I do have a rack inside. I am a metal fabricator so that stuff is never a problem.

Christian is spot on with regards to the Vikings. I have owned two for four years now and they cant be beat (imo). Sadly, i also have to have a shed for mine. (2 plus 2 a.i.s and 3 tarpons. ) Pitiful. cant go wrong with the Vikings though.

I'm a little envious of metal fabricators at times. I'm not good with metal, but I was a framer for many years so I built my rack out of pressure treated lumber and store them outside under UV resistant covers during the winter. Just throwing this out there because wood is easier for most of us.

And i can hardly cut a board straight. Hahaha.

Can you store 7� rods inside the reload?

No

Mike how do those Hobie covers protect against weather (rain, high winds and especially sun)? Nice garage!

Hey Christian how do you store your rods on the reload so you don�t break them if you turtle in the surf?

I use those rubber twist ties, the big ones. Use a few the length of the rods. That said, i dont do that unless i think its rough. I use the older man approach. I time my paddles so i chase the waves in, not the young man approach where the wave chases you in. The reload has the front bungies so rod tips go there one twist tie to the foot rest then one more from the molded handle the reload has, solid as a rock.

I do seem to eat it a few times a trip. Part of the fun!

Thanks Christian

I now know what you mean Christian. I bought a used 400 and took it out this past weekend. Teresa has a new Outback and I had to literally stop every 100 yards or so and let her catch up. I spent about 10 hours in it in 2 days and so far love it. Mine doesn't have a rudder but we were in winds blowing 15-20 and it did fine without one. It would help turning into the wind but I'm still not sure I'll add a rudder to it.

We have had one for about 5 years now and have no rudder. The toe control was difficult for me to use. I have a much easier time with the rudder on amandas trident 15 or my stealth fisha 500. Those are the only 2 kayaks we have equiped with rudder.

Sorry Jerry! Evidently I stopped following this thread and missed your question.

The cover appear to do well against the UV's. I haven't noticed anything sun spots so far.

They are stored in a protected area so they don't get a lot of wind. Saying this, they strap on pretty tight and I would not hesitate to use the covers in a direct thunderstorm storm type wind. In fact, the PA covers is rated to trailer (although I don't personally use it for transport)

Both covers will leak/seep if they are allowed to puddle. I solve this by creating a ridge pole out of the paddle (it spans from the seat to the front hatch) and a beach ball in the rear storage well. These steps create enough pitch and tension to eliminate pudding.