7 replies to this topic

[forkmanj]

Does boat capacity include people in tube,or can you have 4 on boat and people in tube?

[Kevin Leclair]

You should have the same amount of seats as people. For example, the 2000 160 Speedster seats 5 people - this could be 4 in the boat and 1 on the tube.

[j1g1c1]

Unless you are using the tube to pick up hitch hikers.

[Borne]

Special case:
If the tubers start near shore, get off near shore, and never get in the boat. In that event, the only problem you face is loading the boat down with fat people and not getting any momentum! Laws may apply to this though, so check with your local enforcement agency to make sure no cops will be on the lake that day. And if you absolutely have to pick up the tuber in water, you'll be sorry. The capacity on these boats is more a point of fact than of law.

[Buckles]

Ok. The number of passengers equals the number of seats. I can calculate that. What about weight? My dealier says in the Speedster 150 (enhanced engine) 'don't worry, it won't sink.' My wife, two neighbors and I weigh out at an estimated 975 lbs. That amount would be in addition to fuel, PFD's, drinking water, fire extinguisher, anchor etc.

I am not looking to go at top speed but would there be damage if I cruised around at say 20-25?

Thanks,
Buckles

[RFoster130]

Will the boat handle more weight without sinking...sure. It really isnt a problem. You should however be concerned with the coast guard guidelines. You should stick to what the sticker on it advises. Max number of people or weight is the highest I would go.

[rman]

Legally I believe if you get pulled over it's whichever comes first the number of passengers or the weight with gear. So mine is rated for 4 people or 650 lbs persons and gear, whichever you hit first.

The person on the tube does count also because if something happens you need to have the capacity in the boat to put them in it. At least that's how I was always taught in both the DNR and Power Squadron coarses I have taken.

It's also why they started making 3 person Jet Ski's way back when so you could legally pull a tube with them. You can't legally pull a tube with a 2 person Jet Ski.

[j1g1c1]

A responsible captain obeys the law whether the cops are around or not. In most cases, the constable will check the number of passengers and required safety gear. It is unlikely weight will be questioned unless the boat is sitting unusually low in the water, or you are using a fat-sack.