Kayaks are a great way to explore the water, but most people don’t know how much they weigh. How much does a kayak weight? How heavy is it? How do you measure the weight of a kayak? These are all questions that we will be answering in this blog post! We will also talk about different weights for different types of kayaks and what might influence their weight.
How Much Do Kayaks Weigh?
The average kayak for recreational use weighs about 35 pounds. This increases up to 75 pounds when you get a tandem kayak and even more for fishing kayaks. The weight for a kayak can vary drastically because of the different sizes, uses, and materials used in kayaks.
Your kayak’s weight depends on factors like what you plan to do with it, and other things. Make sure you know your needs before purchasing a lighter or heavier option. For example, if your goal is to travel long distances without tiring out too quickly, then a more heavy kayak might be best. On the other hand,
Below are the average weights of the most common types of kayaks available.
Average Kayak Weights
Below are the average weights for the most popular types of kayaks available.
How Much Does A Single Kayak Weigh?
A single kayak typically weighs 35 pounds because it is typically made of plastic. Single-seat kayaks are both light and compact, weighing in at 30 to 50 pounds depending on the material from which they are composed. Your first kayak is most likely going to be a single kayak, and it’s important to figure out how much the kayak weighs.
The weight and size of a kayak should be one of your most important considerations when purchasing equipment because you may need to physically carry the kayak, lift it, or place it on the roof of your vehicle. The overall size of the kayak will play a huge role in the weight. For example a kayak for a 6 foot tall person will weigh more than a kayak for a smaller individual.
Popular Single Kayak Weights:
Perception Kayaks Prodigy XS Weight – 26 pounds (12kg)
Field & Stream Kayaks Blade 80 Weight – 35 pounds (16kg)
Pelican Kayaks Trailblazer 100 NXT Weight – 36 pounds (16kg)
Perception Kayaks Tribute 10.0 Weight – 36 pounds (16kg)
Pelican Kayaks Mustang 100X Weight – 39 pounds (17kg)
Pelican Kayaks Bandit NXT 100 Weight – 40 pounds (18kg)
Perception Kayaks Swifty 9.5 Weight – 44 pounds (20kg)
Field & Stream Kayaks Blade 9.7 Weight – 45 pounds (20kg)
How Much Does A Tandem Kayak Weigh?
The average tandem kayak weighs approximately 65 pounds. 50-75 pounds is a pretty wide range, with most tandem kayaks falling somewhere in the middle at around 60lbs for an estimate. If you’re looking for a time to share some physical activity and spend some quality time with someone, then kayaking is an great choice that will certainly give you two something in common. Share the weight of carrying your tandem (2 person) kayak to and from the water where it’s stored so that its bigger chance to become heavy than when transporting it. Some tandem kayaks are so large that individuals may confuse the kayak vs a canoe.
Popular Tandem Kayak Weights:
57 pounds (26kg) – Ocean Kayaks Malibu Two Tandem Weight
67 pounds (30kg) – Perception Kayaks Tribe Tandem – 13.5 Weight
70 pounds (32kg) – Sun Dolphin Kayaks Bali 13.5 SS Tandem Weight
72 pounds (32kg) – Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T Tandem Ocean Weight
73 pounds (33kg) – Pelican Kayaks Sentinel 130X Tandem Weight
78 pounds (35kg) – Perception Kayaks Rambler Tandem – 13.5 Weight
84 pounds (38kg) – Lifetime Kayaks Emotion Spitfire 12T Tandem Weight
How Much Does A Fishing Kayak Weigh?
The weight of fishing kayaks ranges from 35 pounds on the light, budget-end to over 225 pounds and up at the top end. Heavier, more feature-rich, and more expensive fishing kayaks typically weigh over 150 lbs.
When a kayak weighs in around 60 pounds and up, you might need to start looking into a kayak cart. Even if you could lift all that weight over your head, the equipment and tackle in your fishing kayaks will likely add enough weight to make even transporting by yourself difficult; don’t forget about the potential for loosing some of your equipment if you struggle to lift your kayak. For example one of the main differences between the Lifetime Tamarack 100 vs 120 is the weight.
Popular Fishing Kayak Weights:
45 pounds (20kg) – Perception Kayaks Sound 10.5 Fishing Weight
47 pounds (21kg) – Ocean Kayaks Caper Angler Weight
55 pounds (25kg) – Pelican Kayaks Strike 120X Angler Weight
60 pounds (27kg) – Field & Stream Kayaks 12′ Eagle Run Weight
70 pounds (32kg) – Ocean Kayaks Trident 13 Angler Weight
85 pounds (38kg) – Jackson Kayaks Cuda HD Fishing Weight
103 pounds (46kg) – Hobie Kayaks Mirage Compass Fishing Weight
129 pounds (58kg) – Hobie Kayaks Mirage Pro Angler 12 Weight
Inflatable Kayak Weight
Cheap inflatable kayaks can range anywhere from 20 pounds to 60 pounds while more durable and reliable inflatable kayaks are typically between 30-50 lb. The weight of an inflatable kayak will vary based on the materials used to increase the durability of the kayak. Read about how to tell if an inflatable kayak is safe.
The lighter the inflatable kayak is, the more prone it is to failure. You can still purchase an inflatable kayak that has a high level of quality assurance; just know that purchasing one with lower weight means you won’t save much time on portability—especially when considering the fact that they cost more than a traditional hard-shell type
In order to create a durable and reliable inflatable kayak, manufacturers must use materials with some substance. As a result, these kayaks are heavier than you might expect.
Popular Inflatable Kayak Weights:
- 18 pounds (8.0kg) – Goplus Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
- 26 pounds (12.0kg) – Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
- 26 pounds (12.0kg) – Advanced Elements SPORT Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
- 27 pounds (12.5kg) – Driftsun Voyager 2-Person Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
- 28 pounds (12.5kg) – Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
- 31 pounds (14.0kg) – Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Inflatable
- 39 pounds (17.5kg) – Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak’s Weight
- 52 pounds (23.5kg) – Advanced Elements Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak’s Weight
How Much Does Pelican Kayaks Weigh?
The weight of a pelican kayak can vary between 19 pounds and 78 pounds depending on the size, weight limits, and function, but the average pelican kayak weighs around 40 pounds.
I looked up the weight specs for each of the kayaks on Pelican’s website and found that there are many different weights among them; everything from their lightest model, weighing 19 pounds, to their heaviest 78-pounder.
One of the most popular and affordable singles, sit-insides, sit upsides, tandems, and entry-level fishing kayaks is the Pelican. Many of these boats weigh in around 40 pounds. Read about the differences between sit on vs sit in kayaks.
Popular Pelican Kayak Weights:
19 pounds (8.5kg) – Pelican SOLO (youth)
27 pounds (12.5kg) – Pelican ARGO 80X
34 pounds (15.5kg) – Pelican ATHENA 100XP
35 pounds (16.0kg) – Pelican TRAILBLAZER 100 NXT
36 pounds (15.5kg) – Pelican ARGO 100X
37 pounds (17.0kg) – Pelican ARGO 100X EXO
38 pounds (17.0kg) – Pelican COVE 100XP
39 pounds (17.5kg) – Pelican SPRINT 106XP
40 pounds (18.0kg) – Pelican ARGO 100XP
41 pounds (18.5kg) – Pelican SPRINT 100XR
41 pounds (18.5kg) – Pelican ARGO 100XR
41 pounds (18.5kg) – Pelican ARGO 100XP ANGLER
43 pounds (19.5kg) – Pelican SPRINT 120DT
45 pounds (20.5kg) – Pelican SENTINEL 100X ANGLER
48 pounds (22.0kg) – Pelican ARGO 120XP
49 pounds (22.0kg) – Pelican ICON 100XP ANGLER
50 pounds (22.5kg) – Pelican SENTINEL 100XR ANGLER
51 pounds (23.0kg) – Pelican SPRINT 120XR
54 pounds (24.5kg) – Pelican THE CATCH 100
55 pounds (25.0kg) – Pelican SPRINT 140DT
58 pounds (26.5kg) – Pelican SENTINEL 120XR ANGLER
66 pounds (30.0kg) – Pelican ARGO 136X TANDEM
67 pounds (30.5kg) – Pelican ARGO 136XP TANDEM
69 pounds (31.5kg) – Pelican THE CATCH 120
73 pounds (33.0kg) – Pelican SENTINEL 130X TANDEM
78 pounds (35.5kg) – Pelican THE CATCH 130 HYDRYVE
How Much Does Hobie Kayaks Weigh?
On average, the average recreational Hobie kayaks weighs around 60 pounds. An average recreational kayak with fishing gear and accessories weighs up to 240 pounds on a high end.
If you’re looking to venture into the water on a kayak, it’s important that you know what size and weight is best for you. Hobie Kayaks manufactures just about every type of kayak in existence, including both light and heavy options.
Popular Hobie Kayak Weights:
75 pounds (34.0kg) – Hobie MIRAGE PASSPORT fully rigged
87 pounds (39.5kg) – Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
91 pounds (41.5kg) – Hobie Mirage Revolution 13
103 pounds (46.5kg) – Hobie Mirage Compass Fishing Kayak
111 pounds (50.5kg) – Hobie MIRAGE I14T inflatable fully rigged
129 pounds (58.5kg) – Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12
148 pounds (67.0kg) – Hobie MIRAGE PRO ANGLER 14 WITH 360 DRIVE fully rigged
240 pounds (109.0kg) – Hobie MIRAGE TANDEM ISLAND outrigger kayak