Capacity plates...or not!

[dockwrecker]

My 90 Carver 21' Montego does NOT have a capacity plate, which gives me headaches trying to convince the local fish cops and USCG auxiliary that it's "Yaught Class" and doesn't require one. (according to Carver) Nor does it have a plate saying it's Yaught Class. So, what are the defining features beyond it having a berth and galley? I've seen other day cruisers like mine with capacity plates, is it the manufacturer's option to supply one?
(and please don't tell me to keep looking for the capacity plate, I've had this boat 8 years and THERE AIN'T ONE!)

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

The way I read the USCG regs is that boats less than 20 feet long must display a capacity plate. Here's a link to the regs. You may want to print it and keep a copy onboard. Good luck!

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.23.pdf

 

[JoLin]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

What does Yaught Class mean? Never heard of it.

You shouldn't be getting hassled. If your boat really is 21' long, Carver wasn't legally required to mount a 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.

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/ReviewPages/BoatUSF/Project/info1a.htm

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

I hadn't either. And I've been boating over 40 years!
The question usually comes up during inspection to determine how many life vests I'm required to carry. And yes it's well over 20', more like 23' plus the swim deck and bow pulpit.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

Sounds like a copy of the regs and a measuring tape on board are in order in anticipation of your next inspection...

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

Yes, over 20' does not require capacity plate. This is from the Coast Guard Vessel Safey Check Manual http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16796_2E.pdf page 6-48:

Boat length multiplied by beam (boat width) divided by 15
(L x W/15) = with the person weight = 150 lbs.
Number people that can be safely carried in calm waters.

For your boat, 21'x8'=168 168/15=11.2 So your capacity is 11.2 persons weighting 150 lbs or 1680 lbs of passengers. It is not clear in the regulations but I personally view that as 1680 lbs of passengers and gear, not fuel which is part of the overall weight of the boat its self, to be on the safe side.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

Thanks for the info, I'd never seen the formula before. My prior (and larger) boats had capacity plates even though they apparently weren't required.

 

[Seon]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

Probably easier to go to an engraving shop and have a plate made

 

[JoLin]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

Probably easier to go to an engraving shop and have a plate made

If it's a constant source of contention with the authorities, not a bad idea at all. If you use google and search "replacement capacity plate" there are companies that will make one up. You supply the info that goes on it. It'll look "factory" and should resolve the issue.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

nothing worse than enforcement, that doesn't really understand what they are enforcing. Kinda like building/county inspectors. Your stuck with what they do or don't know.Get a replica plate and be do with it. just don't go too overboard

 

[nomi840]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

I am new to this forum and new to boating. I search this forum for "capacity plate" in hopes of finding some info for my particular case....so please all suggestions are welcome.

I just bought a used 1989 Citation 190XL which is a 19 foot boat (at least as it was advertised when sold to me by the dealer). The title shows the boat GVW/WC/LGTH listed as 18 feet....but in either case (19 or 18 feet) my boat requires a capacity plate because it is less then 20 feet in length.

The boat does have a capacity plate which is legible except for the max number of people. It appears the previous owner scratched this number off with a sharp object. However the maximum weight limit of 1000 LBS (not including accessories & carry-on?s) is still legible.

Is this good enough or do I have to replace the capacity plate? I will be using this boat in the Delaware River and in the Atlantic coast off NJ & NY (From Atlantic City, NJ to Around Manhattan, NY.)

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

That should be fine. 1000lbs of passengers is the same as the number or in my opinion better because we all weigh different amounts. I would get a Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.safetyseal.net, which is free, and then with the decal on your boat no one will hassle you at all.

 

[nomi840]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

That should be fine. 1000lbs of passengers is the same as the number or in my opinion better because we all weigh different amounts. I would get a Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.safetyseal.net, which is free, and then with the decal on your boat no one will hassle you at all.

Thanks for the good advice. I will get a Vessel Safety Check !!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Capacity plates...or not!

no the plate is required to state max number of persons not to exceed x lbs.

Hi and welcome.... searching is good but in the future when you have exhausted the search options you should start your own thread to ask a new question instead of hijacking someone else's... good luck