maximum load capacity of a boat

[hungry hunter]

I am wondering about the tag that has the max capacity loading info on it. my tag says max hp - 70 hp max weight 600 lbs - persons and 1300lbs - persons and gear. my question is does the motor count in the gear part or is it already taken into consideration? this boat has a permanently attached 70 hp outboard motor.

[Ferg]

The short answer is yes - include motor in gear -

Here is the long answer -



It is not a violation of Coast Guard regulations to install or use an engine larger than specified on the capacity label, but there may be state regulations prohibiting it, and restrictions from your own insurance company regarding this. There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.

NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less
than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length



Sec. 183.35——Maximum weight capacity: Outboard boats

(a) The maximum weight capacity marked on a boat that is designed or intended to use one or more outboard motors for propulsion must be a number that does not exceed one-fifth of the difference between its maximum displacement and boat weight.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) Maximum displacement is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the boat
at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard except for
water coming through one opening in the motor well with its greatest dimension not
over 3 inches for outboard motor controls or fuel lines. For the purpose of this
paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of the two
following conditions are met:
(i) The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane and
the aft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern)
are equidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water
surface.
(ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point of
water ingress.
(2) Boat weight is the combination of:
(i) Hull weight;
(ii) Deck and superstructure weight;
(iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances; and
(iv) Weight of full permanent fuel tanks.

[CGD 72-61, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, as amended by CGD 73-250, 40 FR 43857, Sept. 23, 1975; CGD 75-176, 42 FR 2681, Jan. 13, 1977; USCG-1999-5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

[hungry hunter]

thanks for the info. I am not trying to go beyond the recomended weight limit just wonder how to actually calculate it so everythig is safe and within the limits of the boat.

[boehr]

Michigan state laws are the same as the Coast Guard so the state is not any more restrictive then what Ferg posted in this matter.

[roger23]

This is OHIO ,,first hand experience while duck hunting..overloaded 3 guys and a dog plus decoys,, we were told the persons limit was set as 150 lbs for each person on data plate,,,did not get a ticket they just explained the law ,,,we were in a state marsh not much water ,,they said if we were in a lake or river it would be different..

Capacity Plates
(ORC 1547.39 & ORC 1547-40)

No person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft in excess of any of the stated limits on the capacity plate. When no capacity plate exists, no person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft if a reasonably prudent person would believe the total load aboard or the total horsepower of any motor or engine presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property.
No person shall alter, remove, or deface any information on the capacity plate.
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/4/images/opsguide/capacity.gif