want to find the weight limit for my boat. It isn't posted anywhere on the boat

[jsnrgstr]

I have a 12ft Vhull 1976 Alumacraft and am wondering how much weight it can handle. I alone am 6FT 5in and 300pds. I got this boat to go where my much larger and stable 16ft boat has difficulties getting in and out of. But am worried about overloading it. I was looking at putting a Minn Kota 55lb thrust on it instead of a gas outboard And would be running with 2 batteries. We call these boats Columbia river swimmers because if you take it into the main channel you will probably flip and most that I have seen out there in them do flip. I also enjoy watching a sturgeon pull these boats around the columbia. I got this boat mainly for the sloughs and lake channels in my area where the width of my 16 footer makes it almost impossible to turn around or sometimes even go in

 

[pckeen]

Welcome to iboats!

The rule of thumb is:

Number of people a boat can carry = (length of the boat (ft) x vessel width) / 15

The average weight of a person is assumed to be 150lbs, so multiply the number of people a boat can carry by 150 lbs, and that will give you your weight capacity.

With a 12 foot boat, your capacity will likely be 2, and maybe three people.

Here's a link to some more detailed information from the Pennsylvania boat education people.

 

[jbcurt00]

All in I bet it's a 500lb weight capacity +/- a bit. That's all the gear, all the people, the fuel, battery, outboard & trolling motor, etc etc.............

 

[jsnrgstr]

I was afraid it was a 500 pd limit boat. I didn't think about that until I patched the hole in and painted it. I bought the bout for $180 trailer and all because it was in sad shape. It now floats and obviously is no longer pink. After I painted it I started thinking about the weight limit on it. I wonder if there is a way to up the weight limit? like adding pontoons to each side which would also stabilize the vessel better. But then that would also that would possibly defeat the purpose of the boat because then it would make it wider.

 

[Texasmark]

I had one of those. Sides aren't all that high (freeboard) and it has a soft chine (area where side and bottom meet on each side). A soft chine is less stable in the water than a hard one and the less the freeboard the easier it is to take a wave over the side/bow/stern. At 300# just your moving around in the boat is a big deal. Might look at the BIA site for more on boat safety. I think you would do better for your own good having a change of heart.

HTH,
Mark

 

[southkogs]

I would think that the pontoon idea would make it tough to maneuver that boat - you've added weight for one thing, and cut off your ability to use oars for another. Not to mention, it might be just as expensive as finding a small used pontoon.

 

[ronward]

Have you had it on the water yet? With the shape of that hull, a big troller, two batteries, gear, and a 300 lb "self" you will probably find out you don't want anyone else in there with you unless you really like swimming. Ask me how I know? It sounds like you are probably close enough to the limit for that boat that another person would put you way over. Be careful whatever you decide. At 6'-5", be very careful about standing up in that boat to evacuate the morning cup of coffee.

 

[ssobol]

Newer boats sold in the US are required to have a CG mandated sticker from the manufacturer that states the payload of the boat and how many people it can carry. I don't know when this became a requirement but it may be after your boat was manufactured. This sticker is supposed to be in clear view of the boat operator. Your boat may data plate on the transom from the manufacturer that gives this information. If you can find a boat of similar style, hull shape, size, and material, it will give you a pretty good idea of what it can carry. The number of people a boat is certified to carry is based on more than just their weight. It includes number of seats and access amongst other things. My 16 foot RIB could carry twice the payload and 3 more people than my 22 cruiser can (according to the stickers).

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=rc&uact=3&dur=2046&page=1&start=0&ndsp=18

 

[jsnrgstr]

Thanks everyone. My 16 footer which is 2 years newer has that stamp on it that your talking about but this one is missing. After no easy solution to put stabilizers on it that would not get in the way and cause a lot of drag I'm thinking it would be better to just sell it to somebody smaller in stature than I am. It was definitely one of those good idea at the time things. I would have to place as many things at the front of the vessel to distribute the weight better and I would not want to stand up in it, so that would create a new set of problems.

 

[Texasmark]

Thanks everyone. My 16 footer which is 2 years newer has that stamp on it that your talking about but this one is missing. After no easy solution to put stabilizers on it that would not get in the way and cause a lot of drag I'm thinking it would be better to just sell it to somebody smaller in stature than I am. It was definitely one of those good idea at the time things. I would have to place as many things at the front of the vessel to distribute the weight better and I would not want to stand up in it, so that would create a new set of problems.

Wise decision sir. I sincerely doubt you will regret it.

Mark

 

[jsnrgstr]

Thank you everyone who gave input. They were all words of wisdom and good advise. Boat has yet to sell. Still holding out for a buyer. My buddy says its because its not a $50k sled that I am selling for $500.

 

[H20Rat]

Newer boats sold in the US are required to have a CG mandated sticker from the manufacturer that states the payload of the boat and how many people it can carry.]

Those are kind of like the the 'do not remove' stickers on mattresses. They are required when they leave the factory, but there is no FEDERAL regulation that says the owner needs to keep it on there. Some states do have requirements that specify you need a capacity sticker, but many do not.