UNDERWAY
LOADING PASSENGERS AND GEAR
Overloading and improper distribution of weight are
significant causes of accidents. Capacity plates, located
near the helm, show maximum loads under normal
conditions. Keep weight below maximum limits for safety
in turbulent waters. Overloading is a violation of U.S.
Coast Guard regulations. Boats under 20 feet (6.1 m)
long are subject to U.S. Coast Guard safe loading
and labeling requirements.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that a plate stating the
maximum load capacity be affixed to boats up to 20 feet
(6.1 m) long. This plate shows the load in pounds (persons
and gear) the boat can carry safely under normal
conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard establishes these load
capacity ratings. (Craft over 20 feet (6.1 m) long are not
subject to U.S. Coast Guard safe labeling requirements.)
You, the operator, are responsible for using common
sense and sound judgment when loading your boat. When
loading your boat, arrange passengers and load in the
boat so the weight is evenly distributed. Weight distribution
affects your boat’s performance. A good rule to follow is to
place 60% of the load aft and 40% forward. Keep the load
low. Have someone on the dock pass your gear aboard.
Secure all gear firmly so that it will not move or interfere
with boat operation. Be sure all required safety gear is
aboard and easily accessible.
Propeller cavitation or ventilation can be a severe problem
if too much weight is too far forward. This can be a
problem on models on which the seating area extends all
the way to the front of the boat. Fish boats may also have
the added weight of a trolling motor and battery at the
front. For proper performance in such cases, the operator
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