How to Overload a Touring Kayak

A touring kayak is used to travel long distances and can be used for multi-day kayaking trips. They are typically 12 to 16 feet long and have two hatched areas on the body for dry storage. There is one storage area on the front and one the back. This serves to distribute the weight across the kayak evenly. The weight distribution and the size of the storage areas make it difficult to overload a touring kayak, but it can be done.

Things You'll Need

  • Weights
  • Life jackets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the hatches. Most hatches will simply pop off when turned correctly. Touring kayaks have two storage hatches. You'll need to utilize both cargo holds to overload it.

    • 2

      Load what you can fit into the hatches. The size and dimensions of your cargo hatches will vary depending on what brand of kayak you have. The 16-1/2 foot Chatham series touring kayak's front and back hatches are 16 inches by 9 inches. Drop a couple of 50-pound dumbbells in each hatch. Any weight will do, but you must consider the amount of space you have in the hatches compared to the amount of weight needed to overload the kayak.

    • 3

      Strap on your life jacket and get in. With the kayak's design that ensures weight is distributed evenly, your body weight may have to play a part in the kayak's overloading. Depending on the brand or type of touring kayak you have, the maximum overall weight allowed on a touring kayak ranges from 175 pounds to 325 pounds. Take your own weight and subtract it from your kayak's maximum capacity and that will tell you how much additional weight you will need.