You can expect most airboat weights to be around 2,000 pounds (907 kg). Most airboat trailers weigh about 1,200 pounds (544 kg).
The average boat weight with a trailer is approximately 3,200 pounds (1,452 kg).
Fuel also weighs about 6.3 pounds (2.9 kg) per gallon of gas. It’s recommended to add the weight of a full tank to your total boat weight for safe towing. Most airboats feature a 30-gallon gas tank, which adds up to 189 pounds (86 kg). Depending on the size of your airboat, you may expect even a 60-gallon gas tank for larger rigs.
For pulling airboats, it’s recommended to use a vehicle with approximately 2,500 pounds of towing ability above the given load. A truck that has a tow rating of at least 5,000 pounds should be adequate for towing an airboat.
Know your towing capacity, this number will be labeled as the (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight rating. If your manual has been misplaced, most manufacturers have the information readily available on their websites. Alternatively, you could opt to call your local boat dealership.
When looking for airboats, they’re listed as dry weight and package weight. Dry weight refers to just the boat itself before it’s loaded with gear and fuel. Package weight includes the weight of the trailer, motor, batteries, and weight on the water.
7 Example Airboat Weights
The following chart features airboat weights ranging from the lightest to the heaviest models used out on the water. Additional boat details can be found on the manufacture’s websites. Or, you could compare your boat to the length of these examples to get a decent estimation. Here’s the airboat weight chart:
| Airboat Model | Length | Average Dry Weight |
| DAC 1276 | 12 ft (3.7 m) | 1,480 lbs (671 kg) |
| DAA 1376 | 13 ft (4 m) | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) |
| DAA 148 | 14 ft (4.3 m) | 2,010 lbs (912 kg) |
| DAA 158 | 15 ft (4.6 m) | 2,075 lbs (941 kg) |
| DAA 168 | 16 ft (4.9 m) | 2,125 lbs (964 kg) |
| DAA 188 | 18 ft (5.5 m) | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) |
| DAA 208 | 20 ft (6 m) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) |
Source: Nada Guides
Additional Weight to Consider
In combination with your boat, trailer, gas, and motor, it’s also important to consider the weight of your gear. With larger airboats that feature storage, it can be easy to fit a lot of things aboard. For some with heavy gear and coolers, this could add up to be an additional 600 pounds (272 kg).
Conclusion
Airboats provide a fun mode of transportation out on the water, whether that’s in an ocean or lake. Each type also comes with its own weight based on its use. The key factors to consider the weight of an airboat come down to:
- Length
- Engine size
- Construction/material
- What’s stored inside
- Fuel tank/gas
It’s important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your airboat. If you’re unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacture’s website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight.