12 foot rowboat capacity

[aarongreen123]

I have a 12' crestliner rowboat, from 1974. I got it for free, and would love to use it if possible. my question is about capacity, there is nothing on the bboat stating it. i'm a decent sized guy and i intend only to use it with my 4 year old, with a 72 9.5 johnson outboard. is this safe or should i just clean it up and sell it and look for a 14?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

Ayuh,... I imagine yer 10hp is All you'd want, 'n figure 500lbs as yer max load...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

you'll be fine. Just know your limitations as for weather, waves, etc. Have fun!

Consider running a 3 gallon tank--less weight.

PS since it's free, check it for floatation, and if none is apparent in/under the seats, add a block of styrofoam.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

don't worry about the weight on those thing. there fairly good you can put much stuff as you want in the boat and it will still float. i mean i got a 14' boat the capicty is 385 we got at least 450-500 lb in the boat and still enough fretboard. so just know your limits test it out you could get 100 pound sand bags and test it in the water till it takes on some water. do it in the shallows though

 

[aarongreen123]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

there is flotation under the back and middle seats, styrofoam. some of it has been chewed out by mice over the years so i was going to pour some closed cell two part foam into the existing cavity. the thing is like 47 inches wide, so it looks like you guys think i'll be good?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

A 12' tinny is normally rated for 7.5-10hp, 550lbs, and 3 people.

I run a 5.5 and it's fine for 2 adults and a toddler.

A 14' with higher sides would allow for 3 adults and handle bigger waves, but I love the 12 footer for small rivers and lakes.

 

[aarongreen123]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

i got no waves to worry about, this is for tribs off of lake ontarion, the erie canal, and a couple of the very small finger lakes that are too small to build a chop. sounds like it will be perfect.

 

[shrew]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

don't worry about the weight on those thing. there fairly good you can put much stuff as you want in the boat and it will still float. i mean i got a 14' boat the capicty is 385 we got at least 450-500 lb in the boat and still enough fretboard. so just know your limits test it out you could get 100 pound sand bags and test it in the water till it takes on some water. do it in the shallows though

You can calculate the capacity by following these general instructions:

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/pdf_files/info1a.pdf

I would suggest that you adhere to the max. capacity limits for total weight, including people, gear and motor. Max occupants is based on the average person being 150lbs. Max limits are for SAFETY, not for flotation. A boat which is well exceeding it's capacity will theoretically float, yet can be unseaworthy. It is not advisable to assume that because the boat is floating it is safe to operate.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

I suggest you disregard the "advice" not to worry about load and fretboard (sic), and testing until it sinks.

If there are specifics you are not sure of, it's always a good idea to ask an experienced local. The trick is discerning which ones know what he is talking about. Like around here!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

I suggest you disregard the "advice" not to worry about load and fretboard (sic), and testing until it sinks.

I'll expand and say that you can go ahead and ignore any "advice" from that particular poster. Much of it is illegal and/or unsafe and all of it is misinformed.

 

[aarongreen123]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

now i'm a little nervous. i'm about 265, kid 30, motor gotta be at least 75, gas can 50. thats 420 with no other gear. starting to think i'd be cutting it pretty close.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

The worst part is that you will have 390 of that in the far back.... You may still be OK and if it were just you I'd say give it a try.... with a young child I PERSONALLY would look for something bigger.... I had a 12'er as a teen but I weighed 165 then..... 245 now

 

[aarongreen123]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

gues i better stick to the canoe:-(

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

another option would be to use an electric motor and put the batt in the front.... that will take nearly 100 lbs off of the stern..... It MAY well work fine too..... you could leave the kid at home for testing and just take a something along to simulate his/her weight for testing to see how you feel about it. You MAY just find that it works very well..... I weighed ALOT less when I had my 12'er but then I also took it into much bigger water.

 

[shrew]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

Here is a better link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4722317_determine-passenger-capacity-boat.html

It also discusses taking (Length x width) / 15 = # Occupants

(# of Occupants x 150lbs) = Total Weight

Length = 12
Width = 5 (?)

(12x5)/15 = 4 occupants

4 x 150lbs = 600lbs

I'd double check the width (note I guessed at 5 ft beam) and the math and as long as you're under that number for total weight (motor, people, gear) you should be fine.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

put the gas in the center. 3 gallon tank (or 3 gallons in a 6 gallon tank). The real issue, like your canoe, comes when you stand up, get in and out, or otherwise move around--just be mindful of that if you might move to help Jr. with a fish or whatever.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

my neighborer has a 12' aluminum boat like you do. he has a 4hp a 10 pound anchor with chain and rope also 3 gallon gas tank. oars. float coat, electric motor, battery, he weighs about 180, and still take 2 other people on the boat. the boat is still safe rides fine. just distribut the weight evenly as you can and you will be fine.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 12 foot rowboat capacity

Here is a better link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4722317_determine-passenger-capacity-boat.html

It also discusses taking (Length x width) / 15 = # Occupants

(# of Occupants x 150lbs) = Total Weight

Length = 12
Width = 5 (?)

(12x5)/15 = 4 occupants

4 x 150lbs = 600lbs

I'd double check the width (note I guessed at 5 ft beam) and the math and as long as you're under that number for total weight (motor, people, gear) you should be fine.

The original posted posted a 48" (aka 4 foot) beam up above. :facepalm:

there is flotation under the back and middle seats, styrofoam. some of it has been chewed out by mice over the years so i was going to pour some closed cell two part foam into the existing cavity. the thing is like 47 inches wide, so it looks like you guys think i'll be good?

To the original poster.......... The capacity of a boat is figured with two achieved figures...... the number of passenger's or total capacity which should include the weight of all of your gear AND motor. A 9.9 weighs in at around 70 lbs and 6 gallons of gas is close to 48...... getting the picture?

The flotation foam has nothing to do with capacity but, it is measured to keep the boat from fully sinking if it is swamped. It is strictly a safety item.

You can calculate the capacity by following these general instructions:

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/pdf_files/info1a.pdf

I would suggest that you adhere to the max. capacity limits for total weight, including people, gear and motor. Max occupants is based on the average person being 150lbs. Max limits are for SAFETY, not for flotation. A boat which is well exceeding it's capacity will theoretically float, yet can be unseaworthy. It is not advisable to assume that because the boat is floating it is safe to operate.

Excellent advice