Are there U.S. Coast Guard regulations that apply to Canoes and Kayaks? The only regulation is the requirement for a Hull Identification Number.  So, are there standards for these boats that you should follow? Yes!

The USCG published a policy paper, which accepts the ABYC standard as the USCG standard for the defintion of a Canoe or kayak The policy can be seen at [BSX-23 Policy #23-06] Definition of Canoes and Kayaks. The date is 30 August 2023 so it is the current USCG Policy.

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has a standard specifically for Canoes and Kayaks. This spells out standards for:

Defining what is a canoe or kayak

Safe Loading

Flotation

Powering

Labels

The ABYC standard is H-29. Contact ABYC for a copy. https://www.abycinc.org/

American Boat And Yacht Council
613 Third Street, Suite 10
Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone: (410) 990-4460
Fax: (410) 990-4466

Additionally, there are the following associations dedicated to canoes and kayaks.

The American Canoe Association

American Whitewater

Paddling.Net

Are there other standards for Canoes and Kayaks?

UK And EU. Canoes and Kayaks are exempted from the RCD.

Canadian Office of Boating Safety has regulations that apply to canoes and kayaks sold in Canada.

Canadian Standards for Canoes or Kayaks:

4.2 Definitions:

“ Canoe” means a watercraft, designed to be manually propelled, with provision for auxiliary power, with neither end having a transverse dimension greater than 45% of its maximum beam and conforms to the following table :
Canoe Length Maximum Beam
     4.25m or less 1/3 Canoe Length
over 4.25m to 4.9m 1/4 Canoe Length
over 4.9m 1/5 Canoe Length

4.3.1.3  The recommended maximum gross load in kilograms for canoes shall be less than or equal to that load which yields 178mm of freeboard. Freeboard shall be measured at the lowest point along the length of the canoe.

4.3.2.2 The recommended maximum number of persons is calculated with the following formula:

(b) For outboard powered vessels (including canoes):

Number of persons = GL-We/75
where:
GL = recommended maximum gross load in kilograms
We = outboard engine and related equipment total weight, as determined from Table 4-2 in TP 1332 part 4.3.3.3 (see below)

4.3.2.3 The maximum number of persons shall be rounded off to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than 0.5, round down to the next whole integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than 0.5, round up to the next higher whole integer.

The recommended maximum power for canoes shall be as specified in Table 4-1

Table 4-1 THE RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM POWER FOR CANOES
Canoe Length Maximum Kilowatt Rating Maximum Horsepower Rating
Under 4.6m (15ft) 2.25 3
4.6-5.5m (15-18ft) 3.75 5
Over 5.5m (over 18Ft) 5.25 7

Table 4-2. WEIGHTS (IN KILOGRAMS) OF GASOLINE OUTBOARD ENGINES and RELATED EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS KILOWATT RATINGS

Single Engine Installations

(1) Engine Power Categories   (2) Dry Weight + Fluids + Heaviest Propeller
(kg)		 (3) Controls
(kg)		 (4) Remote Oil Tank
(kg)		 (5) * Dry Battery Weight
(kg)		 (6) **Full Portable Fuel Tank
(kg)		 (7) Total Weight
(kg)
(HP) (KW)            
0.1-2.0 0.0 - 1.5 13.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.7
2.1-3.9 1.6 - 2.9 18.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 18.2
4.0-7.0 3.0 - 5.2 40.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.4 52.3

4.4 Flotation Requirements for Monohull Vessels

Information Note:

Canoes designed to be powered by an outboard engine are required to meet the Minimum Flotation Test of section 4.4.1 instead of the Level Flotation Test of section 4.4.2 that is required for monohull vessels powered by an outboard engine.

See TP 1332 section 4.4.1

Information on canoeing and kayaking is available from the International Canoe Federation. However this does not include build standards for canoes and kayaks.
https://www.canoeicf.com/

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Revised 4/15/2024  © newboatbuilders.com 2010 All rights reserved.