Weight versus People Capacity Question

[PTocko]

I am hoping someone on here can help clarify something. Was boating with another couple and their kids enjoying the final cruise of the season I noticed something I honestly never paid attention to. First off, I know ignorance of the law is not an excuse so I would never use that line on a cop if stopped. That being said - I was a little unlcear about the weight versus capacity rating on the Coast Guard plate. I have a Alumacraft Trophy 185, 7 people and 1535 lb weight capacity. Because we had 4 adults and 4 kids (2 5 yrs, 2 4 yrs) we were technically over the people limit but way under the weight limit (under 1000 lbs). Boat handling was fine and everyone had room / seat etc. I'm guessing technically I could have recieved a ticket but would a CO write me one?? I guess what I'm asking is there any allowance given for kids when figuring these capacity limits? I really don't even come close to the people limit unless it's a situation like we hade this weekend - friends with kids etc. When I'm fishing it's usually two of us, maybe 3 and at the most 4 so I guess I just never really think about it. I don't believe I've overloaded my boat to an unsafe level even if technically over the people limit. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Paul

[Big Bobber]

I had an officer tell me once that they don't carry a scale, but they can count. (LOL)

[MuskieJunkie]

...7 people and 1535 lb weight capacity.

Actually I believe the plates read "X people or Y lbs weight capacity"

I'm in the same situation as you - with kids over the people limit but under the weight. I've never got an offical ruling on it but in my opinion using the word "or" means we are legal. I've been on the St. Croix passing coast guard and sherrif boats where they could see all the kids and they've never said anything. It will be interesting to see if some who knows for sure comments.

[Lund79]

I asked a CO recently on this, his comment was # of people or X amount of weight. I think it depends on the CO if they will write you up or not. I hope they take into consideration the kids size. I would be more inclined to make sure life jackets were available for aall people.

[TruthWalleyes]

I think it is an "Or" statement, which means you must comply with one of the following.

[PTocko]

Looked at my plate and it does not say "or". That being said I would hope that there would be some common sense on enforcement of the # of people where kids are concerned. Good point about the life jackets - we always have enough. I have never been afraid of getting stopped (and regularly do on Prior Lake where I live) because I have the necessary "stuff" - life jackets, fire extinguisher, horn, etc. Like I said in the original post - I honestly never gave our load a second thought given the make-up - 4 adults and 4 small children. Thanks for the replys. Paul

[JohnMickish]

I think you might want to read the plate again. In the weight capacity I'm pretty sure that included the motor, trolling motor, batteries and such. The way it's been described to me is that it is a TOTAL weight capacity for the boat. The boat manufacturer does not know what motor you are putting on so all they can do is rate the boat, and put a total weight sticker. Not that anyone is going to take everything out and weigh it.

[TruthWalleyes]

If that were the case, my boat would be overloaded when i am in there by myself.

[PTocko]

mnfishingguy - I believe you are correct. That's why always figure about 900 -1000 lbs (based on my 1535 lbs total) for people. I may be a little off but I'm close. This weekend we were under 800 lbs of people and I did not have any of my fishing gear on so I know we were under the total weight (but over on the number of people). But your point is a good - total weight capacity includes motor, gear, people etc. Good Luck - Paul

[311Hemi]

I am pretty sure my plate specifies two different weights. One for person capacity or number of persons, and one for total weight capacity persons+motor+gear.

[SkunkedAgain]

This is a gray line area, although some will argue that it isn't. The reality is that most CO's won't both you if it's four adults and four kids. Eight adults might be a little different. The real issue may be with your insurance company if there is ever an accident.

[Raider4ever]

Dang it. Now I have to wait until I pull the boat out of storage to check out my plate. I always thought the plate had two figures and no "or". It was rated for X amount of people (a maximum) and Y amount of weight (also a maximum). So, I always thought you could not exceed either one of them at any time (i.e. if your boat either had too many people or it weighed too much, you were over the rating). That being said, if you were only carting one person over and it was a kid and you weren't taking water over the gunnels I'm guessing they wouldn't write you up as long as the safety gear was acceptable to them. But, you never know.

[TR21HP]

Had this very discussion with a CO this year and it was very clear. It is an either or proposition. Obviously life jackets should be on all when traveling. He also mentioned there should be no more than 1 person in the boat per seat. If you have 4 seats in the boat that's 4 people. Straight from the horses mouth.

[PTocko]

Had this very discussion with a CO this year and it was very clear. It is an either or proposition. Obviously life jackets should be on all when traveling. He also mentioned there should be no more than 1 person in the boat per seat. If you have 4 seats in the boat that's 4 people. Straight from the horses mouth.

I don't doubt it - but how do you calculate bow seats which is where the kids like to sit? Have 4 seats in back which the adults sat in and the 4 kids sat in the bow - 2 on each side. Again - everyone had a seat and had room. It just seems some common sense should be applied and 4 kids do NOT equal 4 adults when calculating capacity. That being said - I am aware that I am technically in violation of the law. My neighbor is a cop who know the CO's on Prior real well - I'll ask him and post. Paul

[MinDak Hunter]

From the MN boating regs book (online).

"GENERAL PROHIBITIONS

It’s against the law: To operate a watercraft: 1) loaded with pas-

sengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying

capacity, (persons or weight) or 2) equipped

with a motor or other propulsion machinery

beyond its safe power capacity."

From State Statutes:

86B.311 GENERAL RULES FOR OPERATION.

Subdivision 1.Safe operation.A person may not operate or allow the operation of a watercraft or use a device relating to the use of the watercraft:

(1) in a careless or heedless manner in disregard of the rights or safety of others;

(2) in a reckless or grossly negligent manner that causes personal injury to another or damage to the property of another;

(3) upon the waters of this state without the equipment required by this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter; or

(4) that is loaded with passengers or cargo beyond the watercraft's safe carrying capacity or is equipped with a motor or other propulsion machinery beyond the watercraft's safe power capacity.

From Boat US dot Com

"LOADING & CAPACITY PLATES

The terms loading and capacity relate to the weight of people, fuel and gear that can be safely carried. The safe load of a boat in terms of people depends on a number of characteristics, including hull volume and dimension, the weight of the engine and, if an outboard, how is it mounted. The number of seats in a boat is not an indication of the number of people it can safely carry. Capacity plates can generally be found on the inside transom, or next to the helm station.

Capacity plates should never be removed, altered, or tampered with. While it is not a Federal violation for a boat owner to exceed the listed capacities, many states do have statutes prohibiting the carriage of people and gear in excess of the stated capacity, or the installation of a motor that exceeds the recommended horse power limit. Also, you may void your insurance policy if you are found to have exceeded the limits stated on your capacity plate.

Under the U.S. Coast Guard Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, boats less than 20 feet powered with an inboard, outboard, or stern drive engine manufactured after November 1, 1972, must display a capacity plate defining the safe load limits. This plate must be mounted where you can see it when preparing to get underway. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats are exempt from this standard."

[Down Deep]

In July I got a caution from a CO in Wisconsin for having 6 people in my boat which is rated for 5. I was tubing with the grandkids and had 3 adults and 3 kids aged 6 and 7. I met up with the CO at the ramp at the end of the day. He was checking for licenses and safety equipment. He was nice about it but said 5 persons means 5 persons.