if the sticker on the boat says 5 people 900 pounds how does DNR count children- is a child a person?
Yes, a child counts as a person. It is all an average. CG used to use a average weight per person that was less than 150 pounds. I can’t remember exactly what it was, but in this day and age of supersized meals it was too low. About 5-6 years ago a tour boat on Lake George, NY capsized with 46 senior citizens on board; 20 perished. The investigation was done by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and I was representing one of the parties involved. There were a lot of action/revisions done after the investigation and one was to increase the average weight per person to around 180 pounds. The weight per person also includes equipment/supplies/personal items the persone brings aboard.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
I would call the DNR and ask them directly…and then get that person’s name. I asked the coast guard the same question down here in Key West because I had 2 families coming into town for vacation and would likely go over my boat limit of people but probably not weight (due to soo many small kids). The answer I got was that the placard was a manufacturer suggestion and not enforceable by law. I was told it would be a subjective safety observation by the officer based on how low the boat was riding. I loaded up 13 and we had a great time at the local sandbar. We didnt get stopped but I dont think we rode low in the water either to draw attention. (21 Bay boat)
21 Sea Pro Bay
DF140 Suzuki
My other ride costs 30 million.
Man, half the boats I saw Sunday were over-loaded. I saw an 18’ CC with 10 people on it behind IOP.
in my house a “child” didn’t become a “person” until they had a job and stopped getting an allowance… Rules are probably different on boat though! haha!
If you can’t be good, be careful.
I have been told more than once that the sticker is only a recommendation and it is not enforceable by law, but the captain is responsible for safe operation of his vessel. IF something goes wrong the captain on the hook for it.
270 Sea Pro
Twin 225 Etecs
Crown"N"Around
Last time I did a weight calc for the USCG they had just bumped up the average weight from 150 something to 175 or 180 I believ
“If you had to tell someone how good you are, then you probably aren’t that good”
02 Carolina Skiff 175 Hondinosaur 90
Insurance is another potential issue there. The plate says “persons”. The average court of law would probably consider a child to be a person, so it’s a good idea to abide by the plate when counting children, IMO. You could be deemed to be in violation of your policy by violating manufacturer’s recommended maximum capacities. You might have an out if the number of persons is exceeded, but the weight is under capacity; however, you might not because weight is not necessarily the only reason to limit passengers (e.g., it’s obviously unsafe to operate a boat with so many people that there is excessive crowding), and the wieght capacity may also be pushed by other things on board that you’re not thinking about. As for legality, my guess is that you probably won’t be ticketed for it unless an officer sees you and thinks you are pushing the capacity limits. Play it safe. (But what other advice would you expect from an insurance guy?)
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance, Inc.
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
Sorry to change the subject but I was curious as to young children. I have a 2 month old daughter. Is there an age restriction(can’t imagine there is since some people live on boats)? There is not a life jacket that would fit her so what would I do about that? Sorry for the stupid question but want to be safe and get the family out at the same time. My wife is going to kill me if I don’t get her on the boat soon! Thanks
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
Mustang Survival makes several infant sized PFDs. However, always fit check to make sure the child can’t slip out. At least the Mustang Lil’ legend has a strap that fit under the crotch to keep the child from slipping out. Personally I put my child in the best PFD I can find which has been Mustang.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Thanks hairball! Not sure why I thought there weren’t lifejackets out there for babies. Going to go find/order one tomorrow. My wife is so happy, she is ready to go on the boat ASAP. Thanks again
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
i had one for my son when he was a tot that had an extra flotation lapel that supported the child’s head…it worked wonders. I saw similar ones at West Marine recently but I’m sure you’re locally owned and operated store would be able to provide something similar. Remember, you should always order all of your stuff from locally owned and operated businesses, even if it takes an extra day or two to get in hand. Supporting local business always pays off in the long run. Happy boating, family man 
If you can’t be good, be careful.