Boat loading question
 

Hi Guys,
I bet somebody here will know the answer to this. Most of the boats I've seen in the 24 foot range have capacities of 12 persons or more yet my 240Z's tag limits capacity to 9. Can someone explain this?

Re: Boat loading question
 

Sorry Jay, I don't have your answer.

At one point, I asked a similar question about my 98 z202 having a capacity plate stamped for 8 people or 1275 lbs, yet someone had posted pictures from a For Sale ad showing a 98 z202 with a capacity plate stamped for 10 people or 1590 lbs. I never got a response on why the 300 lb difference.

Re: Boat loading question
 

I remember hearing there was a certain time when the NMMA, USCG or the governing body in charge of setting the regulation for capacity changed their measuring methods. It ended up increasing capacity as a result. It might have very well been around the mid to late 90's. I can't confirm this, but I remember hearing about it a few times. Hope this helps!

Re: Boat loading question
 

Maybe its a big block or small block thing, something to do with the weight of the motor. I think a big block is about 300 pounds heavier than a small block

Re: Boat loading question
 

The only difference I found between the z202 in the ad and mine was that mine was a carbed 5.0 and his was an EFI 5.0.

A measurement change would make sense though. Bummer is that if I'm checked at one of the "routine safety stops" and deemed to be over capacity, I'll have a tough time trying to explain to the coastie that the "new" plates for the same boat say 10 people and not 8. For some reason, I don't think he'll buy it.

Re: Boat loading question
 

Somehow I don't think they would go for it either. You gotta stick to the limits on the plate in your boat. They won't care about some other boat when they are counting heads in yours.:punch_out:

Re: Boat loading question
 

It really doesn't make much sense, Sea Ray's 23 is 10 persons, Cobalts 24 is rated 13?
I'm thinking a replacement plate stamped for 12 is what I need.:D

Re: Boat loading question
 

When you come up with a template for the new plates, let me know. I'll need one that says 10 persons :yes_grin:

Re: Boat loading question
 

I'll start the search. Let you know what I come up with.

Re: Boat loading question
 

I think displacement, flotation materials, and even deadrise depict what a boat's capacity is. As ShabahZ250 said, the ratings changed in the 90's, and I think they did again here recently. Something about us Americans eating too much and the "average" weights constantly changing... I mean rising.

My buddy's '06 Crownline 206 is rated for 8 people. My '99 Z212 Shabah is rated for 10. His boat is about 4-8 inches shorter and weighs about 600-800 lbs. more. I know there's a calculation on how a boat floats (surface area displacing water to hold it's own weight plus passengers), but I don't know exactly how it's calculated. I also know if a boat has extensive flotation materials vs. one that doesn't, and how easily it can capsize are all a factor.

Since the USCG is constantly changing the parameters, the capacities will also constantly change from boat to boat. But I think the major factors are the materials, weight, and design of the boat that decide it.