The first thing you need to enjoy kayaking is the right boat. They come in a variety of sizes, forms, and colors, but the most important is that it keeps you afloat on the water. So it’s normal to wonder about the weight limit of a kayak.
Do Kayaks Have Weight Limits?
All kayaks have weight limits. Some can only hold up to 200 pounds, while others have a limit of over 500 pounds. The weight capacity will mainly depend on the kayak’s design, size, and volume. Most recreational single kayaks have a limit of between 250 and 350 pounds.
Touring, sea, and fishing kayaks tend to have a higher capacity ranging from 300 to 400 pounds. Then, tandems can bear even more weight to accommodate two people with a limit of 500-600 pounds. So the type of kayak can highly influence its capacity.
Weight Limit By Kayak Type
- Recreational Kayaks: 250-350 lbs
- Touring/Sea Kayaks: 300-350 lbs
- Fishing Kayaks: 350-400 lbs
- Tandem Kayaks: 500-600 lbs
The best way to find a kayak’s capacity is to look at the specs of the specific model on the manufacturer/seller’s website. It will generally include a number for the weight limit. But now let’s understand what it means.
What Does The Kayak Weight Limit Mean?
Also called the capacity, the kayak weight limit is the maximum weight it can support on the water. Unfortunately, there’s no standard way for manufacturers to determine weight capacity. So two kayaks with the same limit might perform differently.
But it generally means how much weight a kayak can carry while still being afloat and usable. So if you don’t want to sink, get wet, and have a bad experience on the water, you shouldn’t exceed or get too close to the limit. Even if a kayak can bear up to a certain weight, it doesn’t mean it should.
What Kayak Weight Capacity Should You Look For?
In general, you should look for a kayak with a weight limit of over 40-45 % of what you plan to put on it. That’s a safe range to make sure the boat floats and performs well on the water. For example, if you want a kayak that can hold up to 250 lbs, you should look for a capacity of at least 350 lbs.
If you take it on the other side, the real kayak capacity for optimal performance is about 30 % less than the limit given by the manufacturer. So a boat with a 300 lbs capacity, should probably not have more than 210 lbs on it. Here are more examples!
| Kayak Maximum Weight Limit | Kayak Performance Weight Limit (70%) |
| 200 lb (91 kg) | 140 lb (64 kg) |
| 225 lb (102 kg) | 157.5 lb (71 kg) |
| 250 lb (113 kg) | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| 275 lb (125 kg) | 192.5 lb (87 kg) |
| 300 lb (136 kg) | 210 lb ( 95 kg) |
| 325 lb (147 kg) | 227.5 lb (103 kg) |
| 350 lb (159 kg) | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| 375 lb (170 kg) | 262.5 lb (119 kg) |
| 400 lb (181 kg) | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| 425 lb (193 kg) | 297.5 lb (135 kg) |
| 450 lb (204 kg) | 315 lb (143 kg) |
| 475 lb (215 kg) | 332.5 lb (151 kg) |
| 500 lb (227 kg) | 350 lb (159 kg) |
| 525 lb (238 kg) | 367.5 lb (167 kg) |
| 550 lb (249 kg) | 385 lb (175 kg) |
| 575 lb (261 kg) | 402.5 lb (183 kg) |
| 600 lb (272 kg) | 420 lb (191 kg) |
But the number you take shouldn’t only include you. The equipment, clothing, and anything else on the kayak can add up to a significant amount. So here’s how to calculate the total weight you will need to support on the water.
Your Weight
You are the first and principal thing that needs to be carried on the kayak. So you can weigh yourself now, ideally, with the clothing you will use while paddling. Then, you can add about 5-10 pounds in case you gain some muscle or weight in the next few years.
Gear & Equipment
What you wear and bring while kayaking will also add up to the overall weight on the boat. So you must consider the weight of your personal flotation device, paddle, and other accessories you might have. A helmet, spray skirt, wetsuit, whistle, knife, or water shoes may not be heavy on their own, but they can add up.
If you don’t have all the necessary equipment yet, you probably have no idea how much it weighs. Well, just to give you an idea, paddles weigh between 1 and 4 pounds, a PFD is about 1 to 3 pounds, and the rest will depend on what you need to carry on the kayak. So you can weigh your gear or add another 5-10 pounds if you don’t have it yet.
Anything Else On The Kayak
You might also want to bring other things, like a bottle full of water, your fishing gear, extra clothes, your phone, or maybe even your dog. Just make sure to consider anything you plan to take on the kayak with you, especially if it’s heavy.
So here’s a simple formula to find what kayak limit you should look for:
(Your Weight + 10 lbs + Gear Weight or 10 lbs + Others) x 1.4 = Minimum Kayak Capacity Needed.
Kayak Limit Examples
| Your Weight | +10 lb | Basic Gear (10 lb) | Extra Gear + Others (Add Number) | Minimum Kayak Capacity Needed (x 1.4) |
| 100 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 168 lb |
| 125 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 203 lb |
| 150 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 238 lb |
| 175 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 273 lb |
| 200 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 308 lb |
| 225 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 343 lb |
| 250 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 378 lb |
| 275 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 413 lb |
| 300 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 448 lb |
| 325 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 483 lb |
| 350 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 518 lb |
| 375 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 553 lb |
| 400 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb | – | 588 lb |
Can You Go Over The Weight Limit Of A Kayak?
You might be able to overload some kayaks, but you should generally not exceed their capacity. Since the kayak weight limit calculation isn’t standardized, some models can probably take as much or slightly more than the number indicated by the manufacturer. But ideally, you should only use 70 % of the kayak capacity.
What Happens If You Exceed A Kayak’s Capacity?
If you exceed or get too close to a kayak weight limit, it’s more likely to sink, capsize, and be difficult to paddle. It will also reduce the stability and maneuverability of the boat. So overloading a kayak will result in a poor experience on the water and a higher chance of getting wet.
Will A Kayak Sink If You’re Over The Weight Limit?
A kayak will not necessarily sink if you exceed its capacity, but it can happen. The weight limit is the maximum it can bear, so if you’re over it, the water might get over the cockpit and fill it up. After that, the kayak will probably sink unless it’s a sit-on-top or has sealed hatches.
Kayak Capacity Test Video!
Here’s a video to help you understand what happens and how the performance will be affected if you exceed the kayak weight limit!
What Can Influence A Kayak’s Weight Limit?
The kayak’s capacity will mainly depend on its design, size, and volume. Some models generally have a higher limit than others. For example, sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks can often carry more weight than standard recreational ones. After that, the bigger the boat, the higher the capacity.
That’s why touring and sea kayaks can also bear more weight. They are very long and have a lot of volume. But it will vary a lot from one boat to another. So you should always look at the kayak capacity given by the manufacturer. They already did the calculation for you.
Weight Capacity By Kayak Type
Standard recreational kayaks have a limit of 250-300 pounds, while sit-on-top models can bear closer to 300-350 pounds, like touring and sea kayaks. Whitewater boats generally have a lower capacity of around 200-250 pounds. Fishing and inflatable kayaks can carry 350-400 pounds. Tandems have a higher weight limit of 500-600 pounds.
- Whitewater Kayaks: 200-250 lbs
- Recreational Kayaks: 250-350 lbs
- Sit-Inside: 250-300 lbs
- Sit-On-Top: 300-350 lbs
- Touring/Sea Kayaks: 300-350 lbs
- Fishing Kayaks: 350-400 lbs
- Inflatable Kayaks: 350-400 lbs
- Tandem Kayaks: 500-600 lbs
Is It Possible To Increase The Weight Limit Of A Kayak?
There’s no way to increase your kayak capacity unless you can change its length, width, or volume. But there are a few solutions to improve the performance if you exceed the weight limit. It’s possible to increase the stability of a kayak with outriggers.
They won’t add any volume, so the weight limit will be the same. However, they will help stabilize an overloaded kayak and prevent it from capsizing. Float bags might also be helpful to keep your boat from sinking if it flips over because of too much weight, but they won’t increase the capacity.
Going in salt water might also help if you exceed the kayak weight limit. It’s denser than freshwater, which makes things in it more buoyant. So a kayak will float more and might slightly increase its capacity in salt water.
So, Does Kayaking Have A Weight Limit?
Kayaks have weight limits, but it’s generally high enough to accommodate most people. Some single models can hold up to 600 lbs. So if you weigh less than 400 lbs, you should be able to go kayaking without any problem. You just need to find a boat with a high enough weight limit.
Kayaks With High Weight Limit!
If you think you’re too heavy to enjoy kayaking, you’re probably wrong. There are kayaks for every size of paddler. And some might also allow you to bring more gear than you need. So here are a few kayaks with a high capacity ranging from 350 to 600 + pounds*.
*Don’t forget that the weights mentioned should include not only the paddler but also the gear and anything else on the boat.
Kayaks With 350-400 lbs Capacity
Single Kayaks:
Ideal For Paddlers Up To 245-280 lbs
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 245 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 245 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 245 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 375 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 262.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 375 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 262.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 375 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 262.5 lbs.
Tandem Kayaks:
Ideal For Two Paddlers Of 122.5-140 lbs
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 245 lbs.
Solstice Whitewater Rapids 2-Person Convertible
- Weight Limit: 360 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 252 lbs.
Kayaks With 400-450 lbs Capacity
Single Kayaks:
Ideal For Paddlers Up To 280-315 lbs
Aquaglide Deschutes 130 Inflatable
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 280 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 425 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 297.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 440 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 308 lbs.
Tandem Kayaks:
Ideal For Two Paddlers Of 140-157.5 lbs
Sevylor Tahiti Classic Inflatable
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 280 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 425 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 297.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 425 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 297.5 lbs.
Kayaks With 450-500 lbs Capacity
Single Kayaks:
Ideal For Paddlers Up To 315-350 lbs
AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite
- Weight Limit: 450 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 315 lbs.
Pelican Premium Catch Power 100
- Weight Limit: 450 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 315 lbs.
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Angler
- Weight Limit: 450 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 315 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 475 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 332.5 lbs.
Tandem Kayaks:
Ideal For Two Paddlers Of 157.5-175 lbs
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
- Weight Limit: 470 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 329 lbs.
Sevylor Colorado 2-Person Kayak Combo
- Weight Limit: 470 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 329 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 475 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 332.5 lbs.
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
- Weight Limit: 490 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 343 lbs.
Kayaks With 500-550 lbs Capacity
Single Kayaks:
Ideal For Paddlers Up To 350-385 lbs
Perception Striker 11.5 Angler Kayak
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 350 lbs.
Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 350 lbs.
Maximum For Optimal Performance: 350 lbs.
Tandem Kayaks:
Ideal For Two Paddlers Of 175-192.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 350 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 350 lbs.
Kayaks With 550-600 lbs + Capacity
Single Kayaks:
Ideal For Paddlers Of 385 lbs +
- Weight Limit: 550 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 385 lbs.
Aquaglide Blackfoot Hb Angler Kayak XL
- Weight Limit: 550 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 385 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 420 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 455 lbs.
Tandem Kayaks:
Ideal For Two Paddlers Of 192.5 lbs +
- Weight Limit: 550 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 385 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 420 lbs.
Aquaglide Chinook XP Tandem XL
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 420 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 625 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 437.5 lbs.
Sea Eagle Inflatable 380X Explorer Kayak
- Weight Limit: 750 lbs.
- Maximum For Optimal Performance: 525 lbs.
Last Thoughts About Kayak Weight Limits!
Finally, the capacity of a kayak is the maximum weight it can support while still being afloat and usable. But if you want optimal performance and experience on the water, you shouldn’t go over 70 % of a boat’s limit.
So if you weigh around 200 lbs and have about 10 lbs of gear, you should look for a kayak with a capacity of at least 300 lbs. The closer you get to the weight limit, the less stability, maneuverability, and speed you will have.
That’s why it’s important to have a boat with a high enough capacity for you and everything else you plan to bring on it. The best way to know the real limit and how it performs with a certain weight is to test it. Now it’s time to find the right kayak for you and have fun on the water with it.
Let’s Find A Kayak Appropriate For Your Weight!
