As a beginner, I used a lightweight kayak but I could not enjoy much as I expected. I thought kayak that has less weigh much easier in water. But I was wrong.
There is a term called kayak limit is formerly known as kayak weight capacity. If you are excited to buy a brand new kayak then you should consider several factors including a weight limit.
The question is what weight capacity is ideal for you as a beginner? Possibly the best answer is a maximum of 125 pounds more than your body weight.
Every manufacturer sets each kayak a weight limit in general. Such as recreational kayak starts from 250 and ends with 300 pounds, the weight capacity of the sit-on-top kayak is 350-400 pounds, inflatable kayak’s weight mostly starts from 30 pounds, tandem kayaks limit of 500-600 pounds. Inflatable fishing kayaks are heavier, starts from 17.6 pounds.
The most common kayak weight capacity chart
| Weight limit | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 300 lbs (136 kg) | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| 400 lbs (181 kg) | 260 lbs (117 kg) |
| 450 lbs (204 kg) | 292 lbs (132 kg) |
| 500 lbs (227 kg) | 325 lbs (146 kg) |
| 550 lbs (250 kg) | 357 lbs (161 kg) |
| 600 lbs (272 kg) | 390 lbs (175 kg) |
In the capacity chart, I showed 35% less. That is why I love to subtract 35% weight than the maximum. It helps me to paddle easily and keep my balance in a stable way.
That is safe for me, I recommend everyone to subtract at least 25% weight. If the maximum weight limit of a kayak is 300 lbs then all the gears including paddler weight should be deducted at least 75 lbs. For safe, comfortable, and faster kayaking 225 lbs weight is ideal.
Fishing kayaks according to the maximum weight limit
Normally, a fishing kayak needs more gear than others. The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 kayak is best for fishing. 12 feet length kayak has a weight limit of 500 lbs. It is a sit-on-top solo kayak.
The Wilderness Systems ATAK 140 fishing kayak is 14 feet in length and the maximum weight capacity is 550 lbs. FeelFree Lure 13.5 tandem kayak and Wilderness Systems Ride 115x Max both boats can take a maximum of 500 lbs weight.
But FeelFree Lure is 13.5 feet in length while another one is 11.5 feet. Both the kayaks are Sit-on-top types.
Weight limit of Recreational kayak
Dagger Axis 12 and Old Town Vapor 12XT are both recreational boats that have the same length of 12 feet. Though the two kayaks type is sit-inside (solo) but has a different weight capacity. Dagger Axis 12 can take a maximum of 350 lbs capacity and Old Town Vapor 12XT weight capacity is 350 lbs.
Whitewater kayaks maximum weight limit
Big guys who are worried about their weight can choose a 12.5 feet whitewater inflatable tandem kayak. The Sea Eagle 380X tandem boat weight limit is 750 lbs.
Why should you buy a lightweight kayak?
It is not fun when you have to walk with your kayak to take a rest for 5 minutes every 10 meters. Because sometimes you have to take your kayak from car to lake (maybe the lake is too far and there is no transport available).
Loading and unloading kayaks are easy when it is not too much heavy. Overweight kayaks are hard to manage while kayaking, if you are planning fishing on a kayak then avoid heavy kayaks instantly.
Maximum capacity of kayaks
The maximum capacity defines that all the gear, necessary things like paddles, helmets that you kept on the kayak including kayak weight and your body weight too. Maximum capacity limits depend on kayaks length, width, seat materials, volumes that every manufacturer follows (may vary).
Weight limit describes the situation as long as the kayak is afloat. If it going to sink then it means the paddler and the boat with all other accessories on the kayak cross the overall weight limit.
If the weight is the same as the limit fixed by the manufacturer then paddling will be difficult, the paddler can not save him/her to wet.
Why kayak’s weight is not stable? (weight varies)
Kayak weight is from 20 to 600 pounds depending on some materials and size. The most common materials are fiberglass material, carbon fiber, composite materials, polyethylene known as plastic, thermoform, rotomolded.
The longer and wider kayak are more stable than a single-person kayak. On the water two-person kayak is bigger than single person kayak and can be operated by two-person there paddling is easy to manage that speeds up the kayak performance.
What happens if you exceed the weight limit on the kayak
When you exceed the weight limit you can feel that paddling is out of control from your hand. You will lose maneuverability, stability in seconds that make paddling difficult.
Sometimes it is getting dangerous if you can not handle instability in water. If you lost your stability even you are in the center of the kayak but due to overloading kayak is leaning around it increases the risk of capsizing.
Boost kayak performance
The paddler should not exceed the weight limit if he wants to boost up the performance of the kayak. 50% to 60% weight is better to easy kayaking. Keep trying to avoid unnecessary accessories on the kayak.
Manufacturers listed safety weight limits for every kayak, in terms of them optimal paddling needs at least 35% less weight.
Where a heavier person should seat on a kayak
When the kayak has more than one person then the havier person should be at the back of the kayak. The reason is that tall people or havier among kayakers can play the role of the helmsman. That makes paddling more powerful and stable.
Shorter vs longer kayaks, which is better
Both have merits and demerits too but in general, a longer kayak takes less effort and is faster on rivers and lakes. Shorter kayaks can easily be transported, less expensive than longer ones.
Will you fit into the kayak
Yes, you can even if you are overweight then sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks especially cockpit-style are the best fit. They are comfortable to fit any person. Most of the time a short person can’t figure out which kayak is suitable for them to fit easily.
Don’t worry! The good news is that Kayak manufacturers keep the short person in mind and introduce a variety of kayaks.
See More: Kayak for a short person
The best kayak for the tall or heavier person
We previously described that the longer and wider kayak is more stable than any other kayak. An inflatable kayak should be the best choice for tall/heavier paddlers. Inflatable kayaks base are wider and stable.
Recreational kayak weight capacity
Recreational kayaks are mostly used in slow-moving rivers and flat lakes. Photography, tour-loving person can select these types of kayaks. It has great stability in windy weather or turbulence. Normally, these kayaks weight capacity of 250 lbs to 300 lbs. The anglers used 400 lbs of recreational kayaks.
Read More: Best Kayak For Photography
Weight limit of an inflatable kayak
Every inflatable kayak has a larger weight limit than a hard-shell kayak. Air-filled tubes with buoyancy make this support. The most inflatable kayaks capacity is 400 to 750 lbs.
FAQ
Weight capacity of Wilderness Systems Kayak?
The maximum weight capacity of a wilderness systems kayak is 325 pounds. Made with rotomolded polyethylene, and its weight is 55 pounds. Best for flatwater kayaking, 1 paddler. Wilderness Systems is easy to load and unload.
Is it possible to increase the weight capacity of a kayak?
The straight answer is NO, unfortunately, you can not do this. You can not add anything with your kayak to increase the limit. Instead of thinking over to increase weight capacity, give much time on how can you use less gear and equipment.
Can 300lb person kayak with gears
Yes, a 300lb person or a big guy can kayak successfully. The Wilderness Systems Atak 140 has a weight capacity of 550lbs. Kayak weight is 95lbs so, 300lbs and more weight person can kayak. But remember that gears and other equipment that are used on kayaks should not cross the limit.
