Replacement capacity plate...

[8hygro]

I would like to find a source for a 3"x4" aluminum capacity plate. I have the original but it is faded and nearly unreadable. I checked with one particular on-line site that advertises them and was told over $400 for ONE! Any known places making them currently?...seems some mentioned in the search no longer exist.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

I couldn't find a place to make an official "USCG" looking plate when I needed one, with all the yellow lines and such, so I had Office Depot make a plaque made with all the info. It was about $10 for a 4x6" brass plaque with all the info that it needed. The plaque was raw brass so I hit it with a couple coats of clear lacquer to keep it from tarnishing, then riveted it to the boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

seems to me it would have to come from the manufacturer or some official source to be legal? Otherwise wouldn't people just make their own?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

seems to me it would have to come from the manufacturer or some official source to be legal? Otherwise wouldn't people just make their own?

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've been looked over by the park LEO's and they didn't say anything about my brass plaque.

Google found this place, seems that you can get a plate from them for $30-40.

Wished I would have run across that when I needed a plate, but oh well.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

Obviously you have a computer! It has built in graphics and letterhead programs. Learn a new skill. Take some time and print up a nice one in multiple colors then take it to Kinko's or other and laminate it. I suspect that you are not doing anything illegal if you don't change any information contained on the original.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

Friend of mine went to a boat dealer after getting written up for not having one. He just asked and the dealer gave one meant for a Bayliner that was reasonably close. It is worth a try.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

This member has a line on these.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=372286

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

I suspect that you are not doing anything illegal if you don't change any information contained on the original.

That's why I wasn't too concerned making a plate as mine has all the correct information, I called the manufacturer.

He just asked and the dealer gave one meant for a Bayliner that was reasonably close.

I wouldn't do that. The boat's model won't match the capacity plate and if something really bad happened, and the specs are wrong, it could be a problem.

It's probably sufficient to make the LEO's pass it by though, I highly doubt they check the model number against the boat's. They probably just look for a plate with a yellow line on it and call it good.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

Try calling Doug Smith at (417) 869-8827, he's in Missouri. We used to have him make us temporary plates (look just like the CG/NMMA ones) before we gould get the official one's from NMMA when I was at Proline...

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

Try calling Doug Smith at (417) 869-8827, he's in Missouri. We used to have him make us temporary plates (look just like the CG/NMMA ones) before we gould get the official one's from NMMA when I was at Proline...

Funny you should mention him. I spoke to him about 4 years ago, when I was trying to replace the plate on my '86 Pro-Line. Factory couldn't help and referred me to him. He couldn't help, either as they only (if I recall correctly) retain info for 10 years after manufacture. Nice guy, though. He actually returned my phone call

In the end I let it go. Seems to me that I had found places online that could replicate the info on the old plate (if it had been readable) for 40 or 50 bucks.

Are you aware that the plate is only required on boats under 20' long?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

You can indeed make up your own, perfectly legal placard. Here is the template/specs I got directly from the USCG (click on thumbnail for full-size image):

 

[8hygro]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

I am surprised a cost effective legitimate source for duplicate plates does not exist. Especially if an original can be provided with legal ownership doc's. My oem plate does not list number persons only max capacties. It also list the boats manufacturer and location which I would like to keep as part of the plates info. I was also original told the boats hull # needed to be on the tag, though I have not seen one that list that.

TIA

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

I have three boats currently and two of them never had an id plate, one is a 1956 and one is an early 60's model aluminum, I have contacted both of the manufactures of these boats and they told me they were not required and often were not installed back then.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

You can indeed make up your own, perfectly legal placard. Here is the template/specs I got directly from the USCG (click on thumbnail for full-size image):
View attachment 112908

Not to start up this argument again but 140HP HERE I COME!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

Not to start up this argument again but 140HP HERE I COME!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Ummmm, that doesn't mean you can make up the numbers.


But if the SuperSport mentioned in your signature, is an 18'er, it is rated for 140.

My '73 18' is rated for 140.

My '73 18' Mariner is rated at 125.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

No, it's a 16 footer rated at 85.... I was just poking fun a little bit lol. I can't imagine 140hp on my boat

Back to the topic at hand. Coming from my law enforcement background, I'd think that making a new plate would invite problems. I'm not saying it's not legal, just that it'd invite problems....say....a guy like me re-rating his boat for 140hp!

If we had a suspect on a traffic stop that had modified their VIN plate on their vehicle someone would be going to jail and I'm just surprised that making a new plate is legal.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

But if you compare the capacity plate on a boat to a car it wouldn't be like altering the vin more like changing the GVWR sticker in the door. I would guess however that in an accident a plate that was not original or especially an altered one would be a lawyers dream because they would tear you a new one.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Replacement capacity plate...

It wouldn't be like altering the vin more like changing the GVWR sticker in the door.

Good point! Again, just seems to open up problems.