newbie question - boat carrying capacity

[Crappier]

Hi All,

I'm new to boating and wanting to buy a fishing boat. I saw a 2004 Lund 1600 (16') Pro Sport Adventure that I really like.

I'm a big guy (350) and I have some big fishing buddies (over 200 pounds). I was dismayed to see a coast guard max capacity rating of 650lbs on this boat. It seemed like a good sized boat that was wide and stable with plenty of room for three big guys.

I saw a 16' Mirrocraft with the same rating. Now for that boat, I totally believed it as it seemed skinnier and less stable than the Lund.

What am I to think about these Coast Guard ratings? Are they the same for all 16' aluminum boats? Should I pass on the Lund because of this rating?

Best regards!
Mike

 

[Doernuth]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Based on what you indicate you probably should look for a boat with a higher rating. Check around they are out there.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Carolina Skiff has one of the highest capacities per foot length, in any size. A 25 center console is rated for 18; a 19' is rated for 10.

Do not push that limit. Remember, a boat that can hold X is not comfortable with X people on board, especially if they are active (like fishing). You don't want to stay glued to one spot; you want to move around. Very dangerous at 350 pounds in a 16' with others on board.
The ratings are for good conditions. You are at risk even when legal if the conditions change, especially in an aluminum boat and/or in cold weather.

 

[Mark42]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

The problem is not the rating of the boat, but the weight of the occupants. If you are a big guy with big friends you will be more comfortable and safer in a larger boat.

One common problem I have read about multiple times is that when "big guys" are in smaller boats and move around, the boat moves a lot. A smaller person moving from one side to the other will not affect the balance of the boat much. The larger boater can run into very unsafe conditions that can capsize a boat if he were to slip or stumble and fall to the side.

No kidding, look for larger boats and you will be happy and safe and you and your friends will have a great time.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

It is a Coast Guard rating, and is pretty much the law. Personally, for safety's sake, I wouldnt excede it. There have been many times that I have cut my occupancy off at 5 rather than the rated 9 due to the size of those occupants. I am a pretty big guy too.

I think you should look at a larger boat, or at the very least a larger capacity boat. But, The fact is, that even on a smaller yet higher capacity boat, a couple big guys can not only over capacity, but also overcrowd it very quickly.

 

[backyardhockey2]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Big guys on a small boat will stand out. Johnny Law will be over to take a look see. I see some crazy overloaded boats. The fact that your asking the question is a great sign. Good luck. Get something with enough room cause you never know when a mermaid will tug on your, uh, hook

 

[sethjon]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

You could get a ticket. Also, if the boat is rated for a certain weight you don't want to get too close to it or over it.

 

[mesajeeper]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Another newbie here, and sorry to hijack your thread My boat has a person and weight capacity limit show. Are they both enforcible? We often have several younger children aboard who don't weigh much. Are we ok if we are under the weight limit?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

This has been discussed a lot, but it's a good question. Yes the law enforces the weight/capacity plates. You cannot go over either limit: if it says 5 people, you can't have 6 no matter how small they are. True, some officers might let it go, but not all.
There is a safety factor involved of having too many people on board for the size of the boat regardless of their weight. Try controlling a whole pack of 7 year old boys ina dangerous situation.
If there is a serious accident and you are over either limit, regardless of whether being over limits contributed to the accident, you could be in a whole lot more trouble legally, including by jeopardizing your insurance.

 

[Crappier]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Thanks for the advice. Guess I'm gonna need a bigger boat. Bummer, that danged Lund seemed plenty big and was at a really great price.

The 16' Mirrocraft I looked at seemed scary when I got in it, but not the 16' Lund. Yet both had the same rating. Best to play it safe though and keep looking.

 

[Mark42]

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

Not so sure about having to meet both requirements on the capacity label. The label reads "XX persons OR xxxx lbs, persons and gear". Id does not say "and".

This is covered in detail in the USCG website.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: newbie question - boat carrying capacity

what I meant was, once you hit one limit, you are done. And the weight of the people counts towards the weight limit.
If it says 4 people or 600 pounds, then 4 children at 100 pounds each is the max even if your gear is only 100 pounds; no more people.
Or 3 people at 200 pounds each, is the limit (no gear; no moer people).
Or 400 pounds of gear, plus one person at 200 pounds, is the limit; no more people or gear.
There is some disagreement about whether the weight of the motor is already factored in, especially in an inboard or I/O.