Boat Capacity

[desertbird]

May I present to you 33 CFR 183 Subpart C

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=566d6863f46d68fe57a845bfc440388d;rg n=div5;view=text;node=33%3A2.0.1.8.45;idno=33;cc=e cfr#33:2.0.1.8.45.3

http://www.access.gpo.gov/ecfr/graphics/ec18oc91.020.gif

[BoatCop]

Length times width divided by 15 = person capacity.

Length is measured from the tip of the bow to the flat of the transom. Do not include any outboard motor or swimstep. (unless the swimstep is a molded portion of the hull)

Width is measured at the widest part of the boat.

You probably won't get a whole number. It'll be 8.7 or something like that. Round DOWN to the nearest whole number, even if it's closer to the next highest whole number. You can't have 8 or 9 tenths of a person.

[BoatCop]

Seats don't matter.

The formula is actually based on weight.

The "constant" of "15" is based on 1/10th of 150. The 150 figure is the average weight of persons on board boats that have been involved in boating accidents.

One of things derived from boating accident report data.

[mitch6601]

BC thanks for the info...mine came to 9 however i only go 8 cause i weigh bout 60pounds more then 150....lol and I 8 is enough for me to keep my eye on when most of them are kids...or acting like kids..lol Boat id placard says 8 but now I know I can carry 1 more and be good with you...lol