Length Feet	Length Inches (In addition to feet)	Width Inches		Kayak Max Hull Speed in Knots	Kayak Max Hull Speed in MPH

Are you looking for the fastest inflatable kayak?
Are you looking for the fastest hardshell kayak?
Are you simply shopping for a new kayak and want to objectively compare your kayak to another one?
Find out how fast your kayak can go here!

This calculator will estimate the maximum speed of your kayak based on hull length and width.

This calculations are based on an article in Wavelength magazine: http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com/2001/on01howfast.php.

The author made some observations, looked at some data, and came up with some calculations which seem like good estimates.   Most inflatables kayaks will be somewhat limited due to their width, but this gives you a good way to compare their average speed.  You should also consider that having one or two paddlers will also have some effect.  Sea Kayaker had a review of Innova's Sunny that shared some GPS test results.  In the review, with 2 paddlers they noted 3.5-4 knots with a solo paddler going about .5 knot slower...This seems to match what the calculations = with 12' 8" length and 33" of width, you get an estimate of 3.13 knots.  

Of course, the shape of the hull, how well the design tracks, etc, will have an effect on overall forward speed, but its still a nice estimate, and at least gives you a means to compare different boats.  Find a friend, plug in the numbers for a couple boats, and have your own speed test to confirm!

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Richard Thomsen April 29th, 2008 09:00:23 AM