Before you load and board your vessel, you need to know how much that boat can handle. Look for your boat's CAPACITY PLATE.
The USCG requires all mono-hull boats under 20ft. (except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats) to carry this plate. These capacity plates can be found near the helm and are usually yellow with a silver/gray background. Boats that are under 20 ft. have capacity plates labeled "U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities". Boats up to 26ft may have the "Maximum Capacities" wording.
Owners of PWCs. or other boats without capacity plates. should reference the owners' manual and/or state laws.
The Capacity plate displays three important items:
· The maximum weight of persons on board in pounds,
· The maximum carrying weight of the boat in pounds and
· The maximum horsepower recommended for the boat.
Boaters are required by law, to obey these safe loading capacities posted on these plates. Exceeding the listed limits is considered “reckless or careless operation” of a vessel and is a punishable offense.
In addition to the USCG approved weight, load, and horsepower capacities, NMMA Certified boats also list other standards by which they are certified which may include navigation lights, flotation, maneuverability, compartment ventilation, steering, fuel, and electrical systems. If you see the NMMA logo and the words National Marine Manufacturers Association, you can be assured that the boat meets additional industry standards above and beyond the USCG regulations.
Remember, the capacity plate limits are suitable for normal operating conditions. In rough seas, bad weather or when operating in congested areas, you will want to carry a lighter load. 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 and other weight should only shift after stopping or slowing
Always check the capacity plate to make sure you are not overloading or over-powering the boat. A motor larger than recommended will make the stern too heavy and can cause the boat to flip. The transom will ride too low in the water and you could be swamped by your own wake or a passing boat's wake. Your boat will not sit properly in the water and will be difficult to handle. Always balance the load so that your boat maintains proper trim. Too much weight to one side or the other will cause the boat to list and increase the chance of taking on water. Too much weight in the bow causes the boat to plow through the water, and too much weight in the stern will create a large wake. All of these situations make the boat difficult to handle and susceptible to swamping.
See our Captain Bob explain it during a class: https://youtu.be/WYD0UISI39c?si=xFc_0Duhj27Olmka
This is one of the many things you will learn in a NJ State Police approved boating safety class.
For more information and for Boating Safety classes that are NJ State Police Approved and NASBLA Certified, go to www.BoatSafeUS.com Our instructors will provide you with a fun-filled and educational look at Boat Safety in New Jersey. All of our instructors at Boat Safe US, LLC are certified and approved to instruct by the NJ State Police Marine Division and our course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Links:
Nj Boat Safety Classes & Exams: www.BoatSafeUS.com
NJSP Boating Safety Manual: www.nj.gov/njsp/info/pdf/marine/021606-boating-safety-manual.pdf
Boating Required Documents: https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/boating-in-new-jersey-required-documentation
NASBLA Certified Boat Safety Class: https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/boating-in-nj-choose-a-nasbla-approved-boating-course
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