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So what is meant by a kayak’s weight limit?
The weight limit of a kayak is the “number’ assigned to a boat by a manufacturer in order to help paddlers know what type of kayak suits them. It also helps paddlers know how much gear and equipment they can bring on a boat. The assigned capacity is indicated on every new kayak. Unfortunately, due to lack of industry standard on determining the weight capacity of kayaks, every manufacturer just goes about it in their own way — which may be confusing to paddlers.
Generally, the weight limit of a kayak indicates the weight that a boat can carry and still float. So if a kayak has a weight limit of 250 pounds, it means the boat will still float a little on the water surface while holding a weight of 250 pounds. Now because the kayak will float only a little when holding a load equal to its weight limit, it will lose both its stability and maneuverability when loaded to that extent. That is why it’s important not to load a kayak to its weight limit.
Paddler size in relation to weight limit
The weight limit of a kayak indicates how much weight it can bear and still float. So if a kayak has a listed weight capacity of 350 pounds, it does not mean that a 350-pound kayaker can paddle it. Actually, for a sit-on-top kayak, that means the boat would just be at the water line with most of it under the water — and there’s no way you’ll paddle it. So when a weight capacity is indicated, the paddler size for the kayak isn’t the exact weight limit but always a minus about 30-35 percent of the weight capacity that would offer a safe zone. For a weight limit of 350 pounds, the paddler’s weight ideal for the boat would be about 262.6 pounds or less, and that is only if the paddler doesn’t carry any gear. But if clothes, shoes, gear and accessories are included, then the maximum paddler weight for the boat would be around 230 pounds.
Does the weight limit mean a dry boat?
While you can achieve a safe zone by a paddler weight that is 25-30 percent below the weight limit of a kayak, it does not mean that the boat will remain dry, easy and efficient. Actually, if you want less water to get through the scuppers and to enjoy a more efficient paddling — the kayak moving farther with every paddle stroke — you’ll need to have a paddler weight that is about 50 percent of the weight limit of the kayak. For instance, if you want to remain fairly dry and enjoy efficient paddling in a 350-pound weight limit boat, the maximum weight it should carry is about 150 pounds, allowing for about 25 pounds for gear.
Going for a kayak with the right weight limit
When buying a kayak, you need to know your weight and the weight of the gear and equipment you intend to bring on your trip. And since the weight limit indicated on the boat means the maximum load it can take, the ideal weight limit is one that offers enough room for paddler, gear and equipment. As you make a decision to buy a kayak, consider going for a boat which has a weight limit high enough to accommodate you and all the gear you intend to bring.
For example, if you weigh 295 pounds and intend to bring your cooler, dog and fishing rod, you have to buy a boat with a limit way above 350 pounds. Actually, it is advisable to stay below 70 percent of the rated weight of your kayak (including your gear and accessories) because overloading a boat results in poor performance. Likewise, weight distribution is just as critical as the weight limit because if the kayak is unbalanced it will be harder to control. Want more information on kayaks, kayak prices or kayak rentals? Visit the “Captain Mike’s Kayak Academy” site.