Most people overlook the boat capacity plate while sitting on a boat, and they end up drowning themselves because they exceed the maximum weight limit.
Not only this is an important safety measure, but also a law.
Importance Of Capacity Plates
According to US Coast Guard statistics, capsizing is the leading cause of boating-related deaths. To minimize this risk, we need to understand the capacity plate.
Each Capacity Plate includes the maximum person capacity, the maximum gross load, and the maximum size of engine in horsepower, that your boat can legally carry.
Federal Law mandates that all boats less than twenty feet long must have a capacity plate.
What Does a Boat Capacity Plate Indicate?
A boat capacity plate is a small metal sign or a decal that indicates how much weight is safe to carry on a boat or a personal watercraft. You may find the capacity plate near the helm or steering area.
The NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) examines and certifies models of boats to provide safer products to the boating industry.
Maximum Number of Passengers
As the individual weight of each person on board varies, boat manufacturers calculate the maximum number of people using an average weight of between 150 to 185 pounds per person.
Now, boat operator need to use common sense and adjust the number of passengers according to their individual weight.
Not to mention, if your boat is overloaded with heavy equipment, you may need to reduce the number of passengers so as not to exceed the maximum capacity.
Maximum Gross Load
It’s not always the weight of your passengers that matters. It’s also the weight of everything in the boat.
Even if you’re the only person on the boat, you can still overload it by filling it with too many supplies, so be vigilant – it’s a matter of life.
To avoid capsizing even if you’re within the limit, be sure to distribute the load evenly in the boat, keeping most weight in the middle.
Maximum Horsepower
Boat capacity plates will also indicate the recommended horsepower for your size and type of boat.
Using an engine that is too large for your boat can lead to the stern sitting too low, increasing the risk of the boat being swamped by its own wake or the wake of passing boats.
It also makes the boat more difficult to control.
Boat Capacity Calculation
Even without a capacity plate, you can calculate the safe load limits for your boat.
Safe Engine Size
Some small boats do not have this plate, that’s how you calculate the maximum horsepower:
Boat length x width of transom = boat square footage
| Length x Width | Max Horsepower |
| 35 feet or less | 3 |
| 36 to 39 feet | 5.5 |
| 40 to 42 feet | 7.5 |
| 43 to 45 feet | 10 |
| 46 to 52 feet | 15 |
This applies only to boats powered by outboard engines.
A safe number of people on board
You can also calculate the number of passengers you can safely take on board without a boat’s capacity plate.
Number of people = (boat length (ft.) × boat width (ft.)) ÷ 15
Remember, this equation is appropriate for boats less than 20 feet long being operated in good weather conditions.
What If You Exceed the Weight Limit Of Your Boat?
If you overload a boat it can throw off the center of gravity, making it easy to capsize. In addition, overloaded boat may cause unnecessary strain on the engine or motor, resulting in damage or failure.
Note: Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats are exempted from boat capacity plate regulations.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found my insights on total weight capacity of a boat helpful.
Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner’s manual & make sure the overall weight of the boat is safe enough to start your journey!
