Basic Boating Information

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CAPACITY

Since 1972, all single-hulled recreational boats less than 20 feet in length have a placard, in sight of the operator, stating the “capacity” of that boat. A capacity plate states the maximum number of people, weight* and horsepower. Operators should never exceed the rated capacity as doing so can cause the boat to capsize.The capacity of a boat is generally predetermined by the manufacturer. If your boat is exempt from having a capacity plate, such as personal watercraft, you should reference the owners’ manual and state laws.

NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length.

Personal Watercraft do not have capacity plates, but will sometimes have a small plate attached to the hull indicating the maximum number of persons allowed on the PWC. If there is no plate, refer to the manufacturer’s owner's manual and state laws.

If you have a homemade boat, or one that was manufactured prior to 1972, it will not have a boat builder’s capacity plate. In this case, a rule of thumb for determining the number of people is:

• Length x Width divided by 15 = approximate number of people (ex. 12’ length x 4’ width = 48 divided by 15 = 3.2). Round down to just 3 people being allowed on board.

* The average weight of a person is considered to be 185 pounds.

HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (HIN)

• Since 1972, a 12-digit hull identification number is permanently embossed or stamped into the transom of recreational boats. The HIN identifies a specific boat and is a main source of information used for establishing ownership.
• Altered or missing HINs indicate legal problems. Buyers must check and verify the HIN against the registration to ensure they are not buying a boat that might have an ownership or certification problem.
• In the example shown, the first 3 digits (ABC) represent Manufacturer’s Identification Code, followed by the Serial Number (12345), Date of Manufacture and Model Year (0912).
• If you believe a HIN has been altered, or is missing, contact your state boating agency, local police, or USCG.

THEFT PREVENTION

The best ways to prevent theft of your boat or equipment is to take proactive steps to deter a would-be thief from choosing your boat instead of someone else’s!

Here are some ways to lessen the chance of your boat or valuable items from being stolen:

• Remove all valuables from the boat after each outing.
• Lock what you can (doors, cabinets, closets).
• Cover the boat with a tarp or canvas (out of sight, out of mind).
• Store in a well lighted area.
• Keep a lock on the trailer tongue connection.
• Chain the trailer to a secure object.
• Remove a trailer tire.
• Install a securing cable to the outdrive.
• Never leave keys in the boat.
• Take pictures of your boat and inventory all equipment by recording a description of the item along with the make, model and serial number.
• Mark your property by engraving the items with your driver’s license number.

LOANING YOUR BOAT TO OTHERS

Occasionally, you may want to loan your boat to a family member or close friend. If you decide to loan your boat, here are a few important items to consider:

• Is the person of legal operating age? Do they need a boat safety certificate to operate a boat?
• How much experience does the person have? In some states it is illegal to give permission to someone to use your boat if they do not have boating experience.
• Is the person covered under an insurance policy?
• Do they have the registration card for the boat?

PWC are often loaned to other operators more than any other type of boat on the water. Parents allow young operators to venture out on their own, and other owners will let family or friends use the PWC. Since PWC are loaned more than other boats, there is a greater chance of them being involved in a boating accident. Always take the proper precautions when loaning a boat and ensure the operator has a fundamental understanding of how the craft operates and what the rules/laws are that govern PWC operation.

Take the time to show anyone to whom you loan your PWC how to operate the craft safely and how to use each piece of equipment.
Accompany them on the first outing to assist them in learning the unique operating characteristics of your boat.