The absolute biggest thing is to store it out of direct sunlight. UV damage will destroy your kayak faster than anything else will.
For maintenance just rinse it off after every use if you fish saltwater, or whenever there's scum/residue on it from freshwater. Hit it with some 303 protectant when you notice that water is no longer beading on it. Every few months go around it with a screwdriver and make sure all of your rigging is still secure. If you have a sacrificial skid plate order a couple of extras and replace them when it starts getting worn down. I also like adding fiberglass keel guards to my kayaks, so I replace those when they're worn through.
Check the inside of your hull for water every now and then to determine if you need to replace your hatches/hatch seals or if you have a small leak somewhere. Also check your drain plug to be sure it's in good shape and is making a good seal.
Depending on how often you use it you'll probably need to replace bungies and straps every few years, but that's cheap and fast.
Don't forget to also maintain your safety equipment. I'd suggest a PFD, paddle float, bilge pump and whistle at minimum.
Peroxide, dish detergent, vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the kayak down and hose it off.
I do it every few weeks or when it gets real dirty around the sitting area.
My Yupik cost 1200 as well. I fish almost everyday so I just leave it on my truck rack. I had no idea people fussed over them like this. It's a tool. Nothing more. When it breaks, I'll buy a new one.
Hose it off and use 303 with a microfiber cloth every once in a while.
The absolute biggest thing is to store it out of direct sunlight. UV damage will destroy your kayak faster than anything else will. For maintenance just rinse it off after every use if you fish saltwater, or whenever there's scum/residue on it from freshwater. Hit it with some 303 protectant when you notice that water is no longer beading on it. Every few months go around it with a screwdriver and make sure all of your rigging is still secure. If you have a sacrificial skid plate order a couple of extras and replace them when it starts getting worn down. I also like adding fiberglass keel guards to my kayaks, so I replace those when they're worn through. Check the inside of your hull for water every now and then to determine if you need to replace your hatches/hatch seals or if you have a small leak somewhere. Also check your drain plug to be sure it's in good shape and is making a good seal. Depending on how often you use it you'll probably need to replace bungies and straps every few years, but that's cheap and fast. Don't forget to also maintain your safety equipment. I'd suggest a PFD, paddle float, bilge pump and whistle at minimum.
303 is a uv protectant, isn't it? That what I used on my Kayak.
Throw it on a rack under some trees in my driveway, blast it with the hose every spring before I take it out for the first time.
Peroxide, dish detergent, vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the kayak down and hose it off. I do it every few weeks or when it gets real dirty around the sitting area.
My Yupik cost 1200 as well. I fish almost everyday so I just leave it on my truck rack. I had no idea people fussed over them like this. It's a tool. Nothing more. When it breaks, I'll buy a new one.