Weight capacity

timvick · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject: Weight capacity

This is a question you probably have answered before, but I don't seem to be able to find the answer. My CD 16 came with a sticker saying the capacity of the boat is 700 lbs. Does this include the motor, or is it 700 lbs in addition to the motor? It would seem like a person could assume the boat would have a motor on it so the capacity should be in addition to the motor, but I don't know how they rate it.

Also, what does "capacity" really mean? The boat obviously could float more than 700 lbs without sinking or even performing badly.

thanks
tim vick

oldgrowth · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:19 pm Post subject:

tim vick – I had many of the same questions when I got my boat. The sticker also says the maximum total capacity for the boat is 1150 lbs. That would include everything that is mounted to the hull plus equipment, fuel and people on board. I weighted everything on my boat and estimated the items mounted to the hull and created a load chart. It is almost impossible to keep the weight below 1150 lbs when we are going out for several days. The boat handles very well when the load is below 1300 lbs. At 1450 lbs, it starts to get a little sluggish and above 1550 lbs, it really feels sluggish.

As far as I am concerned the 700 lbs means nothing. You can have two 16-foot C-Dorys with a difference of as much as 300 to 350 lbs without people, fuel or equipment on board.

I generally run around in it with 1300 to 1375 lbs on board. With this amount of weight it is noticable but has never been a problem. The main thing is to balance the weight in the boat.

_________
Dave

tom&shan · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 316 Photos: Dakota

Dave,

So what's the new weight capacity of your boat? Also, when are you going to change your profile to show that you no longer have a 16 Cruiser? What are you going to call your new boat - 18 Custom Cruiser Long ?

Cheers,

Tom