What happens if you put more weight in a kayak than the allowed weight limit?

Question

We just bought a kayak which has a posted weight limit of 250lbs. This is not a problem for me, but my husband is a big guy and weighs about 290 lbs. Would the kayak sink if he tried to take it out on the water? He is able to sit in it, since the opening is pretty wide. What kind of wiggle room is there in terms of the weight limit on a kayak? Thanks.

Answer 1

it will sink in the water carefull it might go to the bottom of the lake or something. balance the weight out u might get aqay with 50 pounds more but other than that be carfull

Answer 2

Are you sure it wasn't optimum weight? He shoudl be fine as long as it is a short little paddle around not a long trip

Answer 3

The published weight limits on boats are usually pretty conservative - for liability reasons they'll put a weight limit on the hull that is a bit lower than the boats actual capacity.   He's probably going to be fine in it - but I'd have him test it out on some calm water, at a lake or beach somewhere, to see how it rides.  The freeboard might be minimal - and he may push a bow wake on it, but it will probably be okay.

Answer 4

Is this a closed boat?  Whitewater or flat water?  It shouldn't sink but it will definitely ride lower in the water and might be harder to handle and more apt to roll in rough water, particularly if he is a tall guy.  I'd recommend using full flotation bags and a spray skirt if it's a closed boat to minimize water in the boat.  He should also make sure he practices a wet exit (flip the boat over, exit the cockpit underwater, turn the boat over and try to climb back in) under controlled conditions (like in a pool or in still water near the shore or dock) before he goes out any distance to make sure he doesn't get hung up in the boat if it flips.  

If it's an open boat (like a sit-on-top) he'll just have more problems with water washing in over the gunnels since he's lower in the water -- make sure he has a hand pump for quick bailing.

Answer 5

He should be fine as long as if he fall's over (capsizes) he can get out safely