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Most people don’t know that the weight limit for a kayak that the manufacturer recommends isn’t actually how much weight it can hold.
Even if you come in five pounds under that max weight limit, your kayak isn’t going to move as it should. It will sink a little lower in the water, making it really hard to maneuver.
That isn’t enjoyable for anyone and it can make kayaking a bad experience- especially if it’s your first time. It can feel awkward and embarrassing if you’re with a group of people when you can’t keep up-but having the right kind of kayak will prevent that.
So, what is the weight limit for a kayak?
The average weight capacity for a kayak is 250 pounds for a recreational kayak, 350-400 pounds for fishing kayaks, touring kayaks, and sit-on-top kayaks, and 500-600 pounds for a tandem kayak. Factors like whether it’s hard-shell or inflatable, the types of materials used, and the dimensions of the ‘yak all affect its maximum weight capacity.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the average weight limit for a kayak, as well as which features affect the weight limit. I’ll also try to answer some FAQs about kayak weight limits, including why getting too close to the manufacturer’s weight limit on a kayak isn’t the best idea.
How Much Weight Can a Kayak Hold on Average?
If you look at the total weight capacities of all the different kinds of kayaks there are out there, a kayak holds a weight of anywhere from 250-600 pounds. That’s a really big weight range though, so we’re going to look at each type of kayak a little closer below. Before we get to that, here’s a quick example of different types of kayaks and their maximum weight limit.
That’s just a quick overview and if weight capacity is important to you check out our full list of kayaks with at least a 400-pound weight capacity.
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are designed for the adventurous kayaker rather than the relaxing kayaker. Most of them are designed shorter and narrower than other kayaks because people use them to ride down the rapids of rivers, streams, and other fast-moving bodies of water.
With their narrower design, recreational kayaks move side-to-side easier and don’t sit flat on top of the water. This is beneficial when you’re moving downstream, but it’s not so beneficial for people with higher limits. While there are a few models that have a higher weight capacity, most recreational kayaks don’t support more than 250-300 pounds.
Fishing and Touring Kayaks
Fishing and touring kayaks are pretty similar in the fact that they are both designed with bigger dimensions. While some are rated for handling Class III or IV rapids, most are better for using while paddling across the lake or other bodies of water when the wind isn’t so bad.
Fishing kayaks are big to hold lots of gear while touring kayaks can be used for multi-day expeditions or camping. I’ve grouped them together because they have similar dimensions and really only differ in the extras included.
Most are wider and more stable, so there’s a much lower risk of flipping over in your kayak and losing your gear. Plus, the longer, wider design gives them a greater weight capacity which makes fishing kayaks a good option for bigger guys.
While there are some models with lower or greater weight capacities than average, most fishing or touring kayaks hold around 350-400 pounds.
Inflatable Kayaks
It can be surprising to learn that inflatable kayaks usually have a higher weight limit than hard-shell, especially because they are so much lighter. Most are made from military-grade materials though, so they are really durable.
Since inflatable kayaks are made from lighter materials, they generally have a higher weight limit. The kayak itself doesn’t weigh as much and the air also makes it more buoyant.
It’s not uncommon for them to have a weight limit of around 400-500 pounds, but they can have much higher (and lower) weight limits depending on the dimensions of the kayak!
Tandem Kayaks
An average weight limit for tandem kayaks is between 500-600 pounds, though I’ve also seen models with a 750+ pound weight capacity. Most of the tandem kayaks with higher weight limits are inflatables since they hold more weight, and you’ll generally find that hard-shell tandem kayaks have a lower weight capacity.
If you need something with a higher weight capacity for a solo rider, some tandem kayaks work well for that, too. You’ll just want to choose a model that has seats you can move from their positions to the middle of the ‘yak for a solo ride. Some even have a built-in seat here that you can use if you’re bringing along a child or a pet, as well as a second rider.
What Impacts the Weight Limit for a Kayak?
Knowing which features affect the weight capacity will help as you look at different styles of kayaks. As the guy in this video explains, it really doesn’t matter what a kayak looks like or what features it has if it isn’t going to support your weight.
Dimensions of the Kayak
The length and width of the kayak, or its overall dimensions, affect the surface area and how much of the ‘yak comes into contact with the water. This means kayaks that are wider and longer than average are going to be more buoyant and able to hold more weight.
In addition to length and width, the hull shape and water displacement also play a role in a kayak’s weight limit and stability. Water displacement describes how much water is displaced when the kayak sits on top of it, as well as how deep the kayak sits in the water.
While you might think this means bigger is better, kayaks that are larger can be harder to maneuver or steer. Finding balance between what you need and not going overboard will get you in a kayak that you feel comfortable in (and can operate well) in the water.
Materials Used
The reason that hard-shell kayaks generally support less weight than inflatable kayaks is because of the difference in materials. Hard-shell kayaks are generally made from wood, fiberglass, or composite materials. To make the ‘yak bigger, you have to add more materials that also make the kayak heavier.
If you’re a big guy or a plus-sized woman, therefore, you might have more luck looking for an inflatable kayak that meets your needs. Inflatables are made from lightweight, but strong materials. Most don’t weigh more than 30-40 pounds and they’re a lot more convenient when traveling or storing, too.
Sit-On or Sit-In Kayak?
Whether you sit in the kayak or in a seat on top of it also makes a difference. Most recreational kayaks have a sit-in design because you want to be securely in your kayak if you’re moving fast. By contrast, larger kayaks might have a sit-on design so you have more space for gear and moving around.
Since sit-on kayaks are larger and more stable, they generally have a higher weight capacity. I’ve also found that they’re better for people who are bigger because you aren’t restricted as much when you are turning your body to use your paddles or reel in a fish. If you are a fat person who kayaks or who has thought about kayaking, then this is a feature you’ll really appreciate.
What the Manufacturer’s Recommended Weight Limit Actually Means
Weight limits when it comes to kayaks, paddle boards, and other watersports equipment can be a little bit misleading. You see, the manufacturer’s weight limit isn’t really the total amount of weight that your kayak can hold. Yes, a kayak will hold the weight capacity without going underwater, but it doesn’t operate its best.
Once the ‘yak is overloaded, it sits a little deeper in the water. This makes it harder to maneuver and the pressure of the water against the sides also makes it more likely to roll over or capsize, putting you and your gear at risk of getting wet. Even if you don’t capsize, you’re more susceptible to water splashing over the edge and wind pushing you around, since you don’t have optimal control of your ‘yak.
When considering weight capacity, it’s best if you come in at around 70-80% of the total weight limit. This sweet spot is known as performance capacity- your ‘yak is going to perform the best (and as it should) if you’re right around here. This approach to weight limit is also a good rule of thumb for most products whether that’s a bicycle, a parasailing harness, an elliptical, or just about anything else!
You’ll also want to factor in the overall weight of your gear if you take a lot of heavy stuff out with you. For example, if you get a kayak with a weight capacity of 400 pounds, you’ll actually want to keep the total weight of yourself and your gear around 280-300 pounds. Here’s a handy chart with some weight limits for kayaks and how much weight they can actually hold at performance capacity.
|
Recommended Weight Capacity |
Performance Weight Capacity |
|---|---|
|
250 pounds |
175 pounds |
|
300 pounds |
210 pounds |
|
350 pounds |
245 pounds |
|
400 pounds |
280 pounds |
|
450 pounds |
315 pounds |
|
500 pounds |
350 pounds |
|
550 pounds |
385 pounds |
|
600 pounds |
420 pounds |
|
650 pounds |
455 pounds |
|
700 pounds |
490 pounds |
FAQs About Kayak Weight Limits
What is the weight limit for renting a kayak?
The weight limit for renting a kayak really depends on the company and the types of kayaks they have available. If they only offer recreational kayaks, you might find they have a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds, while companies with larger kayaks could have limits of 400 pounds or more. It’s really something that varies from place to place, so you should call ahead and ask if you have concerns.
Can I rent a tandem kayak for one person?
There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to rent a tandem kayak for a single person, provided the company doesn’t have any policies against it. Before you rent a tandem kayak for yourself though, ask about the seating position and if there’s a way to move one of the seats to the middle of the ‘yak. If you have to choose between sitting in the back of the kayak or sitting in the front, the weight won’t be evenly distributed and it can cause problems with stability and steering.
What happens if you overload a kayak?
Overloading a kayak can make for a wet and unpleasant experience for everyone involved. When there’s too much weight in a ‘yak, the hull sits deeper in the water. This makes it hard to maneuver, so you don’t have as much control.
Water also becomes an issue. Even though you won’t sink below the water completely if you adhere to the manufacturer’s weight limit, the kayak does sink lower. This means water is closer to the top of the kayak and it’s likely to be splashed in if it’s windy.
Additionally, it’s a lot harder to control the kayak when it’s overloaded. You won’t be able to respond as well to wind and the waves, so you’re a lot more likely to capsize, too.
Final Word
Kayaking can be a blast, but you really need to start out with the right size kayak to have the best experience. A manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity is not the weight you should load your ‘yak to if you want it to operate the best. Instead, follow the guidelines of staying around 70-80% of that capacity.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful in answering your questions about the weight limit for a kayak. If you have any more, feel free to leave a comment below!