I'm interested to hear from other readers what difference they think the weight of their boat makes to their performance. Clearly the top guys think there is something to it otherwise they wouldn't be paddling expensive 9-11kg lay-ups! But what about Mr Average middle-of-the-pack i.e. me! Would an 11kg carbon Robberg Express (in theory, as it doesn't exist) give me a big advantage over my current 17kg version? Logic tells me it would, as for a fixed 'horsepower' (me) it seems to stand to reason that I'd get more power/acceleration/speed with a lighter load. Perhaps it is different for varying conditions e.g. flat water vs downwind etc. Definitely nicer to take on and off the car, but is that worth the huge extra cost....?!

Greetings from sunny Florida, USA
I'm not sure my 25.5 pound (11.6 kg) Think Evo makes me go any faster than my Value 37 pound (16.81 kg) Epic V10 Sport. I didn't think weight would matter at all until I got the lighter boat (Epic makes very light boats too). Taking the boat to the water and especially after a paddle when my boat is wet...light boats are awesome.
Go carry one and you'll be spoiled! It won't matter if all you have is a heavy boat. You'll get used to carrying it. BUT if you get a heavy boat, don't pick up a buddies light weight boat.
Good luck
Franklin

Somewhere on this forum is an explanation about weight distribution vis-a-vis the paddler versus the boat; i.e., extra weight on the boat will be distributed evenly, creating relatively more mass in the bow and stern, which affects handling, whereas weight on the paddler is centered, affecting handling less and (one hopes) providing some additional power, as at lease some of the weight will be muscle. Thus, shedding a little mass from the proverbial spare tire mioght not have exactly the same affect as spending extra money on a lighter boat.

I have both a carbon XT and a glass XT: I can feel the difference in the water, but not sure I am really faster in one than the other... I'd have to do a very well controlled test to find out, but it does stand to reason that all other things equal, a lighter boat will be faster. How much faster is the question.

I sure like carrying the carbon boat better. On the other hand, my glass XT can take a beating... not sure the carbon would.

Personally, I think this issue boils down to ease of carry, durability and cost much more so than performance, at least for the average racer. Below the most elite level, I would bet performance is most affected by mechanics and fitness.

Hi,

I now paddle a Think Legend 12kg compared with my previous 18kg spec ski. It is like chalk and cheese. Faster on the flat and Faster on in downwind and Faster in upwind. Why? Because it is lighter and therefore the same amount of force will push the lighter ski faster.

Simple.

Will,

I'm delighted to learn it is so simple to figure this out, but I'm curious to know how you were able to deduce that weight makes the difference rather than boat length, boat width, hull shape, and other differences between a spec ski and the Legend.

Do you think it would be important to hold constant all the other variables other than weight to determine whether weight really makes a difference?

IMO found lighter boats (stiffer and more boyant as well) accelerate better, thus getting onto runs that you might miss by split second in a heavier boat of the same or similar design. Definately the wallowing factor dimishes with a light boat fro me anyway. For instance I find a V10 Ultra quicker then V10 17kg. The same for my V10 Sport ultra compared to a V10 Sport Performance and my previous EVO 12kg. Incedently i feel the V10 Sport Ultra is faster for me then the V10 (17kg) that i paddle regulary.