What is not included in "Dry Weight" ?

sidechoke67

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2007
Messages
244
I am curious what is/isn't included in the dry weight of a boat. Obviously, anything "optional" that I bring onboard is not included. i.e. coolers, skiis, pasengers, etc.

However what about basic things that are required to run the boat. I believe that oil and gas are not included(?) I assume rope and an anchor would not be included - even though they are required. However what about other things that would come from the dealer. For example, battery(ies) to start the boat, fire extinguisher, etc.

Another way to word my question is, if I picked up a boat that only had "dry weight" items in it, what is the minimum I would need to add in order to legally take the boat for a drive?

Thanks for any info!
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: What is not included in "Dry Weight" ?

Dry weight and what's needed to drive the boat have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Dry weight is the weight of the boat as it finishes the manufacturing process. In the case of an I/O it includes the engine and outdrive. In the case of an outboard it does not for the simple reason the manufacturer has no idea what engine will be installed on it. It also does not include the weight of the trailer it sits on. It will not have a battery, it will not have any fluids (water, gas and oil). Anchors, rope, and other gear are likewise not included as they type of anchor used depends on the type of water (river, sand, muck, stumps, rocks, bedrock, etc) you are anchoring in. All of that stuff is personal choice and all of it weighs different amounts. Publishing dry weight allows the new owner to more accurately calculate the actual weight of the entire rig. You add to the dry weight the weight of everything you put in the boat plus the engine and any dealer added accessories and equipment like boarding ladders, wake board towers, etc.
 
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