How Much Do Boats Weigh?

Whether you’re planning to buy a boat, tow one, or just satisfy your curiosity, one of the most common questions is:
“How much do boats weigh?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Boat weight varies dramatically based on the type, size, materials, engine, and purpose of the boat.

How Much Do Boats Weigh? A Complete Breakdown by Type and Size

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Average boat weights by category
• What factors influence boat weight
• Why boat weight matters for towing, transporting, and storage

Why Boat Weight Matters

Before diving into numbers, here’s why understanding boat weight is important:

• Towing capacity: Can your truck or SUV handle it?
• Storage & docking: Heavier boats may require stronger trailers and lifts.
• Fuel efficiency: Heavier boats tend to consume more fuel.
• Performance: Lighter boats are usually faster, while heavier boats provide stability.

Key Terms to Know

• Dry Weight: The weight of the boat without fuel, water, gear, or passengers.
• Wet Weight: Includes fluids (fuel, water) but no passengers.
• Gross Weight: Includes everything—fuel, gear, engine, and passengers.

Average Boat Weights by Type

Let’s look at the average weight of boats by category:

1. Canoes & Kayaks

• Weight Range: 30 to 100 pounds (13 to 45 kg)
• Notes: Made of lightweight materials; easily portable by one or two people.

2. Small Fishing Boats (Jon Boats)

• Weight Range: 100 to 500 pounds (45 to 227 kg)
• Example: 12-foot aluminum jon boat weighs around 120 pounds.

3. Bass Boats

• Weight Range: 1,200 to 2,000 pounds (544 to 907 kg)
• Towing: Towable by mid-sized trucks or SUVs.
• Note: Weight includes motor, but not fuel or gear.

4. Pontoon Boats

• Weight Range: 1,800 to 3,500 pounds (816 to 1,588 kg)
• Popular Sizes: 20-26 feet long
• Towing Tip: Require a strong trailer and capable towing vehicle.

5. Ski & Wake Boats

• Weight Range: 2,500 to 4,000 pounds (1,134 to 1,814 kg)
• Additional Weight: Ballast systems can add 1,000+ lbs when full.

6. Cabin Cruisers

• Weight Range: 8,000 to 20,000+ pounds (3,628 to 9,072+ kg)
• Towing: Often require professional transportation or a heavy-duty truck.

7. Sailboats

• Small (Under 20 ft): 400–1,000 lbs
• Medium (20–30 ft): 2,000–8,000 lbs
• Large (30–50 ft): 9,000–30,000+ lbs
• Note: Keel weight plays a big role in total mass.

8. Yachts

• Weight Range: 20,000 to 200,000+ pounds (9,072 to 90,718+ kg)
• Luxury Superyachts: Can exceed 500,000 pounds (226,796 kg)

Other Factors That Affect Boat Weight

Besides boat type and length, consider:

• Engine Type: Inboard motors are heavier than outboards.
• Material: Aluminum = lighter; fiberglass or wood = heavier.
• Accessories: T-tops, electronics, and fuel tanks add extra weight.
• Passengers & Gear: Always include when calculating for towing.

Can Your Vehicle Tow It?

Here’s a quick reference chart for towing vehicles vs. boat weights:

Vehicle Type	Max Towing Capacity	Boat Types It Can Tow
Small SUV	1,500–3,500 lbs	Canoes, kayaks, jon boats
Mid-size SUV	3,500–5,000 lbs	Bass boats, small pontoons
Full-size Truck	7,000–12,000+ lbs	Ski boats, large pontoons, cabin cruisers
Heavy-duty Truck	12,000–20,000+ lbs	Sailboats, small yachts
Commercial Trailer	20,000+ lbs	Large yachts, commercial vessels

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Tips for Estimating Boat Weight

1. Check the manufacturer specs – always start there.
2. Add for trailer weight – typically 10–15% of total boat weight.
3. Don’t forget fuel – 1 gallon = ~6.3 lbs
4. Account for passengers & gear – estimate 150–200 lbs per person.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do boats weigh?
It depends on type, size, use, and what you load into it. Here’s the key:

The bigger the boat, the more you need to plan for towing, fuel, and storage.

Whether you’re hauling a kayak or dreaming of a yacht, knowing your boat’s weight helps you make smarter, safer decisions on the water and the road.

🔍 FAQ Section

Q: How much does a 20-foot boat weigh?

A 20-foot fiberglass boat typically weighs 2,500–3,000 lbs, not including trailer and gear.

Q: How much does a boat trailer weigh?

A boat trailer usually weighs 200–1,500 lbs, depending on the size and materials.

Q: Can I tow a pontoon boat with an SUV?

A mid-size or full-size SUV with a 5,000+ lb towing capacity can handle most standard pontoon boats.