I've got heat light & all my tools in the basement.
I'd have to re-arrange practically everything to put a 17' kayak together down there AND definitely be cramped for walk around space - but it could be done. The other alternate is the garage - which can get pretty nippy in NJ and while my car would be sacrificed outside the wife wants hers inside. Images of a snow covered vehicle in the same space as my (to be!) nurtured kayak has a few alarm bells ringing.

Advice on the pros & cons of garage v basement would be appreciated.

Chas