Are you new to kayaking? Perhaps you are out to buy or even rent a kayak? If that is the case, one of the most important things to consider is how much weight your kayak can hold. This could mean the difference between performing excellently in water, barely staying afloat, or capsizing.
We will look at what that number every manufacturer puts on a kayak means and why you should consider more besides this value. In addition, we will also look at the different weight limits for the different types of kayaks. Finally, we will share some safety tips you should consider.
Let’s get started.
What Is Kayak Weight Capacity?
You have probably come across the terms weight limit, maximum weight capacity, or load limit in your search for your ideal kayak. These describe the same thing. In simple terms, it is a manufacturer’s rating of its kayak to tell consumers how much weight the kayak can hold and stay afloat. Keep in mind the words stay afloat, as we will come to that later on.
The kayak weight limit depends on the length of the hull, the width of the kayak, and the water displacement volume – determined by the hull shape. However, the rating is not standardized. Therefore, manufacturers can set whatever rating they see fit based on the factors above.
Common Misconceptions About a Kayak’s Maximum Weight Limit
There has often been a lot of confusion about this number, particularly with beginner kayak paddlers. A majority believe it is an indicator of the paddler’s weight, which is wrong! The value factors the paddler’s weight and any gear carried on board. For example, a 300lbs weight capacity does not mean it is suitable for a 300lbs paddler.
The second misconception by newbie paddlers is that the kayak can be used with ease, as long as the rider does not exceed this limit. Unfortunately, this is also not the case.
Remember the words ‘stay afloat’? In essence, this means you will not sink into the water. It, however, does not mean you can achieve the best performance from your kayak. And who doesn’t want to get the most out of their kayak?
This is why it is also crucial to consider the practical performance weight limit of the kayak based on the weight capacity chart.
What’s the Practical Performance Weight Limit?
There’s no fun in merely floating. As a kayaker, you want to comfortably paddle, move and maneuver, as you explore with your kayak. This becomes virtually impossible when you are close to the end limit of the kayak’s weight capacity. Here’s where the practical weight limit comes in.
So, for optimal performance on the water, keep your total load to about 60 to 70% of the indicated manufacturer’s weight capacity. Strive for less than 30 to 40% of the weight limit rating for best results. The total load includes the weight of the riders, paddles, and any other objects carried on board.
How To Calculate the Performance Weight Limit
Assuming you do not know the total load you can carry, you can use this formula to help you get started:
Performance Weight Limit = Maximum Weight Capacity x 70%
If a kayak has a weight limit of 400 pounds, then the performance weight limit should be 280 pounds. Therefore, your total load should be no more than 280 pounds for an enjoyable ride in your kayak. Once you have determined the practical weight limit, consider how much load you’ll have aboard. Add your weight, the weight of additional riders, and gear, including paddles.
For instance, if you weigh 250 pounds and will carry gear totaling roughly 25 pounds. Then you will have a total load of 275 pounds, which is slightly below the performance weight limit. In this example, an additional rider may affect how the kayak behaves in water, as you’ll have gone over the practical limit of 280 pounds.
Alternatively, if you want a more conservative estimate of what weight a kayak can hold, consider a total load of 50% of the listed weight capacity. Because let’s be honest, it can be hard to know how much gear you will carry all the time. As a beginner, you are less likely to bring along a lot of equipment at first, but as you get into the flow of things, you will carry more gear over time.
So, if we use the 400 pounds maximum weight limit example, you should have a practical weight limit of 200 pounds. This means having a paddler with a weight of about 175lbs with gear of about 25lbs.
Using the 50%, rather than the 70%, also allows you to have a better paddling experience, as the kayak sits better on the water, means more efficient paddling, and will help you remain drier.
How To Calculate the Maximum Weight Capacity
Use this if you can precisely determine your weight, the cargo weight, and other gear you will be taking with you during your trips.
Maximum Weight Limit = Total Load Requirement ÷ 70%
For instance, if you weigh 220 pounds and have 30 pounds of gear, your total load requirement is 250 pounds. So, whichever kayak you buy or rent should have at least a 358-pound weight capacity.
What Happens When You Overload a Kayak?
We know you might be thinking that giving up 30 to 40% of the maximum weight capacity seems like a lot. However, when you consider the alternative result of overloading or being squarely on the weight limit, you will see that it is worth the reduction.
One of the first things you will notice when you overload the kayak or come in at the maximum capacity is the kayak sits much lower in the water than it normally would. When this happens, it can only be a recipe for disaster. The kayak will start filling up with water and sinking the hull. The water adds some extra weight which could quicken sinking and, of course, put your safety in the water at risk.
Secondly, even if the kayak does not start taking in water, you will find it very hard to track, paddle, and steer.
Finally, the ‘yak may become unstable and pose a high risk of capsizing, thereby putting you and other paddlers onboard in an unsafe zone.
How Much Weight Can Different Types of Kayaks Hold?
Kayaks can be categorized based on style or the type of water paddling that takes place. If done based on style, then a kayak can either come as a sit-on-top or sit inside.
If grouped based on the type of waters, the kayak may be a flatwater or whitewater kayak. According to the American Kayak Association, there are five kinds of flat-water kayaks and four types of whitewater kayaks. Each one is built differently, for a different purpose, and of course, has varied weight capacity. It is important to note that these kayaks can come in either style.
We will take a look at a few flatwater kayaks and their weight limits. We’ll also consider the single and double kayak weight limits.
Sit-On-Top Kayak
A sit-on-top kayak or SOT is not your traditional kayak but offers some of the best stability as it’s wider than most. It is also easy to slip in and out of, making it excellent for newbie riders.
It has an open cockpit, with the seat, storage compartments, and foot braces molded into the deck. This openness makes it suitable for fishing, as all gear is easily accessible. In addition, its open design makes it excellent for warm weather.
Paddlers using this type of kayak can expect a wet experience because of the open cockpit design. It features strategically placed scupper holes, which help drain water from the cockpit and prevent the kayak from taking on extra weight.
These kayaks have an average maximum weight capacity between 350 and 400 pounds. This means they have a practical weight limit of 245 to 280 pounds.
Sit Inside Kayak
A sit-inside kayak has an enclosed cockpit. The lower half of the paddler’s body stays under the cockpit. A paddler has the option of wearing a spray skirt so that the whole cockpit becomes waterproof. Unlike the sit-on-top version, the sit-inside kayak keeps the paddler dry and warm. It also offers better control and stability than a sit-on-top kayak.
This type of kayak has a slightly lower weight capacity than its counterpart, coming at about 300 pounds, resulting in a practical weight limit of 210 pounds.
Recreational Kayak
The recreational kayak is designed for casual, short one-day paddling excursions on lakes and slow-moving rivers. Unlike sit-on-top kayaks, you will remain dry during your trip, as it has a closed cockpit. Because of this, you can comfortably use it in summer and winter.
This type of kayak has the lowest limit of the kayaks featured here. Typically, you will get an average weight capacity of 250 to 300 pounds, which gives a practical weight limit of 175 to 210 pounds.
Touring Kayak
The touring kayak has a long, and distinctively slim body, which makes it unstable. If you roll over in your kayak, you can use the thigh braces in the cockpit to help you return to an upright position. Therefore, it is unsuitable for inexperienced paddlers.
However, its long and narrow beam helps it move fast and exceptionally straight in the water. It also makes it ideal for long-distance trips over open waters. It tends to have a smaller cockpit than other types.
Even though it can glide well on water, the touring kayak doesn’t maneuver effectively with just a paddle. So, to help steer, most come with a rudder.
Its average weight capacity is 350 pounds, which means a practical weight limit of 245 pounds. On some rare occasions, you can find one or two touring kayak models with a weight capacity of 450 pounds.
Inflatable Kayak
Like other inflatable watercraft, this type of kayak is inflated before use and deflated during storage. It’s best suited for beginner kayakers, as it’s lightweight, offers more stability, and can carry on more weight.
Many inflatable kayaks have an average weight capacity of over 400 pounds, which means a practical weight limit of over 280 pounds. More sophisticated ‘yaks can hold a mind-boggling maximum weight limit of up to 750 pounds or a 525 pounds practical weight limit.
Tandem Kayaks
Also known as double kayaks, the tandem kayaks are designed for two paddlers. They are longer and wider than regular solo paddler kayaks and are suitable for recreational and medium to long-distance trips.
These two-person kayaks have a weight limit between 500 and 600 pounds. So they have a performance weight limit of between 350 and 420 pounds.
Safety Tips When It Comes to Kayak Weight Limits
Here are some safety tips you should consider before and during your trips on the water.
Consider the Weight Limits
As we have mentioned above, you must consider your craft’s weight capacity and practical performance weight limit before packing any extra gear or carrying extra passengers on board. This will ensure anyone aboard stays safe and gets the best results from the kayak while on the water.
Some manufacturers indicate both limits, so you can also be on the lookout for that.
Effectively Distribute Weight
It helps to distribute weight on your solo or tandem kayak. To achieve this, you need to know what kayak parts can take on more or less load.
For example, for a two-person kayak, the back area of the ‘yak can withstand more weight than the front. So it is wise to place more gear or have a heavy-set paddler at the back. Lighter paddlers should sit at the front.
As a side note, for better control of the kayak, a more experienced paddler should sit at the stern. Non-paddling riders should sit at the front. Solo paddlers should sit in the middle for the best control.
Final Thoughts
There’s no escaping the weight capacity limit of your kayak if safety and performance are valuable to you.
We hope you can now determine what weight your kayak can hold or what weight limit you should consider. Generally, kayaks with a higher kayak weight limit cost more, but you can get a decent one for most budgets.
Let us know if the information was of great help to you in the comment section.
