HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU CARRY?

How many people can you carry on your boat? More importantly, how many people can you SAFELY carry? That depends on the size of the vessel and the number of life jackets onboard. First, there is the number of persons that your boat can safely carry, and second, there is the number of persons for which there is adequate safety equipment.

Many modern boats are fitted with a "capacity plate." The capacity plate indicates the total number of persons that the vessel can safely carry. Most boats that are less than 20 feet long are required to have a capacity plate (there are a few exceptions). Many manufacturers voluntarily provide capacity plates on larger vessels.

In addition to the number of persons that your boat can safely carry, the capacity plate includes the total number of pounds of persons and "gear" that can be carried. "Gear" refers to things like ice chests, clothing, fishing equipment, etc. that you may take along. 

What if your vessel has a capacity of 8 persons, and 1,200 pounds of persons and gear? If you are taking the Cub Scouts on a fishing trip, 8 persons may only add up to 675 pounds (at 75 pounds each, plus one adult). In this case, you will be within both the "person" and "weight" limits. However, if it is the college football team at 250 pounds each, you will be limited to four persons. You cannot exceed either of the two limits.

What do you do if your boat is 30 feet long and does not have a capacity plate? There is a "Rule of Thumb" that can be used to calculate an "estimate." The "estimate" on the number of persons to carry is based on the length and beam of the boat. The estimate is reached by multiplying the length by the beam and dividing that answer by 15. If your boat is 30 feet long with a 10 foot beam the estimate is 20 persons (30 x 10 divided by 15).

When using the "Rule of Thumb" estimate, remember that it is only an estimate. It is far less scientific than the engineering calculations that go into the figures on a capacity plate. You should consider the sea conditions, weather and any other factors relating to stability. Once you do your calculation, be conservative and stay below the maximum by a few persons. Overloading can lead to accidents.

On boats fitted with an outboard motor, the weight of the motor is listed under the category of "persons, gear and motor", and the "maximum horsepower" is listed. In this instance, both the horsepower of the motor and its weight are factors. The weight is a factor relating to stability. The horsepower is limited to what the boat can safely handle, both in speed and torque.

The last piece of the puzzle is the number of personal flotation devices (PFD's) onboard. We use the term PFD since modern day flotation devices include more than the traditional "life jacket." The U.S. Coast Guard requires one PFD for each passenger onboard.

Safe vessel operation relies on the number of persons onboard, their total weight and the number of PFD's onboard. This knowledge and good judgement should keep you out of harm's way.