SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
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23
Overloading
WARNING
An overloaded boat through passengers, non factory installed ballast,
and equipment can cause death or serious injury. It can cause loss of
control, capsizing, or swamping.
DO NOT overload your boat. Your boat is equipped with a maximum
capacity plate indicating the maximum acceptable load as determined by
the manufacturer following certain Federal guidelines. Equally critical is how
weight is distributed throughout the boat. The weight must be distributed
evenly throughout the boat, besides the proper use of the ballast. If too
much weight is placed in one area it can have serious impact on boat
handling and control.
The capacity plate is used by boat manufacturers participating in the
National Marine Manufacturers Association certification program. Your
manufacturer has submitted your model for inspection and compliance
with their guidelines. The capacity plate has the following information
permanently printed on it. It is attached to the boat by the throttle for the
operator to read before they drive the boat.
• The total weight of persons, gear and other items which the boat is
capable of carrying under normal conditions. This weight must include
any added ballast above and beyond manufacturer’s ballast system(s).
Be Advised
• Any non-factory installed ballast must be properly secured to prevent
injury. Non-factory ballast is not recommended.
• Death or serious injury can occur from overloading the boat. DO NOT
overload your boat.
• Do not fill the bilge area with water from any source.
• The maximum number of persons allowed on the boat. This information
on the capacity plate applies under normal conditions and special care
must be used in any abnormal conditions. Check the capacity plate on
your boat and abide by these limits.
• Remember DO NOT exceed capacity!
NOTICE
Your boat manufacturer installs wake enhancement ballast systems in
some models. The full weight of this system has already been considered
in the boat capacity calculation and therefore does not influence
maximum capacity, unlike non-factory ballast tanks or weights, which
must be included as part of the gear weight.
As wakeboarding has developed, we have witnessed the advent of ballast
systems which add weight and increase the size of the wake. The simplest
ballast system on the market is the water ballast type, such as the “FAT
SAC.” It is not uncommon to see operators use such systems and then put
additional people in their boat. Please be advised that this practice can
lead to overloading your boat. Each boat has a maximum capacity label
displaying the maximum weight of people, gear and ballast that can be
placed in the boat. Always be aware of the load in your boat and do not load
the boat in excess of the listed capacity. The quest for the largest wake has
caused some to excessively overload their boats.
Overloading a boat may cause it to become unstable and adversely affect
the boat’s handling.
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