Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

[bassboy1]

Just curious about the laws. If I were to get stopped, and I don't have a capacity plate, what happens? My cherokee doesn't have a plate, or even a HIN on the transom (there is one on the inside label) so we figure it is pretty old. I don't have to screw with testing the weight capacity and outboard capacity now do I? (I hope not, as it wouldn't get done anyway, we don't have the time to deal with crap like that)

 

[Mark42]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

Don't sweat it. If the boat was made before capcity plates were mandated, than just use common sense. Like don't put six adults in a 12 foot runabout, etc.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate. (However, PWC and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.) Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner's manual and on the manufacturer's warning decal. Never exceed these capacity recommendations.

On vessels with no capacity plate, use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.

Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.)/15


For example, for a vessel 18 feet long by 6 feet wide, the number of persons is 18 times 6 (or 108) divided by 15, which equals seven 150-lb. persons (or a total person weight of 7 x 150, or 1050 lbs.).

Note: On outboard boats, the capacity plate also will display the recommended maximum horsepower rating of the boat. Your boat's motor should never exceed this rating.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

From the CG sticky above, here is a sub-link that will give you a dissertation on the subject:

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/safeloading_landing.htm

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate. (However, PWC and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.) Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner's manual and on the manufacturer's warning decal. Never exceed these capacity recommendations.

On vessels with no capacity plate, use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.

Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.)/15


For example, for a vessel 18 feet long by 6 feet wide, the number of persons is 18 times 6 (or 108) divided by 15, which equals seven 150-lb. persons (or a total person weight of 7 x 150, or 1050 lbs.).

Note: On outboard boats, the capacity plate also will display the recommended maximum horsepower rating of the boat. Your boat's motor should never exceed this rating.

That is all fine and dandy, but I don't have to have the dang plate now do I? My question was, if I get stopped, and don't have a plate, I won't get a ticket right? I am not worried about the capacities. This boat will hardly ever see more than 2 people at a time. My 12 footer can carry three. We are not gonna go overboard on HP either. At this point, it is only getting a 4 horse, as that is what we have, and all we can afford. My 12 footer will hold 10. My question is, do I have to have the dang plate, or do I have to do all the ***** required to test the boat and get one?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

Whether you get a ticket for not having a plate is likely based upon your state's law. I have never heard of that happening in NJ. I have seen USCG requirements for PFDs and stickers etc, but never heard of a penalty for not having a plate. usually the authority's will grandfather in items that do not have the latest accessories. For example, You can still operate 70's cars, even though they do not meet 2000's emission standards. Boats of the 70's and earlier, simply did not have capacity plates.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

use common sense

Yep..worked well ..even before lawyers..

 

[redfury]

Re: Curious about laws for boats that have no capacity plate

As long as you aren't making a mad run with 14 of your cousins from Cuba to the Border, I don't believe that they'll even have a reason to check the plate, unless you want to argue that the boat was designed for that capacity.