Kayak and Surfski Measurement Data

The following table shows dimensional data for popular racing kayaks in the northeast United States. The ratio of length-to-width at the 4-inch waterline is calculated. An aluminum jig, shown to the left, was used to measure width, and a fiberglass tape for length.

The width jig measures width overall, as well as at the 4-inch and 3-inch waterlines (WL). The jig increment is 1/16 inch. With careful use and re-measuring, the maximum width at the 4-inch water measurements below are fairly accurate.

Length at the 4-inch waterline was measured using a fiberglass tape. The location of the 4-inch depth line at the bow and stern was estimated by marking the 4-inch depth with the width jig, laying the hull flat, and eyeballing the rocker. Hull shape bows the tape when stretched from end to end. In sum, length at the 4-inch waterline data below contain error, most likely erring on the long side.

These data are being offered in response to continued debate about kayak class definition for races. The focus has been on the 4-inch waterline measure. North Amercian canoes went through the same growing pains years ago, and ultimately settled upon using length-to-width ratios at a certain waterline. The width jig used here was made sometime in the 1980's for canoes. Today marathon canoes generally use the 3-inch specification because this is to where most people sink the hull.