarette molds in a week. Add a small 12V fan on a hygrostat. (3) SIDE HULL RACKS on some catamarans and expedition yachts. Same padding and strap rules. Specific toys: (a) INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARDS: deflate and roll for storage, never store wet (mold), rinse and dry before rolling. Repair kit (glue + patch) should live with the board. (b) HARD PADDLEBOARDS: fiberglass or foam-core, must be padded on the rack, hate concentrated point loads (crush the foam), UV-degrade the deck pad in 2-3 seasons of tropical use. (c) KAYAKS: rotomolded polyethylene handles abuse but UV-degrades and warps at temperatures above 130F, never leave on a black deck in direct sun in a hot climate. (d) E-FOILS (Lift, Fliteboard, Waydoo): expensive, battery is the fragile part. Store below 90F, never fully charge or fully discharge for storage (50-70 percent is the safe zone). Rinse the fuselage and mast with fresh water after every use, salt corrodes the electronics compartment seal. Battery life: 2-3 years typical, replacement runs $1500-3000 depending on model.