Kayaks don’t lift themselves. No kidding, right?
Because of this, you put your back on the line every time you hoist your kayak onto the roof of your vehicle. So, it’s natural, even necessary, to ask how much a kayak weighs.
How much does a kayak weigh? The average kayak weighs 63.2 pounds, is 12.47 feet long and 30.5 inches wide. How do we know? We collected data on 200 kayaks and crunched the numbers. We further considered use, structure, size and material to provide more granular insight into the weight of an average kayak.
Table of Contents
What are the factors that impact how much a kayak weighs?
Kayak use
Some paddlers enjoy a leisurely paddle over a glassy lake.
Others get their kicks taking on whitewater hydraulics.
Others still, want nothing more than to quietly pedal their boat to their favourite secret fishing hole and discreetly drop in a line.
Each of these activities calls for a different style of kayak.
How kayak form influences the weight of a kayak
In this article I identified five kayak groups by a combination of form and function.
1. Recreational kayaks. This group of kayaks is designed for all-around use on rivers, lakes and oceans. They are not tuned for speed or high performance. Rather, they represent a category of boat that captures broad, typical kayak use.
2. Inflatable kayaks. Inflatables can be used for low-intensity or high-intensity endeavours. Because of their unique construction and characteristics, I decided to group inflatables in their own category.
3. Fishing kayaks. These boats take on many different shapes and sizes, but their aim is the same: get the angler to the fish. Fishing kayaks are often outfitted with additional accessories such as pedals and fish-finding equipment. These additions increase the weight of the boat.
4. Sea kayaks. This category of vessel is often used by more experienced kayakers. They are often paddled on multi-day voyages that take place along oceanic coastal regions.
These boats tend to be long and lean, giving up stability and maneuverability in exchange for a higher top speed.
5. River kayaks. This group of kayaks is designed to keep paddlers safe and smiling as they barrel down river runs or take on shoreline wave action.
They are short, durable and can turn on a dime (assuming a skillful paddler is doing the turn.)
What are kayaks made out of and how does this impact kayak weight?
Kayaks are constructed with various materials. The choice of materials depends on the intended use of the boat, and the appetite of the paddler for stability, durability, storage and speed.
1. Roto-molded polyethylene. A great many recreational kayaks are constructed from roto-molded polyethylene, or HDPE.
Manufacturers place plastic powder in a kayak-shaped mold and heat it.
The mold spins to distribute the heated powder uniformly inside the mold. Once the spinning is complete and the mold has cooled, its contents are removed.
Final finishing steps are completed to create a paddle-ready kayak.
HDPE kayaks are heavy and sturdy. You can literally bounce off obstacles all day with only minimal damage to your boat.
However, if your HDPE kayak does meet its match, you’ll have a challenging repair because other plastic doesn’t stick to it. You’ll need to melt some additional HDPE into the cracked area and hope for the best.
2. Thermoformed plastic. This is a slightly more expensive manufacturing process that sees plastic formed into sheets and then applied to a kayak-shaped mold.
This process allows for varying degrees of thickness and strength across the structure of the kayak.
Thermoformed kayaks are typically lighter than their HDPE cousins, but are just as durable and easier to repair.
3. Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber composite. These kayaks are constructed by applying sheets of fiberglass or carbon fiber onto a rigid frame.
Once dry, these hulls can be shaped a polished to a blinding shine.
They are typically longer and lighter than plastic kayaks – designed for performance rather than durability.
Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber kayaks also typically hit the top price point of the kayak spectrum.
4. Vinyl. The least expensive inflatable kayaks are constructed from a single layer of thin vinyl that is stitched together to create air chambers and a soft, non-rigid floor.
Some vinyl kayaks are encased in a protective fabric to improve durability and protect against UV rays.
5. PVC. More expensive inflatable kayaks are constructed from PVC, which is a specific type of vinyl.
PVC is typically heat-welded and applied as a laminate – combining several layers to increase strength and resistance to abrasion.
Kayaks that are constructed from Vinyl or PVC are typically found at the lightest end of the kayak-weight spectrum.
6. Hypalon/Nitrilon. Pricier alternatives to Vinyl/PVC, these two name-brand fabrics are constructed from layers of synthetic materials and woven fabrics.
Nitrilon is highly-represented in the inflatable section of our kayak database.
Hypalon is often used in police and military applications. None of the kayaks in our database are constructed from Hypalon.
In terms of weight, kayaks constructed from Hypalon or Nitrilon are relatively light; however, they are typically heavier than those built from Vinyl or PVC.
How do length and width affect how much a kayak weighs?
As I worked with the data on 200 kayaks, I confirmed exactly what I initially thought.
On average, the longer and wider the kayak, the heavier it is expected to be.
Note my wording carefully. I didn’t say the heavier it is, rather the heavier it is expected to be. The difference is subtle, but important.
As you scroll through the many charts below, you’ll note that, given two or three kayaks of the same length, their weights are all different. This makes sense. Kayaks are built with different processes and different materials.
However, when you consider groups of similar kayaks, you’ll notice something. On average, the shorter, narrower ones weigh less than the longer, wider ones.
The table above states the expected weight of any category of kayak, given its length.
I come to these numbers using a bit of high school statistics.
(For the few that geek out about this kind of thing, I simply regressed the weight of the sample of kayaks in each category against the length of the same sample. Using the resulting equation, I then inserted various kayak lengths to calculate the expected weight. YAWN!)
How much does a recreational kayak weigh?
The average Recreational & Touring kayak in our sample weighs 63.6 lbs, is 12.6 feet long and 29.6 inches wide.
This is nice to know, but to better understand how much kayaks weigh, we need to get more granular.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks. Single Paddler.
The average Sit-on-Top kayak in our sample weighs 58 lbs, is 11.54 feet long and 29.98 inches wide.
The graph above illustrates the relationship between the length of the kayaks in this category and their weight.
Also, the area of the orbs (circles) represents the maximum width of each kayak. So, the wider the kayak, the bigger the orb.
Because kayak width does not vary significantly, it’s admittedly difficult to pick up on the different orb sizes. Oh well.
There is clearly a positive relationship between the length and weight of kayaks in this category.
However, there is variability in design and materials among the many boats. Because of this, we note difference between the actual weight of any specific boat compared to the expected weight of that boat, given its length.
For example, a 14-foot boat would be expected to weigh 68 lbs. However, in the recreational category of kayak, we find a 14 foot boat that weighs 45 pounds and one that weighs about 87 lbs.
All this to say that statistics are used to explain characteristics of a population. They are less useful at explaining a single instance within the population.
Still, simple stats are pretty fun to use!
Sit-on-Top Kayaks. Tandem Paddlers.
The average Sit-on-Top Tandem kayak in our sample weighs 92.8 lbs, is 14.1 feet long and 33.5 inches wide.
There are clearly fewer sit-on-top tandem kayaks in our sample. Nevertheless, there exists a positive relationship between kayak weight and length.
Also, there were a couple of lower-quality kayaks at the 13-foot level that were significantly lighter than what might have been expected, given their length.
The heaviest of the kayaks were constructed from roto-molded polyethylene by a manufacturer (Hobie) known for constructing terrific durable, heavy boats.
Sit-Inside. Single Paddler.
The average sit inside kayak in our sample weighs 48.75 lbs, is 12.5 feet long and 26.78 inches wide.
Is there a positive relationship between the length of a recreational sit-inside kayak and its weight? Yes. Technically.
However, in our sample, the relationship is not a strong one.
In the recreational, sit-inside category, there is a diversity of kayak quality, material and purpose. Some of these kayaks are built to be lighter and higher-performing. Others are built to be durable and stable. This category captures them both.
In my sample of 200 kayaks, there were four sit-inside tandem boats. On inspection, there wasn’t much I could learn or say about sit-inside tandem kayaks as a group, based on these four particular boats. So I didn’t.
How much does an inflatable kayak weigh?
The average inflatable kayak in our sample weighs 33lbs, is 11.7 feet long and 37.1 inches wide.
The inflatable category is clearly gunning for a wider, more stable paddling experience.
The sample also includes a significant number of whitewater kayaks which likely skewed the average length number slightly short.
Inflatable. Single Paddler.
The average inflatable single paddler kayak in our sample weighs 26.5 lbs, is 11.6 feet long and 31.8 inches wide.
There are not many boats on the graph.
While there were several more single-person, whitewater boats in the category, there wasn’t sufficient weight-data to include them on the graph.
Note that, even with only five kayaks, there exists a very positive relationship between kayak weight and length.
Inflatable. Tandem Paddler.
The average inflatable tandem paddler kayak in our sample weighs 36.2lbs, is 13.5 feet long and 34.4 inches wide.
Interestingly, there are more boats in the tandem category than there are in the single. This is mostly a result of unavailable data.
In the inflatable tandem kayak space, there appears to be a positive relationship between the weight of a kayak and its length.
Even in the tandem category, inflatables are shorter, wider and much lighter than hardshell equivalents (which is exactly what I would expect).
How much does a fishing kayak weigh?
The average fishing kayak in our sample weighs 104.7 lbs, is 12.4 feet long and 36.2 inches wide.
Fishing kayaks are constructed to be solid and robust.
Most are constructed from roto-molded polyethylene. Some are made with thermoformed polyethylene. None are constructed to minimize weight.
Furthermore, fishing kayaks are often outfitted with heavy accessories, such as pedals. With this in mind, the ‘Weight’ data points are based on what the manufacturer defines as ‘Fully Outfitted.’
Kayak Fishing. Pedalboats.
The average fishing kayak in the Pedalboat category of our sample weighs 118.7 lbs, is 12.2 feet long and 38.1 inches wide.
It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that pedalboat fishing kayaks are heavy. They weigh a lot.
Note that there exists a positive relationship between the length of a kayak and its weight.
Also note the break between highly-outfitted kayaks that are heavy (above the dotted line) and lightly-outfitted kayaks that are less heavy (below the dotted line.)
The extent of outfitting clearly makes a difference in this category to the point where you can’t actually purchase a statistically ‘average’ boat. Given a specific length, you can either purchase a heavy kayak or a light one. There is no in-between.
Kayak Fishing. Mid-Quality.
The average fishing kayak in the Mid-Quality category weighs 77.6 lbs, is 12.5 feet long and 33 inches wide.
Mid-quality fishing kayaks are serviceable, accessible boats. They’re just not the most expensive, top-of-the-line ones.
Again, we find a positive relationship between kayak weight and length.
The characteristics of this group approach those of the recreational sit-on-top category.
While fishing kayaks are sit-on-top boats, they are still slightly heavier, slightly wider and slightly more tuned to fishing, than the more vanilla alternatives.
Kayak Fishing. High-Quality.
The average fishing kayak in the High-Quality category of our sample weighs 108.8 lbs, is 12.6 feet long and 36 inches wide.
High-end fishing kayaks represent kayaks that deliver what anglers would consider elite performance.
They are still heavy and they are still wide.
Also, it is interesting to note that, at a length of about 13 feet (give or take), you can find a kayak that is pushing down to 90 lbs or up to 150 lbs. Much of this has to do with the extent of outfitting rather than the weight of the hull.
If you’re interested in the characteristics of fishing kayaks, check out this article on how much weight a fishing kayak can actually hold.
How much does a sea kayak weigh?
The average sea kayak in our sample weighs 54.3 lbs, is 16.6 feet long and 22.8 inches wide.
As you might expect, our sample of sea kayaks is longer, lighter and narrower than all the other categories that we have considered, thus far.
This group incorporates, ultra-light composite kayaks as well as super-long tandem ones.
Sea Kayaking. Single-paddler composite.
The average single-paddler composite kayak in our sample weighs 50.8 lbs, is 17.6 feet long and 21.6 inches wide.
These boats are the supermodels of kayaks.
They are constructed from various combinations of fiberglass, carbon fiber and other space-aged materials. They are light, long and narrow boats that haul a**.
Clearly, we note a positive relationship between the length of the kayak and its weight.
In our sample, a couple of the boats were egregiously light, given their 17-18 foot length.
Also of note, the price point of these kayaks is as ultra-high as their weight is ultra-low. They are expensive. Just saying.
While there are two tandem composite sea kayaks in our sample, I chose not to build a graph for them.
Sea Kayaking. Single-paddler plastic.
The average single-padder plastic kayak in our sample weighs 52.39 lbs, is 15.4 feet long and 22.9 inches wide.
While the sea kayaking category is considered ‘higher-end’ in the context of the kayak landscape, there is a lot of diversity even inside the category.
Note that the positive relationship between weight and kayak length holds in this category. On average, the longer the kayak, the heavier the boat.
Polyethylene is still the go-to construction material in our sample. With that said, manufacturers use the material in different ways to creatively design and build their boats.
This is what allows for a sub-12 foot kayak to be either 37 lbs or 55 lbs. (In fairness, the 37 lb boat is designed for youth to learn to paddle.)
And while there are three tandem plastic kayaks in the dataset, I didn’t build a graph for them, either.
How much does a whitewater kayak weigh?
The average whitewater kayak in our sample weighs 42.2 lbs, is 8.4 feet long and 25.5 inches wide.
In our sample, we actually break the whitewater kayaks into three categories, depending on the actual use of the boat.
With that said, the characteristics of weight, length and width are all so similar across the three groups that I simply built one single graph.
There is a clear positive relationship between the length of a whitewater kayak and its weight. Even though whitewater kayaks are super-short – the shortest in our sample by far – the longer ones still weigh the most.
What is the maximum weight that kayaks can hold?
In our sample of 200 kayaks, we did collect maximum capacity data, where possible. The reality, though, is that there wasn’t sufficient data to make any sweeping empirical statements.
Nevertheless, here are some fun data points:
1. The average maximum weight capacity of single-person kayaks in the Recreational & Touring category is 300lbs.
2. In contrast, the average maximum weight capacity of tandem kayaks in the same category is 400lbs.
3. The average maximum weight capacity of single person kayaks in the Inflatable category is 286 lbs. (I would note that there is a lot of missing data in this category.)
4. Interestingly, the average maximum weight capacity of multi-person kayaks in the Inflatable category is 544 lbs. That’s a significant increase.
5. The inflatable kayak with the highest maximum capacity can handle 902 lbs.
6. The average maximum weight capacity of kayaks in the Fishing category is 470 lbs.
7. The fishing kayak with the highest maximum capacity can handle 600 lbs. That’s one angler plus a lot of gear (and hopefully a few fish).
8. The average maximum weight capacity in the Sea Kayak category is 298lbs.
I removed a data point from a tandem composite boat that claims capacity of 772 lbs. That skewed the average number higher than what I thought was actually real.
9. The average maximum weight capacity in the Whitewater category is 231lbs.
There are a lot of missing data points in this category. Nevertheless, that’s a really low maximum capacity.
10. The lowest maximum weight capacity in the Whitewater category is 187 lbs. Clearly, manufacturers assume that big folks don’t want to play on rivers.
Which is the most average kayak in each category and how much does it weigh?
The following list of kayaks is my attempt to represent the ‘most average’ kayak in each category of my database.
This is not a ‘Best Of’ or ‘Top Picks’ list. Rather, this list identifies the one single kayak in each category that best captures the average weight, length and width of the group.
If you want to know which kayak is closest to the ‘average kayak’ in each category, this list gives you the answer.
Recreational & Touring Sit-on-Top: Jackson Kayak – Riviera
The Riviera weighs 58lbs, is 11.5 feet long and 28.7 inches wide.
Jackson Kayak is a manufacturer located in the U.S. The company has been operating since 2004. It designs, manufactures and distributes a full range of kayaks.
Recreational & Touring Sit-on-Top Tandem: Dag – Tarka
The Tarka weighs 103 lbs, is 14.8 feet long and 33.5 inches wide.
Dag is a kayak manufacturer located in France. The company manufactures and distributes a range of roto-molded kayaks, principally in Europe but also overseas.
Recreational & Touring Sit-Inside: Roteko – Smart XL
The Smart XL weighs 48.5lbs, is 12.8 feet long and 25.6 inches wide.
Roteko is a kayak designer and manufacturer located in Poland. The company has been focusing on roto-molded kayak production since 2010 and distributes principally in Europe.
Inflatable Single-Paddler: Gumotex – Rush 1
The Rush 1 weighs 26.5 lbs, is 11.8 feet long and 32 inches wide.
Gumotex inflatable boats have been built in the Czech Republic for close to 70 years. They manufacture not only the kayaks, but also the material from which they are made (Nitrilon).
Gumotex kayaks are distributed in Europe as well as in North America under the Innova brand.
Inflatable Tandem-Paddler: Gumotex – Solar
The Solar weighs 35 lbs, is 13.6 feet long and 31.5 inches wide.
Kayak Fishing Pedalboat: Native – Titan Propel 10.5
The Titan Propel 10.5 weighs 121 lbs, is 10.9 feet long and 37.5 inches wide.
Native Watercraft is a U.S.-based manufacturer of fishing kayaks and accessories with international distribution.
Kayak Fishing Mid Quality: Bonafide – RS 117
The Bonafide RS 117 weighs 77 lbs, is 11.7 feet long and 33.5 inches wide.
Introduced in 2016, Bonafide is a U.S.-based designer, manufacturer and distributor of fishing kayaks.
While Bonafide ships direct from their factory internationally, the company does not currently have overseas distribution.
Kayak Fishing High Quality: Jackson Kayak – Coosa FD
The Coosa FD from Jackson Kayak weighs 107 lbs, is 12.7 feet long and 34.8 inches wide.
Sea Kayak Composite Single Paddler: Zegul – Reval
The Reval weighs 51 lbs, is 17.3 feet long and 21.2 inches wide.
Sea Kayak Plastic Single Paddler: P&H Kayaks – Virgo MV Corelite X
The Virgo MV Corelite X weighs 52lbs, is 14.7 feet long and 23 inches wide.
P&H Kayaks is a 50+ year old company that designs and manufactures custom kayaks. The company also owns the brands Pyranha Whitewater Kayaks and Venture Kayaks & Canoes
Whitewater: LiquidLogic Remix 59
The Remix 59 weighs 42 lbs, is 8.5 feel long and 25 inches wide.
Liquidlogic is a 20+ year old, U.S.-based company focusing on the design and manufacturing of whitewater and crossover kayaks.
How much does a kayak weigh – Parting thoughts
The average kayak weighs 63.2 pounds, is 12.47 feet long and 30.5 inches wide.
If you’re planning on carrying one around or locking one onto the roof of your vehicle, now you know.
The data from 200 kayaks shows that factors such as paddling use, construction material, length and width all combine to impact the weight of a kayak.
I consistently illustrated a direct relationship between the length of a kayak and its weight. The longer the boat, the heavier it usually is.
I showed that real-world boat weights vary significantly from the weight that you would expect them to be, given their length (and some high-school statistics.)
Finally, I considered the weight, length and width of each boat. Then, I identified the ‘most average’ kayak in each category.