Seating Capacity

[Beaches]

We are a family of four minus the dog. We rarely have more then the allowed capacity on the boat but at times it has been an issue for outings(fire works,...). How is seating capacity determined? Is it by actual sitting room. I feel that the 23SE is a little low at 8 head. It is amazing to see different makes at similar size able to seat more. Again it is a rare thing to have eight head on the boat, but there are those times.

Thanks, Have a great holiday!

 

[voyager1]

I don't know how it is determined. The placard tells the amount of weight or people allowed. I have a 25se and the only seating is the front cooler and the leaning post. Enough for 4 people. I can probably put 10 people on the boat as it is huge. I usually bring 4 deck chairs when I take other people out. I had the option to get the forward seating but I fish alot more than I take people out cruising so I opted not to get it.

 

[DaleH]

1st off, capacity plates really don't apply to boats > 20' as they are not mandated by law pursuant to 33CFR, Section 183 [as per USCG Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971] which details the weight & HP capacities of 'small' boats.

That said, while it's not a Federal violation to exceed the listed capacities, your state might have a statute prohibiting exceeding the stated capacity. Or even the installation of a motor that exceeds the recommended horse power limit. For you personally, you could void your insurance policy if you're found to have exceeded the limits stated on your capacity plate.

FWIW the USCG has recently changed or updated the average weight (Americans are getting fatter ...) where the average person was assumed before to be 150-pounds ... I now believe it is 180. So my '92 2520 that wears a plate for 12 would nowadays carry a plate for 10.

Per Boat/US, for boats over 26 feet, a general way to determine how many people you may safely carry is to use the following formula:

Boat length (in feet) multiplied by Beam (in feet) divided by 15 (constant)

Note that is based on the old average of 150-pounds per person. They also caution:

Also keep in mind the limits defined on capacity plates apply in good to moderate weather conditions. In rough waters, keep the weight well below the limit. In ideal weather conditions, it is recommended that you distribute your load evenly, keep weight low, and avoid abrupt changes in distribution. This is especially important if your boat’s capacity is fully used or if weather conditions deteriorate. It is also important to remember that people represent a "live" load and moving about affects a boat quite differently than static loads. In general, shift human or other weight only after stopping or slowing. Keep in mind that this formula is based upon having calm seas! You should always carry less weight and fewer people if you know you are in for rough weather.

 

[Beaches]

Dale-Thanks for the complete reply. I am always very conscious of the mandated number. There are times when we rack up with friends and do clamming trips or other..... With the most sea worthy boat, I often find that smaller, lighter boats are able to carry more people. For the most part it is toddlers that fill the boats, but it has always been one of those things that make you say HMMMMM?

Thanks Again.

 

[Megabyte]

FWIW... My 1996 model doesn't even have a capacity or horsepower plate.
All it has is a simple transom plate that says it was manufactured by Parker Marine Enterprises, Beaufort NC. 8)

 

[HM5]

Kevin, unless BoatGirl indicates that in 96 they were not afixing capacity plates on their boats, could it be that someone in the past removed it? I often do vessel safety checks up here and those are installed on boats older than yours. We use that for number of POB's when doing VSC's. I have used the formula that Dale mentioned but the municipal court doesn't understand admirality issues.... mostly barking dog or traffic offenses. :shock: :roll: :?

 

[DaleH]

Kevin, unless BoatGirl indicates that in 96 they were not afixing capacity plates on their boats, could it be that someone in the past removed it? I often do vessel safety checks up here and those are installed on boats older than yours. We use that for number of POB's when doing VSC's. I have used the formula that Dale mentioned but the municipal court doesn't understand admirality issues.... mostly barking dog or traffic offenses. :shock: :roll: :?

Could be because it isn't required on vessels > 20', maybe Parker stopped added the rec'd # of passengers or total weight. It could be a potential liability issue for them ... i.e., in litigation, boat went down, only 8 passengers on board, yada yada, but who knows how much OTHER weight that perhaps contributed to the sinking. [Made up scenario ...]

I also would find it hard for a municipal or other court to 'uphold' a formula based on Admiralty issues, when it isn't codified by law.

Now for tour boats and other commercially registered vessels, the USCG DOES place a limit on # of passengers and this has been adjusted with the new avg weight number.

 

[Megabyte]

Look just above the CCA MD sticker on the transom. That is what I have.
No capacity info, just an origin plate.

 

[TimC2520]

My hull is a '99 2520 and it came with a capacity plate.
Although it's faded now and illegible.

 

[In Agreement]

I know you guys are probably aware of it but thought I'd say it anyway.

If you have 2 onboard or 20 on board, everyone must have an approved PFD in the correct size for each and every person, including the kids. That's the biggest law breaking thing I've seen, especially at a raft up when everyone is jumping boat to boat and all of a sudden your boat is nominated to run back to shore for something and you've got 10 folk on board and only set up for 4-5 with PFD's. Water cops will pull you everytime because they figure your not set up for that many and it's a party atmosphere.,,,,,,,,,Big Red Flag for them.