Capacity

[donzi15]

My boat has no capacity label posted inside of it anywhere, I have searched on line and came up with nothing so I'm reaching out on here. I did use the "capacity calculator" but I'm not sold on the answer(11people-1600lbs). It's a 1989 Donzi 21' cuddy with a 5.7/OMC.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Capacity

I'm not sold on that answer either, donz. Besides the obvious "where would everyone sit", I'm pretty sure that would exceed the actual capacity plate for number of passengers. I googled a bit but didn't find anything specific to your boat but you are in the right place to find the answer. I would want to know the specifics before I headed out.

 

[donzi15]

Re: Capacity

I've been out 4 or 5 times Blackhawk and I'm pretty positive 6 people is not a problem, considering 2 captains chairs and the bench seat comfortably sitting 4 medium adults. This weekend however I'm taking the fam out(niece, nephews and sisters) total of 7 with me. So now im worried, I dont want any problems with the law!haha

 

[Dawg'sLife93]

Re: Capacity

I looked at a 23ft Donzi, when I was looking for a boat. It was close to my Cobalt which is 6 people and 1100 lbs 1300 lbs with gear.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Capacity

There is no requirement for a capacity sticker on a boat over 20', therefore in is not a risk of a problem with the law for not having one. If you don't have one you are not over the listed capacity. The regulations expect that when in a larger boat the pilot will have knowledge of what is best.
In any case, having eight people in a 21' boat is not likely to be over the capacity of the hull to carry, even on a narrow hull like a Donzi The number of seats is not related to the capacity of a boat to carry people or weight.

 

[donzi15]

Re: Capacity

Thank you Rally!! That is the exact answer I was looking for. I've been around/on boats for around 15 years but just now decided to purchase one. Actually owning/operating your own vessel makes you a little more aware and cautious of procedures and laws. So in other words on a boat over 20' its the discretion of the owner/operator to maintain a safe weight and/or passenger count while operating. Thank you again.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Capacity

The Cap Plate on my 18' Bowrider list 8 people.
There is only seating for 7 available unless someone sits on the Cooler.
I have had 7 on board while Tubing with no issues. 3 Adults, plus 4 kids all under 100# each.

Just because the math comes in at 11 doesn't mean you ever need to take that many.
When all the Seats are full, You're Full!

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Capacity

Mine says 13 people. No WAY am I letting that many people on my boat at one time, unless I'm rescuing the Norwegian Women's Beach Volleyball Team from a boating accident.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Capacity

When rating hull capacity, one of the important considerations is centre-of-gravity. A neighbor has a 18/19 foot Sea Ray that's only rated for 6 ppl / 900 lbs because it has an aft cabin that raises the cockpit considerably. His boat towers over mine, and mine is longer and wider.
I've carried 6 adults and 4 children in my 20' Cuddy without problem as it has a very low centre of gravity, but still has a good freeboard.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Capacity

Thank you Rally!! That is the exact answer I was looking for. I've been around/on boats for around 15 years but just now decided to purchase one. Actually owning/operating your own vessel makes you a little more aware and cautious of procedures and laws. So in other words on a boat over 20' its the discretion of the owner/operator to maintain a safe weight and/or passenger count while operating. Thank you again.

Correct, a capacity plate is not required for boats over 20'. It is generally assumed that the captain of a larger vessel (>20') has the experience and expertise to properly load and operate their craft. However, a CG inspector can still pull you off the water if they deem your boat unsafe for the conditions and/or its occupants. It shouldn't be an issue if you're using common sense.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Capacity

Correct, a capacity plate is not required for boats over 20'. It is generally assumed that the captain of a larger vessel (>20') has the experience and expertise to properly load and operate their craft. However, a CG inspector can still pull you off the water if they deem your boat unsafe for the conditions and/or its occupants. It shouldn't be an issue if you're using common sense.

capacity plates may not be required at all, depending on your state laws.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Capacity

To clarify....

USCG requires a capacity plate on monohull boats of less than 20'....however....

For NMMA certification, all vessels less than 26' are required to have a capacity plate. The wording is a little different (says Coast Guard on the smaller boats' plates) but the information and the math used to derive the maximum capacity is the same.

Some states require a capacity plate on boats up to 26'....so check your state laws as well.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Capacity

And just remember that now days most people hit the weight limit before they hit the people limit

 

[emilsr]

Re: Capacity

And just remember that now days most people hit the weight limit before they hit the people limit

In late 2011 they changed the "assumed average weight" to 185 lbs. I'm still overweight....but not by as much.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Capacity

To clarify....

USCG requires a capacity plate on monohull boats of less than 20'....however....

For NMMA certification, all vessels less than 26' are required to have a capacity plate. The wording is a little different (says Coast Guard on the smaller boats' plates) but the information and the math used to derive the maximum capacity is the same.

And to further clarify, that only applies to USCG waters, of which most inland lakes are NOT. And NMMA isn't a law enforcement body of any sort, its a voluntary manufacturer organization.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Capacity

And to further clarify, that only applies to USCG waters, of which most inland lakes are NOT. And NMMA isn't a law enforcement body of any sort, its a voluntary manufacturer organization.

And to clarify even further, this requirement applies to the manufacturer, not the owner. There is no CG requirement for a capacity plate on any boat. However some states or other jurisdictions may require them.