Does capacity apply to being anchored?

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

capacity plate is the legal capacity period. in event there is an argument with a LEO, be prepared for that answer.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

I think given your intent you should probably be fine but if you get that cop in a bad mood be prepared for a problem. As far as the life jacket thing goes I imagine your laws are the same as in wi that you have to have one on board for every person so if the go fast boat takes off to do some skiing or something just want to make sure you toss a few onto the toon so you keep that ratio where it needs to be or keep a few extra on the toon just to be safe. I know up here they are going crazy writing tickets right now due to the poor economy and budget cuts so just make sure you have all your ducks in a row and be vary polite should you encounter any Leo and hopefully you'll be alright. Contacting your local law enforcement agency that patrols where you would be going and asking for a clarification wouldn't be a bad idea either although that in its self is no guaranty you won't get hassled on the water.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

capacity plate is the legal capacity period. in event there is an argument with a LEO, be prepared for that answer.

For example, if a Capacity Plate lists 4 persons or 600 pounds, neither capacity can be exceeded. This means that you cannot put 6 persons that weigh 100 pounds each on board, nor can you put 4 persons that each weigh 200 pounds on board. Each one of these examples exceeds one of the listed maximum capacities.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

Just out of curiosity I ask,

Boat A is a runabout rated at 4, boat B a pontoon rated for 5. Each travels with passengers according to capacity to a meeting point anchors and ties/rafts up. Here comes the hard part -What's your guess of the views of the local LEO would say as he floats up to say 2 in the runabout and 7 on the toon?

How big is the runabout/ pontoon? Boats over 20Ft in length do not need a cap. plate. If over 20ft you would be okay in any scenario as long as you have life jackets.

Edit:; I just reread and your scenario states 4 or 5

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

I think it has to do with the "intent". If you have a non-motorized swim platform that is anchored and otherwise "static" it's obvious that there is no operable intent. If you have a motor on the back then it's pretty clear that you have an operable intent and if it's in the water, anchored or not, it's being operated.

Removing the Key from the Ignition Switch and making it "Not readily available" helps with the "Intent" argument!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

For example, if a Capacity Plate lists 4 persons or 600 pounds, neither capacity can be exceeded. This means that you cannot put 6 persons that weigh 100 pounds each on board, nor can you put 4 persons that each weigh 200 pounds on board. Each one of these examples exceeds one of the listed maximum capacities.

That's the way I see it. If you caught the LEO's attention to the point that he's bothering to check you out in the first place, he's likely going to complete his job as he sees it. More people than specified, OR more weight than specified, is likely to earn you a citation and/or an escort back to your dock or launch ramp. If the capacity plate is gone, then the LEO will be entitled to use his own judgement in deciding if you're overloaded.



My .02

 

[QC]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

Boats over 20Ft in length do not need a cap. plate.

This is true . . . However, it doesn't mean that they don't have a legal capacity. LEOs will use Length x Beam/15. This is from experience.
Years ago did the math with them. 20 x 8.5 = 170 / 15 = 11

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

Alright more details,

When I saw the toon (1997 18' Sylvan) listed as coming up for auction I thought it might be worth going out to see how it cheap it went for. That is until I made my way through the auctioneer's site and found the picture of the rating plate that stated 5 or 750, 1175# total. Which was lower of a cap than I had thought and really put it out of mind but started the little guy to wandering.

The scenario I had pictured was getting all the usual suspects out on the water which would lead to an eventual meeting up for some swimming and lunch. That would undoubtedly lead to the point where the original scenario would come into play as people moved between the two boats or lake for various purposes. I really hadn't even thought of leaving it over capacity while off skiing/tubing. That in my mind would get you what you got.

I do have to say I know I wouldn't have the cajones to make Smokingcraters argument in this situation.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

This is true . . . However, it doesn't mean that they don't have a legal capacity. LEOs will use Length x Beam/15. This is from experience.
Years ago did the math with them. 20 x 8.5 = 170 / 15 = 11

Just for argument sake, why not for boats over 20 ft or ones that have a Yacht label. No restrictions on them.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

I ran across this. Out boating and jetsking. Anchored the boat and tied the jet ski to the boat while we ate lunch in the boat. Water patrol visited. Checked us out and said we were OK since the boat wasn't sitting real heavy in the water and the two boats had the proper passenger coverage for the people we had. (He did take a good look at the water line on the boat) Did do a full safety check. I am sure he would have wrote us up if we would have been missing something there. Boat holds 8 and the jet ski is rated for 3. We had 10 total.

 

[rbh]

Re: Does capacity apply to being anchored?

i think it has to do with the "intent". If you have a non-motorized swim platform that is anchored and otherwise "static" it's obvious that there is no operable intent. If you have a motor on the back then it's pretty clear that you have an operable intent and if it's in the water, anchored or not, it's being operated.

yup