2015 New York Safe Boating - 27

SAFE LOADING AND POWERING

6

Other Factors to Consider

Most fatal boating accidents occur when someone ends up
in	the	water	unexpectedly.		All	too	often,	these	accidents	
occur because operators try to carry more passengers and
gear than their boat can safely handle. Boats will become
unstable, and the risk of an accident will increase, if you fail
to follow some simple safety precautions when boarding,
loading, or powering. It is especially important to follow safe
loading and powering practices when handling small boats.

A	capacity	plate	provides	the	maximum	limits	for	loading	
and powering a boat. But these are the limits under normal
conditions; you must consider other factors that affect the
capacity and stability of a boat in order to make a prudent
decision about your boat's capacity for the prevailing
conditions. They include:

	State of the sea:

If the weather or water conditions
are rough, you should carry less weight. This allows
the boat to ride higher in the water, thus reducing the
chances of water entering the boat.

The safe loading regulations were developed to provide
guidance to boat operators about their boats' safe loading
capacities. These regulations address two different load
capacities	of	your	boat:	1)	its	maximum	person	capacity	
(expressed	in	both	the	pounds	and	the	number	of	persons);	
and	2)	its	maximum	weight	capacity.

	Activity planned:

If you plan an activity that requires
equipment and movement in the boat, like fishing
or water-skiing, you need to balance the number of
passengers with the amount of equipment. If there
is a lot of equipment and a lot of passengers, you run
the risk that someone may trip and be injured.

The Capacity Plate

Federal law requires manufacturers to
install a capacity plate on all single hull
motorboats less than 20 feet in length.

	Other Gear: If you are carrying gear of any substantial
weight, you will not be able to carry as many people
safely. Consider the total pounds capacity, including
persons, gear, supplies, etc. As a general rule you
should remove one person from the boat's rated
capacity for each 150 lbs. you carry.

Safe Loading
All of the gear, equipment and passengers that are aboard your
boat count toward its capacity and affect the way the boat
handles. If heavy objects aren't stowed properly, they may shift

The capacity plate must be located where it is visible to the
operator and should provide the following information:
Maximum	number	of	persons	and	total	passenger	weight,	or

and that movement can affect your boat's handling, as well as,
stability. In addition, moving objects on your boat can cause
injury. To be sure that your boat handles properly when loaded,
follow four simple rules:

Maximum	weight	capacity	of	people,	gear,	and	motor,	and
Maximum	engine	horsepower	on	boats	designed	for	
outboard motors.

1)
1)
2)
2)
3)
3)
4)
4)

Manufacturers of sailboats, canoes, kayaks, PWC, and
inflatable boats are not required to attach a capacity plate,
but many do. If your small boat does not have a capacity
plate, you should consult your owner's manual, contact the
boat manufacturer or visit the USCG Boating Safety Resource
Center website at www.uscgboating.org.

Distribute the load evenly
Keep weight low, especially heavy objects
Don't	exceed	the	limits	on	the	capacity	plate
Secure objects from shifting, especially larger items like
a full cooler

Failure to observe these rules may cause your boat to capsize,
swamp or sink.
27
http://www.uscgboating.org
2015 New York Safe Boating

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2015 New York Safe Boating
