Inflatable Kayak for 2 People with Detachable Canopy, Reinforced Paddles 2-person $99.97 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Inflatable Kayak for 2 People with... Size chart
Recreational kayak weight capacity chart
Quick answerDivide total load by 0.7. A 200 lb paddler with 25 lb of gear needs a kayak rated for 325 lb; add a 40 lb child and it becomes 380 lb. Most solo recreational kayaks are rated 250 to 350 lb; two-person inflatables 400 to 550 lb.
| Paddler | Day gear 15 lb | Weekend gear 40 lb | + child 40 lb | + dog 60 lb | + adult 170 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lb | 165 lb | 200 lb | 225 lb | 255 lb | 425 lb |
| 120 lb | 195 lb | 230 lb | 255 lb | 280 lb | 455 lb |
| 140 lb | 225 lb | 260 lb | 280 lb | 310 lb | 480 lb |
| 160 lb | 255 lb | 290 lb | 310 lb | 340 lb | 510 lb |
| 180 lb | 280 lb | 315 lb | 340 lb | 365 lb | 540 lb |
| 200 lb | 310 lb | 345 lb | 365 lb | 395 lb | 565 lb |
| 220 lb | 340 lb | 375 lb | 395 lb | 425 lb | 595 lb |
| 240 lb | 365 lb | 400 lb | 425 lb | 455 lb | 625 lb |
| 260 lb | 395 lb | 430 lb | 455 lb | 480 lb | 650 lb |
| 280 lb | 425 lb | 460 lb | 480 lb | 510 lb | 680 lb |
| 300 lb | 455 lb | 490 lb | 510 lb | 540 lb | 710 lb |
| 325 lb | 490 lb | 525 lb | 545 lb | 575 lb | 745 lb |
| 350 lb | 525 lb | 560 lb | 580 lb | 610 lb | 780 lb |
Gear sized from this chart
Match the row that fits you, then check the listing's own dimensions and rated capacity.
Inflatable Kayak for 2 People with Detachable Canopy, Reinforced Paddles 2-person 
Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak, Kayak Folds into Backpack with 5-Minute Setup, 21-Gauge PVC Construction; Hand Pump & Paddle Included 1-person $225.29 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable... 
Bestway Hydro-Force 12'6" x 39" Rapid X3 Inflatable Kayak Set | Fits Up to 3 Persons | Includes 2 Aluminum Paddles, 1 Hand Pump, 2 Fins, 1 Carry Bag, Repair Patch Kit 12'6" / 551 lb max / 3-person $299.99 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Bestway Hydro-Force 12'6" x 39" Rapid... 
Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K Inflatable Touring Kayak, 1 Person, 12 Ft 4 In 12'4" / 1-person $480.19 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K Inflatable... 
Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Kayak Pro Package 12' / 10 PSI $999.00 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable... 
Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Inflatable Drop Stitch Kayak - Pro Package 15'6" / 2-person / 10 PSI $1,499.00 View on Amazon
Sizing specs: Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Inflatable... A kayak's weight capacity is the most the hull can float before it swamps, not what it paddles well with. The working rule used by outfitters is to stay at or below 70 percent of the rating: the boat sits at its designed waterline, tracks straight and keeps enough freeboard for wind chop. Between 70 and 85 percent it still works on flat water but slows down; past 85 percent it is unsafe in anything but a millpond.
This chart is for recreational paddling: a day on a lake with a dry bag and a cooler, a child or dog up front, or two adults in a tandem.
Want the number for your exact weight and height? Use the kayak weight capacity calculator, which runs the same math as this chart.
Frequently asked questions
What weight capacity kayak do I need?
Add your weight, any passenger and your gear, then divide by 0.7. A 180 lb paddler with 15 lb of day gear needs about a 280 lb rating. A couple weighing 180 and 150 lb with 30 lb of gear needs about 515 lb, which means a two-person inflatable or tandem sit-on-top.
What is the average kayak weight limit?
Solo recreational kayaks are usually rated 250 to 350 lb, youth kayaks 100 to 150 lb, and two-person inflatables and tandems 400 to 550 lb. The popular Intex Explorer K2 is rated 400 lb, which suits two lighter adults or one adult with a child.
What happens if you go over a kayak weight limit?
The boat sits lower, so waves and boat wakes come over the sides, it becomes harder to paddle and turn, and a sit-in can swamp. Over the maximum it may not float you at all. Staying under 70 percent keeps a safety margin for wind and chop.
On the water: Wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket every time, dress for the water temperature rather than the air, and check your state and local paddling regulations before you launch.
This is researched general information, not professional advice. Sizing figures are starting points: confirm against the maker's own sizing chart and the capacity printed on the boat or board.