Coast Guard Plates

[l008com]

Is there some rule/law against modifying the coast guard plate on a boat?
"modifying" might not be the right word. But take mine for example:

Seconds after taking that picture, I drilled a hole through it, right around the "X" in "MAXIMUM". Now there is a screw where the "XI" used to be. On the back of that panel, is where the black box for my stereo lives. With a boat this small, there are very few mounting options. And that USCG panel was right in the way of the only good place to mount this box. But it's still perfectly readable. I know I'll probably never get any trouble for this, and I don't plan on removing it even if there is a rule against what I did. I'm really more curious than anything.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

If someone on the internet tells you its OK to do that, then better not listen to them for anything else they say becasue that's just bad advice. OTOH, if someone tells you its illegal and you're going to get into all kinds of trouble, then that's bad advice too.

IMHO, this is one of those questions that requires you to personally use good judgement and common sense and decide for yourself.

 

[l008com]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

I would have to run into the biggest **** in the entire NH marine patrol, to get yelled at about having a screw through the X in my plate. And I use such foul language now because I no longer boat in NH so they'll never catch me

Tomorrow in the daylight, I'll take a pic and post it. I'm sure most will agree, it's not a big deal.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

i would think , that they would only be concerned about the yellow part and the black part
with the numbers on it.

woosterken

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

It depends on your state. In mine, there is no legal requirement. I'm not saying its safe or a good idea, but people commonly remove it on boats that are rated for low capacity. Game wardens will then use best judgement, and if the boat looks safe they will let you go. Unless you are grossly overloaded, you won't get a ticket, just told to go drop people off. On the other hand, if you have the plate and you are over by even one kid but still under the weight, its instant ticket.

 

[l008com]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

It depends on your state. In mine, there is no legal requirement. I'm not saying its safe or a good idea, but people commonly remove it on boats that are rated for low capacity. Game wardens will then use best judgement, and if the boat looks safe they will let you go. Unless you are grossly overloaded, you won't get a ticket, just told to go drop people off. On the other hand, if you have the plate and you are over by even one kid but still under the weight, its instant ticket.

That's interesting. But my boat is small enough, and I use it in big enough waters, that I have no problems staying under my rating. I had 5 total passengers the other day, for the first time in over a decade. What a difference in the way the boat sits in the water.

But again, I didn't remove my plate, just put a whole in it, and a screw in that hole.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

You didn't fold, spindle, or mutilate the important part of the plate (the actually capacity numbers), so I can't imagine that you could be hassled legitimately for it.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Coast Guard Plates

Do you believe in the matress police when you tear of the label saying "dont remove under penalty of law"? Your fine. The plate is still easily readable and is technically unaltered. Don't worry be happy!

 

[l008com]

Re: Coast Guard Plates