25 pounds seems like a lot, but add a tackle box, fishing pole, life jacket, paddles, a cooler, and a bag of ice. So, counting your own body weight at 185 pounds, you only have a maximum of 25 pounds extra for gear and anything else you want to bring onboard. At 70% of the maximum capacity, you’d be best to not exceed 210 pounds. Let’s say the maximum capacity rating of your particular kayak is 300 pounds. Let’s look at a real-life example of this. Any gear like this should also be taken into consideration when determining which kayak and which working capacity will work for you. What many people may not be considering when selecting a kayak and looking at weight limits is the weight of any additional gear they might bring along.įor example, you might bring a cooler full of ice and water, a dry bag, or a fishing pole and tackle box. You can say that the rule of thumb that was given for determining a kayak’s weight limit (no more than 65% to 70% of the maximum capacity rating) is the kayak’s working capacity. The working or “performance” capacity of a kayak is the most weight that the kayak can hold while still maintaining its performance. Most kayak manufactures realize this, so they have come up with another weight limit that makes more sense. The reason why you don’t want to exceed 70% of this maximum capacity is that trying to maneuver your kayak when it is essentially at the waterline makes it very unstable and difficult to use. Other names you might see for the maximum capacity rating are: The maximum capacity of a kayak will mean the most weight the kayak can hold without going below the waterline, or still being able to float. So, pay special attention to maximum capacity before buying a kayak.īut what is this maximum capacity rating and how is it determined? Finding out if there is a weight limit for kayaking will depend on this maximum capacity. Unfortunately, every kayak manufacturer approaches its maximum capacity rating a little bit differently. General maximum capacity for tandem kayak: 500-600 pounds How Much Weight Can a Kayak Hold? These kayaks are mainly sit-in-style and longer to accommodate two paddlers. General maximum capacity for sit-on-top kayak: 350-400 pounds Tandem (2-person) KayakĪ tandem or 2-person kayak will hold the most weight, and for the obvious reason of transporting two people. However, the sit-on-top versions do tend to hold a little more weight because of their sit-on-top design. General maximum capacity for touring kayak: 350 pounds Sit-on-top KayakĪ sit-on-top kayak is almost like a standard recreational kayak and holds a similar amount of weight. A touring kayak will be longer and more efficient for a long trip.īut how much weight will they hold? Since the touring kayaks are made to increase lift in rough water they are made with super-lightweight composite material that also gives them a boost in maximum capacity over their recreational counterparts. Touring kayaks are sit-in types that are sleeker and are more able to be controlled in rough waters. General maximum capacity for recreational kayak: 250-300 pounds Touring Kayak Because these kayaks are made for calm waters, they will normally have a lower weight limit. A recreational kayak is simple and easy to control. They will consist of the sit-in and sit-on-top types most commonly. General kayak weight limits might follow these examples: Standard Recreational KayakĪ standard recreational kayak is made for flatwater lakes and calm rivers. Generally, adding your total body weight along with the weight of any gear you have on board should not exceed 65% to 70% of the kayak’s maximum capacity rating. It’s important to determine what kayak weight limits you will need before buying one for yourself. Is there a weight limit for kayaking? The weight limit for kayaking will be different for every kayak. Before buying a kayak, you might then be asking yourself, is there a weight limit for kayaking? Do Kayaks Have A Weight Limit? After all, a kayak below water is not very useful. The first rule of kayaking should probably be “don’t sink your kayak”. Finding the correct kayak can be the tricky part. No matter your shape or size, there will most likely be a kayak that’s right for you out there.
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