An average paddle boat roughly weighs anywhere between 150lbs and 500lbs. I know what you are thinking, the lightest paddle boats are the best? I am afraid this is not true.
You see, quality does not solely depend on the weight. There are multiple dependencies to a perfect paddle boat. A paddleboat is supposed to be light. However, it also needs to be heavy enough to maintain a few indispensable functions. It should be sturdy even if it adds a little more weight.
So, in comes the million-dollar question: How much does a paddleboat weigh? To answer this question, you need to keep a few things in mind.
How Much Does a Paddle Boat Weigh?
An average paddle boat is made up of a few basic components. A light deck usually made from fiberglass, a paddle, and the shade. Despite all paddleboats following the same design, their total weight ranges from 150-500 pounds.
I know what you are thinking. If all boats are similar, why is there such a big difference in their weights? Well, weighing a paddleboat not only relies on the basic structure. But also on size, quality, style, and the accessories used.
Determinants of the Weight of a Paddleboat
Several parameters influence the final weight of a paddleboat. All of them need to be considered when reckoning a paddleboat’s ideal weight. According to my knowledge, the passenger limit influences the weight of the paddleboat the most. In other words, the maximum weight the boat can hold to remain afloat.
Quality paddle boats last a long time, so it is important to buy one, which ultimately is according to your requirements, not mine.
Are you still scratching your head to narrow down the variables and come up with an exact figure? Do not worry; I have got you covered.
In the next few paragraphs, I will tell you exactly what variables you need to keep in mind. By the time I finish the topic, you will get a clear idea of what weight is ideal of a paddleboat for you.
The Passenger Limit
Your orthodox paddle boat can hold anywhere from 1 to 5 passengers. And yes, this number hugely affects the final weight. You see, the greater the number of passengers, the greater will be the size of the boat, increasing its weight. Let me state the average weight for some specific passenger limits:
- 1 passenger – 100lbs
- 3 passengers – 380lbs
- 5 passengers – 500lbs
So, if you are looking for a paddleboat for a specific passenger limit, I hope this helps. Anywhere near the stated value is considered optimum.
Accessories and Additives
I would also like to mention the obvious. The accessories you carry around in your paddle boat also contribute to its final weight. There are some accessories that you MUST keep with you while in a paddleboat.
A Toolkit
If you do not want to get stranded in the middle of the lake, keeping a toolkit in your boat would be a wise decision. Make sure you carry a box of basic tools that may assist you in life-threatening situations on your boating journey.
A Cleaning Rod
The paddles of the boat are very likely to be entangled in weeds that lie in the way of your boat. That’s when a cleaning rod comes in handy. The rod allows you to continue your ride seamlessly, without any hurdles.
A water cooler
I do not consider this worth elaborating, as water is essential at all times if you have a will to survive.
All these accessories will ultimately add to the final weight of the boat. Hence, I suggest that you only keep the essentials with you. You can know more about the essential boat accessories here, 40 Boat Accessories you must have.
The Recommended On-Board Weight
When manufacturing a boat, we bear in mind what weight it needs to support. The basic function of any boat is to keep a certain weight afloat. Below is an estimate of the amount of weight that different sized boats can carry.
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A 100lbs boat can carry 532lbs.
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A 350lbs boat can carry 800lbs.
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A 500lbs boat can carry 1084lbs.
I insist that you keep these values in mind when choosing a paddle boat for yourself so that you end up with a boat that suits you best.
The Material From Which The Boat is Built
I can easily say that this is the topic you do need to worry about. Almost all American-made paddle boats are made from fiberglass. Fiberglass is a perfect combination of delicacy and strength. It is perfect for making boats as it is very light but, at the same time, very sturdy.
Surprisingly, you can still find some paddle boats being made out of plastic and wood. The orthodox materials are heavier and less efficient than fiberglass. So, my suggestion is to go with paddleboats made of fiberglass. There is a clear difference in the constituting materials of boats and ships. You can enlighten yourself here BOATS vs SHIPS.
Why is it Important to Know How Much Does a Paddleboat Weigh?
I can guess that you’re thinking, “Why should I even bother to find out how much a paddleboat weighs?” Well, here’s why:
- First and foremost, knowing the weight of your ride helps you to remain carefree and calm in the water. If you know the weight of your boat, and the weight your boat can support. Then it is fairly easy for you to relate the additional weight to the boat’s weight.
- The paddle boats are made for calm, still waters. However, it is important to keep the weight in mind to prevent overloading and any mishap.
- I know that we need to make arrangements to carry our paddle boat to the waters. And in that regard, knowing the weight is essential. Like one pickup truck may support a weight of 150lbs but not 500lbs. So knowing the weight will assist you in making the perfect arrangements.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, I would finally hand out a few suggestions. Firstly, get a clear idea of your requirements, passenger limit, and other requisites. This would help make it easy when making a purchase.
Secondly, keep the data I mentioned earlier in mind. It will assist you in choosing the perfectly weighted paddle boat for you.
In conclusion, knowing what a paddleboat weighs is vital. It will allow you to make perfect arrangements and make safe decisions. You can also get a clear idea of how long your boat will last by visiting How Long do Boats Last.
This concludes my take on how much a paddleboat should weigh. It is impossible to determine the exact weight of a paddleboat without considering the variables. I hope you will make sure to consider all these parameters before setting sail on your very own paddle boat.
