Boat Weight Database: Typical Dry Weights and Estimated Loaded Weights by Boat Type and Length
Quick answer
Loaded weight, not dry weight, is what a boat lift carries. Typical loaded weights run about 450 to 1,400 lb for PWCs, 2,800 to 5,300 lb for 18 to 23 ft bowriders, 5,200 to 12,400 lb for wake boats depending on ballast, and 4,400 to 8,900 lb for 21 to 26 ft center consoles. Use these estimated ranges for planning, then confirm with your boat's own specifications or a scale.
On this page
- How loaded weight is calculated
- Personal watercraft (PWC)
- Jon boats and aluminum utility boats
- Bass boats
- Bowriders and runabouts
- Deck boats
- Ski and wake boats (with ballast)
- Pontoons and tritoons
- Center consoles
- Bay boats
- Walkarounds and cuddy cabins
- Cruisers (express and sport cruisers)
- How to find your boat's actual dry weight
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
These tables give typical dry weight ranges and estimated loaded weight ranges for common recreational boat categories by length, with the assumptions behind every loaded figure shown in the row. They are built for one job: helping you choose a lift with enough capacity. Feed your numbers into the capacity calculator or apply the sizing rule in boat lift capacity sizing.
These are estimates. Ranges are compiled under Boat Lift Lab's methodology from the general spread of published manufacturer specifications for each category and standard fluid weights. They are not data for any specific model. Two boats of the same length and type can differ by more than 1,000 lb. Always confirm your own boat's figures.
How loaded weight is calculated
Every loaded range below uses the same formula:
Loaded weight = dry weight (hull plus engines) + fuel + fresh water + livewell or ballast water + batteries + gear
| Item | Weight used |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | About 6.1 lb per gallon |
| Diesel | About 7.1 lb per gallon |
| Fresh water, livewell water, ballast water | About 8.3 lb per gallon (62.4 lb per cubic foot) |
| Lead-acid battery (group 24, 27, 31) | About 50 to 75 lb each |
| Gear (coolers, anchors, fishing tackle, safety gear, cushions, toys) | Typically 300 to 800 lb for most boats; less for PWCs and small boats, more for cruisers |
| Outboard engines (typical ranges) | About 100 to 250 lb for small outboards, 350 to 500 lb in the 115 to 200 hp class, 500 to 600 lb for 250 to 300 hp, 550 to 750+ lb for 350 hp and up |
People are not included: a boat lift should not be operated with people aboard unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it, and you should never stand under a raised boat.
After loaded weight, choose a lift rated at least 15 to 25% above it. Many manufacturers rate lifts with the load centered; a boat whose weight sits well aft, as with heavy outboards or inboard engines, reduces effective capacity at the heavier end.
Personal watercraft (PWC)
| Category | Typical dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 1 to 2 seat recreation | 400 to 500 | Fuel 5 to 8 gal; gear 30 to 50 lb | 450 to 600 |
| 2 seat recreation | 650 to 800 | Fuel 15 to 18 gal; gear 50 to 100 lb | 800 to 1,000 |
| 3 seat recreation and performance | 800 to 1,050 | Fuel 18 to 20 gal; gear 75 to 125 lb | 1,000 to 1,300 |
| Fishing-equipped 3 seat | 850 to 1,000 | Fuel 18 to 20 gal; cooler, rod holders, tackle 150 to 250 lb | 1,100 to 1,400 |
A single PWC lift is often rated around 1,200 to 1,500 lb, which leaves thin margin for the heaviest 3 seat and fishing models. See PWC lifts.
Jon boats and aluminum utility boats
| Length | Typical dry weight with motor (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 ft | 250 to 400 | Fuel 3 to 6 gal; 1 battery; gear 100 to 150 lb | 450 to 650 |
| 16 ft | 450 to 750 | Fuel 6 to 12 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 150 to 200 lb | 700 to 1,150 |
| 17 to 18 ft welded jon or mod-V | 800 to 1,300 | Fuel 12 to 25 gal; 2 batteries; gear 200 to 300 lb | 1,200 to 1,900 |
Bass boats
| Type and length | Typical dry weight with motor (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, 16 to 18 ft | 1,000 to 1,500 | Fuel 15 to 30 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; trolling motor and gear 200 to 300 lb | 1,400 to 2,200 |
| Fiberglass, 17 to 18 ft | 1,550 to 1,950 | Fuel 30 to 40 gal; 3 batteries; gear 200 to 300 lb | 2,100 to 2,700 |
| Fiberglass, 19 to 20 ft | 2,100 to 2,500 | Fuel 45 to 50 gal; 3 to 4 batteries; gear 250 to 350 lb | 2,800 to 3,500 |
| Fiberglass, 21 ft | 2,300 to 2,700 | Fuel 50 to 55 gal; 4 batteries; gear 300 to 400 lb | 3,100 to 3,700 |
Bass boats carry a lot of battery weight relative to hull size, and most of it sits aft with the engine. Livewells are usually drained on the lift; if not, add 8.3 lb per gallon.
Bowriders and runabouts
| Length | Typical dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 to 19 ft | 2,300 to 2,900 | Fuel 25 to 35 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 300 to 400 lb | 2,800 to 3,600 |
| 20 to 21 ft | 2,900 to 3,600 | Fuel 35 to 45 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 300 to 500 lb | 3,500 to 4,500 |
| 22 to 23 ft | 3,500 to 4,300 | Fuel 45 to 55 gal; 2 batteries; gear 400 to 500 lb | 4,300 to 5,300 |
| 24 to 26 ft | 4,500 to 6,000 | Fuel 55 to 80 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 400 to 600 lb | 5,400 to 7,300 |
Deck boats
| Length | Typical dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 to 21 ft | 2,600 to 3,400 | Fuel 30 to 45 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 300 to 500 lb | 3,100 to 4,300 |
| 22 to 24 ft | 3,400 to 4,600 | Fuel 45 to 60 gal; 2 batteries; gear 400 to 500 lb | 4,200 to 5,600 |
| 25 to 27 ft | 4,800 to 6,500 | Fuel 60 to 80 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 500 to 700 lb | 5,800 to 7,900 |
Ski and wake boats (with ballast)
Wake boats are the category where lift sizing most often goes wrong. Factory ballast systems commonly hold 1,500 to 4,000 lb of water, and aftermarket ballast bags can add 1,000 to 2,000 lb or more. Water left in tanks, or tanks that do not fully drain, ride up on the lift. Size for the worst case you will realistically lift. More in wake boat lifts.
| Type and length | Typical dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded, ballast drained (lb) | Est. loaded, factory ballast full (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament ski boat, 19 to 21 ft | 2,800 to 3,400 | Fuel 25 to 40 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 200 to 400 lb; small ballast 0 to 500 lb | 3,200 to 4,200 | 3,200 to 4,700 |
| Wake boat, 21 to 22 ft | 4,500 to 5,500 | Fuel 40 to 55 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 300 to 500 lb; ballast 1,500 to 2,500 lb (about 180 to 300 gal) | 5,200 to 6,600 | 6,700 to 9,100 |
| Wake boat, 23 to 25 ft | 5,500 to 7,000 | Fuel 50 to 75 gal; 3 batteries; gear 400 to 700 lb; ballast 2,500 to 4,000 lb (about 300 to 480 gal) | 6,400 to 8,400 | 8,900 to 12,400 |
Pontoons and tritoons
Pontoon manufacturers often list hull weight without the outboard. The ranges below add a typical engine.
| Type and length | Typical hull dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-tube, 16 to 18 ft | 1,300 to 1,900 | Outboard 150 to 370 lb (25 to 90 hp); fuel 12 to 25 gal; 1 battery; gear 200 to 400 lb | 1,800 to 2,900 |
| Two-tube, 19 to 21 ft | 1,800 to 2,500 | Outboard 250 to 460 lb (60 to 150 hp); fuel 25 to 35 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; gear 300 to 500 lb | 2,600 to 3,800 |
| Tritoon, 21 to 23 ft | 2,500 to 3,400 | Outboard 450 to 560 lb (150 to 300 hp); fuel 30 to 50 gal; 2 batteries; gear 400 to 600 lb | 3,600 to 5,000 |
| Tritoon, performance, 24 to 27 ft | 3,200 to 4,500 | Single or twin outboards 500 to 1,200 lb; fuel 45 to 90 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 500 to 700 lb | 4,600 to 7,200 |
Pontoons need lifts built for their tube spacing as well as their weight; see pontoon boat lifts.
Center consoles
Center console builders commonly publish dry weight without engines. The ranges below add engines, which on twin and triple rigs can exceed 2,000 lb.
| Length | Typical hull dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 to 20 ft | 1,800 to 2,800 | Single 115 to 200 hp (400 to 500 lb); fuel 35 to 60 gal; 1 to 2 batteries; livewell 0 to 30 gal; gear 300 to 500 lb | 2,800 to 4,600 |
| 21 to 23 ft | 2,800 to 4,000 | Single 200 to 300 hp (500 to 600 lb); fuel 70 to 100 gal; 2 batteries; livewell 20 to 40 gal; gear 400 to 600 lb | 4,400 to 6,300 |
| 24 to 26 ft | 4,000 to 5,500 | Single or twin engines 560 to 1,100 lb; fuel 100 to 150 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; livewell 30 to 50 gal; gear 500 to 700 lb | 5,800 to 8,900 |
| 27 to 30 ft | 5,500 to 8,500 | Twin engines 1,000 to 1,500 lb; fuel 150 to 250 gal; 3 to 4 batteries; livewell 40 to 60 gal; gear 600 to 900 lb | 8,500 to 13,200 |
| 32 to 36 ft | 9,000 to 14,000 | Twin to quad engines 1,200 to 3,000 lb; fuel 250 to 400 gal; 4 to 6 batteries; livewell and fresh water 60 to 100 gal; gear 800 to 1,200 lb | 13,200 to 20,900 |
Bay boats
| Length | Typical hull dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 to 21 ft | 1,700 to 2,400 | Outboard 400 to 560 lb; fuel 35 to 55 gal; livewell 20 to 35 gal; 3 batteries; trolling motor and gear 300 to 500 lb | 2,900 to 4,300 |
| 22 to 24 ft | 2,400 to 3,400 | Outboard 500 to 600 lb; fuel 50 to 75 gal; livewell 30 to 50 gal; 3 to 4 batteries; gear 400 to 600 lb | 4,000 to 5,800 |
| 25 to 26 ft | 3,400 to 4,200 | Outboard 560 to 750 lb; fuel 70 to 100 gal; livewell 40 to 55 gal; 4 batteries; gear 500 to 700 lb | 5,400 to 7,000 |
Walkarounds and cuddy cabins
| Length | Typical hull dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 22 ft | 3,000 to 4,200 | Single outboard 500 to 600 lb; fuel 60 to 100 gal; fresh water 10 to 20 gal; 2 batteries; gear 500 to 700 lb | 4,600 to 6,400 |
| 24 to 26 ft | 4,500 to 6,500 | Single or twin engines 600 to 1,200 lb; fuel 120 to 180 gal; fresh water 20 to 30 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 600 to 900 lb | 6,600 to 10,100 |
| 28 to 30 ft | 8,000 to 11,000 | Twin engines 1,000 to 1,500 lb; fuel 200 to 300 gal; fresh water 30 to 45 gal; 3 to 4 batteries; gear 800 to 1,200 lb | 10,400 to 16,200 |
Cruisers (express and sport cruisers)
| Length | Typical dry weight (lb) | Loaded assumptions | Est. loaded weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 to 27 ft (gas) | 5,500 to 8,000 | Fuel 50 to 100 gal gas; fresh water 15 to 30 gal; holding tank 0 to 20 gal; 2 to 3 batteries; gear 600 to 900 lb | 6,600 to 10,200 |
| 28 to 32 ft (gas) | 9,000 to 13,000 | Fuel 100 to 180 gal gas; fresh water 25 to 45 gal; holding tank 0 to 25 gal; 3 to 4 batteries; gear 800 to 1,200 lb | 10,800 to 16,200 |
| 33 to 36 ft (often diesel) | 13,000 to 19,000 | Fuel 150 to 250 gal diesel; fresh water 40 to 70 gal; holding tank 0 to 30 gal; 4 to 6 batteries; gear 1,000 to 1,500 lb | 15,600 to 23,600 |
Cruisers also concentrate weight in the engine room, so check with the lift manufacturer how the cradle and lifting points should be positioned. See boat lift by boat type.
How to find your boat's actual dry weight
The ranges above are for planning. For sizing, you want your own number. In order of reliability:
- Weigh it. Take the boat on its trailer to a certified truck scale with fuel and gear as you normally keep it, then weigh the empty trailer (or use the trailer's documented weight). Boat on trailer minus trailer equals your real loaded weight, with no assumptions. This is the gold standard.
- Manufacturer specification sheet or owner's manual. Look for "dry weight", "approximate weight", or "hull weight". Note whether engines are included; for outboard boats they frequently are not. Archived brochures and the builder's website usually list it for past model years.
- Dealer or builder customer service. Give them the hull identification number (HIN) and ask for the dry weight as built, including engines.
- Trailer documentation. A trailer sized at the factory for the boat gives a rough upper bound, not a weight.
Field tip: the U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate near the helm on most monohull boats under 20 ft does not show what the boat weighs. It shows the maximum persons weight and the maximum weight capacity (persons, motor, and gear) the boat can safely carry, plus maximum horsepower. It is useful for confirming horsepower and motor class, but it is not a hull weight. Do not add the capacity plate figure to anything when sizing a lift.
What most weight lookups get wrong
- Engines not included. A center console listed at 5,000 lb with twin 300 hp outboards may weigh over 6,100 lb before fuel.
- Options ignored. Towers, T-tops, hardtops, generators, and upgraded audio can add hundreds of pounds.
- Water forgotten. Ballast, livewells, fresh water tanks, and rainwater in a bilge add 8.3 lb per gallon.
- Years of additions. Owners accumulate gear. Weigh it, or use the upper end of the gear range.
Worked example: sizing a lift for a 23 ft wake boat
Spec sheet: 23 ft wake boat, dry weight 5,900 lb including engine. Fuel tank 60 gal. Factory ballast 3,000 lb. Three batteries. The owner adds a 1,000 lb ballast bag and carries about 500 lb of boards, coolers, and gear.
- Fuel: 60 x 6.1 = 366 lb
- Batteries: 3 x 65 = 195 lb
- Gear: 500 lb
- Drained loaded weight: 5,900 + 366 + 195 + 500 = 6,961 lb
- If factory ballast is not fully drained (assume 25% left, 750 lb) and a ballast bag is left partly full (assume 500 lb): 6,961 + 750 + 500 = 8,211 lb
Applying a 15 to 25% margin to the realistic worst case: 8,211 x 1.15 = 9,443 lb; 8,211 x 1.25 = 10,264 lb. A 10,000 lb class lift is the minimum sensible choice, and many owners in this position choose a 12,000 to 13,000 lb lift for headroom and slower wear. The drained figure alone would have suggested an 8,000 lb lift, which would be overloaded on the first lazy evening.
Safety: an overloaded lift can fail suddenly through a cable, a sheave pin, or a brake. Never stand or swim under a raised boat, never exceed the rated capacity, and never operate a lift with people aboard unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 20 ft pontoon boat weigh with the motor?
A typical 20 ft two-tube pontoon hull weighs about 1,800 to 2,500 lb, and a 60 to 150 hp outboard adds roughly 250 to 460 lb. With fuel, a battery, and normal gear, loaded weight usually falls between about 2,600 and 3,800 lb. Tritoons and larger engines push that higher, so confirm your own model's specifications.
Does the boat capacity plate show how much my boat weighs?
No. The U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate on most monohulls under 20 ft shows the maximum weight of persons and the total load the boat can safely carry, plus maximum horsepower. It does not list the boat's own weight. Find dry weight in the manufacturer's specifications or owner's manual, or weigh the boat on its trailer at a certified scale.
How much does a wake boat weigh with ballast?
Typical 21 to 25 ft wake boats weigh about 4,500 to 7,000 lb dry. Factory ballast commonly adds 1,500 to 4,000 lb, and aftermarket bags can add 1,000 to 2,000 lb more. Fully loaded with ballast, fuel, and gear, many weigh 6,700 to 12,400 lb. Size the lift for the ballast you will realistically leave aboard.
Is dry weight the same as loaded weight for a boat lift?
No. Dry weight is the boat without fuel, water, batteries, or gear, and for many outboard boats it also excludes the engine. A lift carries loaded weight, which is commonly 15 to 40% more than dry weight. Add fuel at about 6.1 lb per gallon, water at 8.3 lb per gallon, batteries, gear, and engines if not included.
What size lift do I need for a 22 ft center console?
A typical 22 ft center console with a single 200 to 300 hp outboard has an estimated loaded weight of about 4,400 to 6,300 lb. Adding a 15 to 25% margin suggests roughly a 5,000 to 8,000 lb lift, and many owners choose a 10,000 lb class lift for future boats and lower wear. Use your actual weights and the capacity calculator.
How much does a jet ski weigh for a lift?
Compact recreational PWCs weigh about 400 to 500 lb dry, two-seat models about 650 to 800 lb, and three-seat performance or luxury models about 800 to 1,050 lb. With fuel and gear, loaded weights run about 450 to 1,400 lb. Fishing-equipped models sit at the top of that range, which matters on lifts rated near 1,200 lb.
Sources and further reading
- Boat Lift Lab methodology: how weight ranges are compiled
- U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate requirements and boating safety guidance, uscgboating.org
- Manufacturer specification sheets and owner's manuals for boats and outboard engines, in general terms
- Standard fluid densities: gasoline about 6.1 lb/gal, diesel about 7.1 lb/gal, fresh water about 8.3 lb/gal
- Lift manufacturers' capacity rating guidance, in general terms