Vessel Capacity Label

Robbi · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:45 pm Post subject: Vessel Capacity Label

Today while I was out boating, I was stopped by the local police department and asked if they could come along side and do a vessel safety check. No problem. I gave them my registration and my Coast Guard Aux Vessel Safety Check paperwork, and they did a visual check and asked some questions. Long story short, where on the boat is the load capacity listed? There is a "Vessel Capacities" sticker on the bulkhead below the steering wheel, but it only lists the horsepower maximum. I do not ever recall seeing a Coast Guard sticker with the weight capacity of the boat. Anyone know anything about this?

In my C-Dory Handbook under Safe Loading, it says to comply with the Capacity Label on dash.

Robbi

TyBoo · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:04 pm Post subject: Re: Vessel Capacity Label

Rob & Karen · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:09 pm Post subject:

My sticker has weight and horsepower.

Rob

Robbi · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:25 pm Post subject:

TyBoo, I'm only allowed one post!

Jeez Rob, it only took you a few minutes to get that picture posted. Do you know someone in the Tacoma Marine Patrol? Feels like a set up.

Robbi · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:10 am Post subject:

OK, I am not in jail, but I have been doing some research on line and found this http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/content/general/3_7.php

My plate just has horsepower maximum.

These officers were nice, and when I told them that the plate didn't have a weight capacity, they said that it was ok. (They said it is because C-Dorys don't sink.)
From other reading that I have done, it seems that the weight capacity may not be something that is enforceable, (get a ticket for exceeding) but that in case of an accident, if it is determined that the capacities were exceeded, you could be in trouble with enforcement and insurance.

If a boat doesn't have a capacity plate, would it be the owner or the manufacturer held responsible?

Any Coast Guard Aux folks know about the plate when you do safety checks?

Robbi (free on bail)

Yellowstone · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:16 am Post subject:

Robbi - Just a wild guess from snowy Montana, but I say the police came aboard to check out your neat boat. They were bored and saw a chance to take a peek or two. John

colobear · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:36 am Post subject:

Robbi,

As you remember, I am a USCGAUX vessel safety examiner (I did your boat Very Happy

)On the CG vessel safety check form the capacity plate is not listed as a required item. It is however, listed as a "recommended and discussion" item just as the VHF radio is not required, just recommended. Washington state requirements are found in the booklet "Adventures in Boating". Capacity/certificate of compliance plates are mentioned in that booklet with instructions to avoid overloading. The booklet also says for vessels with no capacity plate you can figure a rule of thumb capacity by taking vessel length times vessel width and dividing by 15 19x7= 133, 133/15=8.8 150lb people. Also, overloading is listed under "unlawful and
dangerous Operation" further back in the booklet. So, my take is that you could not be cited for not having such a certificate. However, if the boat was grossly overloaded (capacity 6 on my 22's capacity certificate), and something bad happened, I think you could be cited and your liability would be greatly increased. I usually make it a point to discuss the idea of a boat's capacity with some owners (but rarely do so with Brats as we are all handsome/beautiful and above average!)

jennykatz · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:05 am Post subject: vessel capcity

I was wondering my 06 cape cruiser has a 120hp capacity sticker but most of the 06 cape cruisers I have seen have 135-150hp on them the new venture 23's have 150hp stickers How would you get a a 150hp sticker? Or would you just take the sticker off ? Is that against the law ?

If you repowered with a 150 hp would that make your insurance null and void ? I'm still happy with my f115 but just wondering

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:24 am Post subject:

The State of Washington does not have any maximum loading and horsepower requirements that are in addition to federal regulations. To review federal regulations, refer to the section
on Capacity Plates included in Chapter 1 of this course.
The following information was approved by NASBLA and is included in Chapter 1 of the Boater101 Course:

Capacity Plates
It is required for all mono-hull boats under 20 feet built on or after November 1, 1972 to have a capacity plate approved by the USCG. In addition, some manufacturers voluntarily install
capacity plates on boats larger than 20 feet. This plate must be visible from the helm of the boat. The capacity plate lists a safe motor size, the maximum number of persons to be
carried onboard and the total weight the boat can carry including persons, motor and gear.

The manufacturer of the vessel should be contacted to determine the capacity if the capacity plate is not present. When operating your boat be sure to adhere to the restrictions listed on the capacity plate. Not only is it dangerous to overpower or overload a small boat since they
can swamp or capsize more easily but it is also illegal. In many states, there are fines and penalties for exceeding capacity recommendations, including carrying more than the
maximum number of people. A basic guideline to determine the capacity for the number of persons on a vessel is:
Length (in feet) X Width (in feet) divided by 15.
Example: 18 (feet) X 5 (feet wide) = 90. 90 divided by 15 = 6 (persons, maximum capacity). Six is the maximum number of people recommended that the boat can carry based
on an average weight of 150 pounds. The amount of total weight for six persons does not include the weight of added gear and motor. The manufacturer of the vessel should be
contacted to determine this additional capacity if a capacity plate is not present. A boat may not be operated with propulsion machinery that is beyond the boats ability to
operate safely. The manufacturer of the vessel should be contacted to determine the horsepower capacity of a vessel.

If your boat is under 20 ft and you do not have a capacity plate I would inquire of C-Dory if they could provide one for your size boat. It is a Federal requirement, but probably not likely enforced unless you are involved in some dispute.

DaveS · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

SGIDave · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: vessel capcity

Robbi · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:

Barry, Yes I remember that you did my check. When the officer read your name off of the paperwork out loud, I thought I heard a hit of recognition in his voice. Didn't know if that would be a good thing or a bad thing. Wink

Turns out he didn't know you, but he was impressed with your work. Made it easier for both of us.

As far as the check being done because a) neat boat or b) lovely lady, both as not quite true (50% isn't bad). Seems they had been out all day, near the narrows bridge, and had only seen three boats. They saw more killer whales than boats!

Robbi

localboy · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:07 pm Post subject:

Probably a VERY slow day on their patrol, from what you said. I imagine they would've visited any boat they saw, seeing as there weren't many. It's like any other "stop"; be nice, have your ducks in a row and all will be well. Looks like it was w/ you too, since they were nice in return, understanding and left you with nothing but a question. Very Happy

Robbi · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject:

I went down to the boat and took this picture of the capacity plate.

Robbi

ghone · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:48 pm Post subject:

Hi Robbi, on my 19 there is a capacities sticker showing horsepower and 6 folks and 850 pounds max.
Maybe the good folks at the factory can get you a deal on a new sticker?
Glad you didn't go to jail. George