KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
T
By U.S. COAST GUARD, BOATING SAFETY DIVISION
he U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division believes that an important step in planning any safe voyage is determining the boat’s capacity for carrying passengers and cargo. Overloading a boat can make it difficult to handle, especially in an emergency or bad weather.
Overloaded boats also tend to use excessive fuel and are more likely to swamp or capsize.
The “maximum capacity” or “maximum weight” for a recreational
Boaters should avoid exceeding the maximum weight or
boat refers to the combined weight of people, gear, and outboard
capacity at all times. In fact, in rough conditions or poor
motor that can be carried safely. The safe load for a boat depends
weather, it’s smart to reduce the boat’s load as much as
on a number of factors, including its hull volume and dimension, the
possible so that it is easier to maneuver.
weight of the engine and outboard motor (if the boat has one), and its steering method (console or tiller). Remember the number of seats in a boat is not always an indication of the number of people it can carry safely.
FACTORS IN STABILITY Stability refers to the boat’s ability to maintain equilibrium, and it is just as important for boating safety as capacity. Loading too much
Federal regulations require all mono-hull boats under 20 feet in
cargo or too many passengers in one part of the boat can affect its
length (except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats)
stability, even if the total load is within the boat’s maximum capacity.
to have U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacity information
Load dispersion, that is, spacing passengers and cargo evenly
permanently displayed in a location clearly visible to the operator.
throughout the vessel and not placing too much weight forward, aft,
This information is usually provided on a label or plate and no one
or on either side of the craft, is always important, but especially so in
should ever remove, alter, or tamper with it. Many states have laws
bad weather or strong currents.
that prohibit carrying people and gear in excess of a boat’s stated capacity, or installing an outboard motor that exceeds the maximum rated horsepower.
40 GLB | May/June 14
The higher the boat’s center of gravity, the more likely it is to capsize. The same can be said for any loading imbalance to port, starboard, fore, or aft. Too much weight in any direction can be a problem.