Kayaks are multi-functional. Aside from kayaking itself, you can use one to engage in various, fun activities. Fishing, photography, and many more activities can be done in a kayak.
Of course, participating in these activities requires having a quality kayak. It should be able to withstand your weight along with the weight of your gear.
In this article, we’re going to shed light on the kayak weight limit. So, sit back, and let’s explore the different kinds of kayaks and their weight limits.
How Much Weight Can Kayaks Withstand?
The amount of weight a kayak can hold depends on its type. For instance, sit-on-top kayaks can withstand a maximum weight of 350 to 400 lbs. Tandem kayaks, on the other hand, can hold up to 600 lbs. So, in general, kayaks can endure weights ranging between 250 lbs up to 600 lbs.
Putting too much weight on a kayak won’t sink it to the bottom of the water surface you’re kayaking on, but it can considerably lower the level of the kayak. Though this doesn’t seem like a bad thing, it can have its consequences.
Being at a lower level than intended can reduce the stabilization of the kayak and put you at the risk of getting injured. Bear in mind that overloading a kayak will also allow water to seep into the boat, further adding to the weight.
What Happens When You Overload a Kayak?
Overloading a kayak can affect its performance. Burdening a kayak will unevenly distribute the excess weight across the kayak, resulting in slower movement and harder maneuverability.
Exceeding the weight limit can capsize the kayak as well. Although a kayak overturning due to excess weight is an unlikely occurrence, it significantly decreases the safety of the kayakers.
That being said, there’s a method you can use to increase the weight capacity of a kayak.
Kayak outriggers are supplemental hulls that you can fasten on both sides of a kayak. Since they offer additional stability, you can go ahead and load your kayak with the necessary equipment. However, there’s a certain aspect when it comes to outriggers.
Their length can influence the pace of your kayak. The shorter the outriggers are, the slower the kayak’s motion will be and vice versa. So, if you’re planning on fixing outriggers on a kayak, the longer they were, the better.
Weight Capacity of Different Kayaks
Kayaks come in different builds and weight capacities. And both features are vital for keeping the kayak steady and afloat. Here are some types of kayaks and their weight limits:
Sit-on-Top Kayak
There’s a reason behind why this kind of kayak is called sit-on-top. In a typical kayak, you are seated inside of the kayak itself. In a sit-on-top kayak, you sit on a sculpted slump that provides you with the utmost comfort while paddling.
Sit-on-tops include scupper holes that drain water that seeps through, preventing the kayak from turning into a puddle and putting on extra weight. Their weight capacity ranges between 350 lbs to 400 lbs tops.
Sit-Inside Kayak
Unlike sit-on-tops, sit-inside kayaks can shelter your legs from being exposed to wind, rocks, and the sun. They also manage to keep you warm from getting sprayed by cold water thanks to its sprayskirt.
Sit-inside kayaks have better control than sit-on-tops. Thanks to their lower center of gravity, sit-insides offer larger stability and ability to navigate. Being seated lower helps with being less affected by winds, too.
Though they can hold up to 300 lbs, it’s better not to reach that limit to avoid getting soaked.
Inflatable Kayak
Yes, inflatable kayaks exist. They’re considered as the best choice for beginners, as they’re surprisingly more stable than your regular hard-shell kayaks.
Inflatable tandem kayaks have the greatest weight capacity out of them all. They can withstand a weight of 600 lbs and some advanced models can even tolerate an extra 50 lbs.
Touring Kayak
Touring kayaks are characterized by their distinctive slim beam, which enables them to glide through water for extended periods. This can decrease the efforts kayakers put in paddling, making touring kayaks a great fit for long-distance river trips.
Having said that, maneuvering a touring kayak is strenuous, especially when it comes to taking turns. Using a mere paddle won’t help with navigating this kayak, so most kayakers use a rudder instead.
Even though some touring kayak models can withstand a weight of 450 lbs, they generally don’t exceed the 350 lbs weight limit mark.
Safety Tips Regarding Kayaks Weight limit
Staying within the limits when it comes to a kayak’s weight limit is vital for you and your companion’s safety.
Distributing the Weight
To effectively distribute weight on a kayak, you, first, have to be knowledgeable about the amount of weight each part of a kayak can take.
For instance, tandem kayaks’ slim build plays an important role in their ability to hold out against additional weight. The stern of a tandem kayak usually withstands weight better than the bow. So, it’s preferable to keep your gear at the back when riding a tandem kayak.
The same goes for the weight of kayakers. Those of heavier weights should take the back seat, while lighter people sit in the front to allow the weight difference to evenly distribute across the kayak.
Staying Within the Weight Capacity Limits
Additionally, to stay in the safety zone and steer away from risks, it’s advised that you remain 25 percent below a kayak’s weight limit. That’s without taking your equipment and gear into consideration.
Another tip to keep in mind is how a kayak’s weight capacity works. Just because a kayak can tolerate weights of up to 300 lbs, it doesn’t mean it can withstand a person of 300 lbs. It means that a kayak can resist against 300 lbs of weight before it starts sinking a bit into the water.
In Conclusion
Weight capacity is an essential aspect that you should look for in a kayak. Not only does it affect the performance of a kayak, but it also plays an important role in maintaining the buoyancy and the safety of the kayak.
All in all, kayaking is a great outdoor activity that people need to try once in their lifetimes!