Captain Dick’s Safety Tip

Know Your Boat’s Capacity

A boat operator should never take a boat on the water with too many people or too much gear on board. Boats loaded beyond their capacity will swamp or capsize more easily and will be more difficult to control. 

Look for a capacity plate near the operator’s position or on the transom of the boat. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather.  Remember, anyone being towed must be counted in the boat’s capacity.

A few things to remember:

·         Do not exceed either the stated maximum weight capacity or number of people

·         Maximum weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear & motor.

·         In many states it is a violation to exceed weight capacity

·         Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual

·         Never exceed capacity recommendations.

·         Distribute the weight evenly, do not overload any section of the boat

Boat safely and have a great summer!