You can expect an average kayak weight to be about 50 lbs (23 kg). Most lightweight kayak trailers also weigh about 300 pounds (136 kg).
The average kayak weight with trailer is around 350 pounds (159 kg).
Generally, the longer and larger the kayak, the heavier it will be. The types of kayaks with the lightest weights are the folding and inflatable due to their lighter materials. The heavier kayaks consist of polyethylene and composite materials.
Types of Kayaks
Depending on the type of your kayak and the materials that it's made out of, you can expect a wide variation in weight. The following list goes over the average weights of each different type of kayak from lightest to heaviest:
- Folding: 26 lbs (12 kg)
- Inflatable: 35 lbs (16 kg)
- Polyethylene: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Tandem: 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Composite: 133 lbs (60 kg)
13 Kayak Weight Examples
The following chart features example kayak weights of specific models ranging from the lightest to heaviest used in the water. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer's websites. Here's the kayak weight chart:
Kayak Model | Kayak Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Intex Challenger K1 | Inflatable | 24 lbs (11 kg) |
Oru Beach Lt | Folding | 26 lbs (12 kg) |
Oru Bay ST | Folding | 28 lbs (13 kg) |
Intex Explorer K2 | Inflatable | 31 lbs (14 kg) |
Intex Challenger K2 | Inflatable | 34 lbs (15 kg) |
Oru Coast XT | Folding | 36 lbs (16 kg) |
Intex Excursion Pro | Inflatable | 39 lbs (18 kg) |
Sun Dolphin Excursion | Sit-In Polyethylene | 41 lbs (19 kg) |
Sun Dolphin Journey | Sit on Top Polyethylene | 47 lbs (21 kg) |
Perception Hi Life 11 | Sit on Top Polyethylene | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
Pelican Challenger 130T | Tandem | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
Old Town Predator MX | Polyethylene | 82 lbs (37 kg) |
Old Town Predator PDL | Composite | 133 lbs (60 kg) |
Additional Weight and Hauling Options
The additional weight you will encounter with a kayak will come from a few areas. Those areas being storage and add-ons.
If you do not have a truck or open bed to toss your kayak in, then kayak trailers are a good option. Depending on the size of your kayak, you may need a trailer for transport as it's too large to fit inside a truck bed. This also creates an additional weight to consider when towing and traveling with your kayak.
Alternatively, you can opt to use a kayak roof rack for hauling your kayak.
For towing kayaks, it's recommended to use a vehicle that can tow at least 1,000 pounds. This would be for a towing a single kayak and trailer. If you plan on towing multiple kayaks, then you'll need more towing power.
Make sure to check your vehicle's towing capacity. This can be found in your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website as your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). It's always safer to leave some extra wiggle room to not damage your engine.
RHINO USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps
When buying a hitch trailer for your kayak, you'll also need a way to secure it to the trailer. These straps are easy to tighten down and quite smooth to use. Having a pair of good quality straps will save your kayak from tumbling down the highway.
To Conclude
Kayaks provide a fun mode of transportation out on the water. Each type also comes with it's own weights based on it's purpose and use.
It's important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your kayak. 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.