Toy Transport: Mounts and Racks to Secure Boards, Bikes and Skis on a Boat

For boating enthusiasts who love wakeboarding, paddleboarding and waterskiing, having a reliable rack system is essential. A good rack helps keep your gear organized, prevents damage and frees up valuable deck space, ensuring a safe and clutter-free ride. Racks are available for everything from a cuddy cabin and a sport fishing boat to a ski boat, a deck boat or a pontoon boat. They even make wakeboard mounts for jet skis.

Whether you’re looking for a simple storage solution or a high-end swivel-mounted rack, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. We’ve also included bicycle storage racks for those who may be cruising the ICW on a Great Loop excursion, traveling from Florida to the Bahamas by boat or visiting other areas from a private boat slip rental or marina.

Benefits of Boat-Mounted Racks

• Damage protection for the board, bike or skis
• Safety for passengers
• Convenient transporting from the dock to the water
• Space-saving for a clutter-free boat deck
• Convenient to use for transport (bicycles) when you get to where you’re going 

Types of Wakeboard and Waterski Racks

1. Fixed Racks

Fixed racks are mounted to the boat’s wake tower or rails and provide a sturdy and stationary storage solution. These racks are great for those who want a simple, budget-friendly option. However, since they don’t move, they may require some maneuvering to load and unload boards.

2. Swivel Racks

Swivel racks offer the convenience of rotating toward the boat, making it much easier to grab or store your wakeboard, paddleboard or skis. They help prevent unnecessary strain and are particularly useful for boats with higher towers. Many high-end models come with locking mechanisms to secure the boards in place.

3. Over-the-Top Racks

These racks mount on the top of a boat tower, keeping wakeboards and water skis completely out of the way. This option is great for maximizing deck space but can be harder to access or put away at a private boat dock for rent.

4. Clamp-On Racks

Clamp-on racks attach directly to a boat’s tower or rails using adjustable clamps. These are ideal for boats that don’t have pre-drilled mounting points and offer a flexible installation process.

5. Bimini-Top Racks

For boats with a Bimini top, specialized racks can be attached to hold wakeboards and water skis without interfering with shade or headroom. These racks are perfect for keeping equipment secure while preserving sun protection.

Key Features to Consider

Material and Durability

Most racks are made from marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel, ensuring durability in harsh water environments. Look for corrosion-resistant coatings to extend the lifespan of your rack.   

Padding and Grip Protection

Quality racks come with rubberized or foam padding to prevent scratches and damage to your wakeboard or skis. Non-slip grips help keep your gear secure in choppy water.

Mounting Compatibility

Ensure the rack is compatible with your boat’s tower, rail or Bimini top. Many racks come with adjustable mounts to fit various boat designs.

Capacity and Storage

Some racks hold just one board, while others can store multiple wakeboards and skis at once. If you have a large crew or multiple riders, opt for a double or triple-capacity rack.

Ease of Use

Swivel or quick-release racks make it easier to load and unload boards, reducing hassle and potential damage to gear when mounting or removing at the private boat lift for rent or marina.

Top Brands

• Monster Tower – Durable waterski and wakeboard racks with various mounting options
• Roswell Marine – Known for premium swivel racks with sleek designs
• Samson Sports – Heavy-duty wakeboard and waterski racks with excellent grip
• Big Air Wake Towers – Affordable yet sturdy options for boats of all sizes
• Manta Racks - Wakeboard and waterski storage racks
• Sea Doo - Easy onboard storage for wakeboard transport via personal watercraft

Types of Bicycle Storage Racks for Boats

Boat bicycle racks are an excellent way to store a folding bike or non-folding bike to pedal around town, explore Ohio’s Lake Erie islands or California’s Channel Islands or get to a dock and dine restaurant from a marina or private boat slip rental. Some of the same types of racks used to mount a bike on a car can be used on a boat.

1. Rail-Mounted Bike Racks

Rail-mounted racks attach to the boat’s stern or side rails, securing the bike off the deck. They’re great for sailboats and powerboats with sturdy railings. Some models allow you to store bikes vertically to save space.

2. Davit-Mounted Bike Racks

For boats with davits (used for lifting dinghies), a davit-mounted rack allows you to hang the bike securely above the deck. This is a great option for larger boats with dinghy davits already installed.

3. Deck-Mounted Bike Racks

These racks bolt or clamp onto the deck to provide a sturdy and stable solution. Some are designed to be foldable, which allows for easy storage when not in use.

4. Transom-Mounted Bike Racks

Mounted to the transom (the back of the boat), these racks keep bikes out of the way while ensuring easy access. They work well for boats with a swim platform.

5. Storage Bag Racks

Some boaters prefer to store bikes in heavy-duty waterproof storage bags, which can be strapped to the deck, railings or dinghy. While not a traditional rack, this method helps protect bikes from saltwater exposure.

Key Features to Consider

Material and Durability

Look for marine-grade stainless steel or aluminum racks to prevent rust and corrosion in salty environments on the water or at a private boat dock for rent. 

Bike Capacity

Some racks hold a single bike, while others accommodate multiple bikes. Consider how many bikes you need to transport.

Adjustability

An adjustable rack that can fit different bike sizes and frame styles is more versatile.

Protection from Saltwater

If your boat is in saltwater, ensure the rack has corrosion-resistant coatings and that your bike is stored away from direct spray.

Ease of Installation and Removal

Some racks are permanent, while others are designed for easy removal when not in use. Quick-release mounting systems can be useful for temporary setups and quick take-downs at the marina or private boat slips for rent.

Top Brands and Products

• SeaSucker Bike Rack – Uses vacuum mounts for an easy, damage-free installation
• CycleGrip - Convenient and easy-to-install storage for bikes on a boat
• DIY and Custom Rail-Mounted Racks – Many boaters opt to do it themselves or go with custom solutions from marine fabricators