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.

Re: Boat loading question
 

Good info Ryan, thanks. This is a reason I get so confused, your 21' is rated 10, my 24' is rated 9! This has got to be a government job.

Re: Boat loading question
 

my shaba 201 is rated for 8 which has always bothered me, becasue my sons 20' pontoon is rated at 12

Re: Boat loading question
 

Weird, my 95 Z212 is rated for 9... :confused:

Re: Boat loading question
 

You think you're confused, my 95 240 is also rated for 9! So you can carry as many folks as me but in a smaller boat, with an easier on gas 5.0. I think i'm getting hosed on this deal. :rolling_laugh:

Re: Boat loading question
 

What a difference in capacities ! My 97 Z241 is rated for 12 people, or 2290 lbs, does this mean I can take 19 110lb women for a cruise ? :rolling_laugh:

Re: Boat loading question
 

I hink you guys are wizzing on a dead tree. Trying to apply logic to anything controlled by the federal guvment. :rolling_laugh: :shakehead:

Re: Boat loading question
 

Can I borrow you plate? Or maybe 8 of the 110lb women to stay legal?:D

Re: Boat loading question
 

Our '94 182 Barchetta is plated for 8 persons or 1095 lbs (497 kilos). (Not certain about the weight. That's from memory.) The "8 persons" seems like a lot. The 1095 lbs, not so much, but still... We had six on the boat last week: Four adults and two teens. My buddy and I estimated the passenger weight at about 700-750 lbs. We certainly could have fit two more on the boat, and I imagine she'd have handled the additional 300 lbs.

Jim

Re: Boat loading question
 

Trade ya my 5.0 for your 7.4 :yes_grin: haha.

Re: Boat loading question
 

Think I'll pass on the trade, I moved up from a 4 banger Sea Ray and I love having my wife yell "slow down" every once in a while.:yes_grin:

Re: Boat loading question
 

Ya, I moved up from an 86 Gayliner with a 4 banger in it that missed half the time so it was more like a 3 banger haha. Love this mariah, but it needs at least the 5.0 to push this fat thing through the water!!

Re: Boat loading question
 

Couldn't agree more. My 240 spec's at 4000lb. If it ever gets full of gas (76gal) it'll be pushing 5K! A 7.4L is the biggest engine offered, but I think it's more of a minimum.
I just looked at a Formula with twin supercharged 502's, hummmmm? (i would hate to see the fuel burn on that!):D

Re: Boat loading question
 

You'd need a chase boat with an on board fuel tank with that.... :D