My boat (like most) has a placard that states 7 passengers or 1700 lbs, motor, fuel, people, etc… Which of those numbers is the most important? I want to take 8 people on a short distance run (in shallow water) and adding up all weight, come in under 1700 lbs. Four of the people are kids so it is not like having 8 adults aboard. This would be on a 17’ cc, 70 hp with a 7’ 4" beam so it is a wide, flat and very stable boat. Any thoughts?
Yes, I have PFD’s for all.
I’m pretty sure the DNR or CG might not like having more people on board then the cap. plate states, (not 100% sure on this). From a safety standpoint (IMO) as long as a person has plenty of freeboard left and is in protected waters and uses common sense it dosen’t sound like you are overloading the boat.
Russ B.
Psalm 55:22
The placard is a “recommendation”. meaning you cannot be ticketed for having more people than it states. However you can be ticketed if the DNR/Officer determines that you are dangerously overloaded.
I’d be wary of having that many people on a 17’ boat even if half are kids. I have a 17’ sea pro and my tag says “4 people or 600 lbs” and “1200 lbs. persons, motor and gear”. when I have 5 people on board it feels like i’m elbow to elbow, let alone 8.
it sounds like one of your buddies needs to get a boat of their own.
That does seem like a crowd for a 17’ - it’s a short run, I’d consider making two trips…
2008 Sea Fox 197 CC
2008 Suzuki 140
just remember you have to have a life jacket for every person… I keep seven in my boat and I use that as a reason I only carry 7 max
20’ Proline Sport
quote:
Originally posted by Top2Bottom1I’m pretty sure the DNR or CG might not like having more people on board then the cap. plate states, (not 100% sure on this). From a safety standpoint (IMO) as long as a person has plenty of freeboard left and is in protected waters and uses common sense it dosen’t sound like you are overloading the boat.
Russ B.
Psalm 55:22
I would aggree with that.
Threads I will not click on:
“How Did Michael Jackson Impact Your Life?”
I have directed this question to the CG in the past and their answer is that the only person on the boat that doesn’t count as a person is one that is still in the womb. Same info from DNR and a note that the fine can be big.
quote:Here is our new thread: "...doesn't count as a person is one that is still in the womb."
Originally posted by misslilyI have directed this question to the CG in the past and their answer is that the only person on the boat that doesn’t count as a person is one that is still in the womb. Same info from DNR and a note that the fine can be big.
It’s is a person.
No it isn’t!
Yes it is!!
NO IT ISN’T!!! etc…
Shouldn’t this be in the political forum?
White Trash
Sea Fox 236
200HP Suzuki
quote:No one uses the "Political" forum.
Originally posted by ItchShouldn’t this be in the political forum?
White Trash
Sea Fox 236
200HP Suzuki
You’ll be just fine, As long as you’re not bursting at the seams and have life jackets for everyone, DNR isn’t gonna give you any trouble.
My 17 footer is rated for 8 people or 1195 lbs (1770 Persons, motor, gear) and I’ve been checked by DNR when I had 9 folks aboard anchored in a cove and he didn’t even blink–just asked to see 9 life jackets.
The questions is: Do you feel the situation is safe, and as captain, are you comfortable with the responsibility? If so, then load the kids up and have some fun.
Baker
Old, beat up 17’ McKee
I like rebel17’s message. No matter what the capacity says and what the DNR will allow, your decision is bigger than that. Especially with the kids. Keep your friends and family safe.
floater is correct
there is no requirement to even have the little yellow sticker.
it is a voluntary agreement between boat builders and the NMMA (national marine manufacturers assocoation)
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
And usually the DNR and CG uses that “voluntary agreement between boat builders and the NMMA (national marine manufacturers assocoation)” as thier basis for determining if a boat is overloaded or not.
The boat builders and NMMA are looked upon as the “experts” in the industry so usually the DNR and CG will follow thier reccomendations as to safe loading of a vessel.
Russ B.
Psalm 55:22
Look for a capacity plate near the operator’s position or on the transom of the boat. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather.
You should not exceed either the stated maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people.
Maximum weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear, and motors.
In many states, it is a violation to exceed capacity. Chapter 4 has the legal requirements for your state.
Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate</font id=“red”>. (However, PWC and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.) Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s warning decal. Never exceed these capacity recommendations.
On vessels with no capacity plate, use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.
Number of people =
vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.)
15
For example, for a vessel 18 feet long by 6 feet wide, the number of persons is 18 times 6 (or 108) divided by 15, which equals seven 150-lb. persons (or a total person weight of 7 x 150, or 1050 lbs.).
Mike Crouch
Sea Tow Charleston
843-881-8949
Sea School Charleston
843-747-1000
www.seatow.com
www.seaschool.com
quote:
Originally posted by mike7653In many states, it is a violation to exceed capacity. Chapter 4 has the legal requirements for your state.
You lost me Mike. Where is chapter 4? Is it legal or not in Charleston to have more people on board than the # rating? I just got my CG Safty Inspection and was told that I had more PFDs than the boat was rated for & don’t get caught over the rating. Are they wrong? I’m confused now. Hey, never heard back from you last month.
Silly me, I thought it was a pretty simple question. I don’t want to do anything illegal but do feel safe as we will be inside Hog Inlet at Cherry Grove. Shallow water and very short distance. Yes, I know, I could make 2 trips. I guess I’ll just decide when I get there. Besides, I have never seen DNR/CG inside Hog Inlet.
http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/course/p4-subtable.htm
sorry…here is the link to chapter 4…and as far as having more than required PFD’s being illegal? never heard of that and can find no ref to it anywhere…and your capacity plate is your vessels stability letter and is not a recomendation…it is legal and binding in the state of SC and you must load your boat according to the capacity plate either in total # of persons or by weight…some states have their own boating laws. some states follow the feds…and check your insurance…IF you load your vessel improperly AND have an untoward incident…your insurance can be void…
Mike Crouch
Sea Tow Charleston
843-881-8949
Sea School Charleston
843-747-1000
www.seatow.com
www.seaschool.com
quote:
Originally posted by misslily You lost me Mike. Where is chapter 4? Is it legal or not in Charleston to have more people on board than the # rating? I just got my CG Safty Inspection and was told that I had more PFDs than the boat was rated for & don't get caught over the rating. Are they wrong? I'm confused now. Hey, never heard back from you last month.
There is no law in this state stating you must follow the capacity plate. In other states there is a law.
Scout 222 Sportfish
Yamaha F-150
Mike,
Unless i’m missing it, there is no mention of capacities or laws regarding them in chapter 4. and what i’m reading out of chapter 2 look to be recommendations, due to verbage like “should”.
also if you could give me a reference where it states my capacities placard is “legal and binding”, that would be great.
not being a smartass. trying to learn.