Everyone wants to ride during the reunion

[dis-patch]

I have a 1997 Hunter 376 which I've owned for about a year now. I'm loving it and learning a lot too. I've got a big reunion coming up and the person in charge has asked if we could all go for a ride on one of the free days. What I am wanting to know is what is my capacity, as far as people aboard, on this boat. Now I know i've got to have flotation devices for each and every person aboard, and that won't be an issue, but I really don't know how many people I can safely have aboard this vessel? We are not going sailing but just out motoring around. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Kermit]

Length times width divided by 15 is basically the rule of thumb for maximum capacity. And you round down instead of up. I would think any sailboat with a cabin would be crowded as all get-out if filled to capacity. I would use a number that would allow everyone on board to fit comfortably in the cockpit. But yours is bigger than mine, so I've been told, so folks might enjoy riding in the cabin.

 

[capejt]

Not sure, but....

I'm not familiar with your model, but I would suggest a few things.
1. Make sure your holding tank is dry before heading out
2. Make sure everyone knows the rules of head usage
3. Beware of ya-hoos
4. Advise all to wear proper footwear
Bear in mind that the majority of your guests are probably landlubbers.

Not trying to scare you, I did something similar and we all had a blast.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Length times width divided by 15 is basically the rule of thumb for maximum capacity. And you round down instead of up. I would think any sailboat with a cabin would be crowded as all get-out if filled to capacity. I would use a number that would allow everyone on board to fit comfortably in the cockpit. But yours is bigger than mine, so I've been told, so folks might enjoy riding in the cabin.

I wouldn't use that number for a "cruise." For the Bavaria [39 x 12.5]/15 = 32 [rounded down]. There's no way I'd take 32 "guests" out on the boat. Perhaps half that number, but I usually limit the number of guests to 10 if underway. Stationary [i.e., dock or quiet anchorage], I've let 20 come aboard at a time. For the Hunter, being a bit smaller, I'd probably stop at 8 which would total over 1,000 lbs of body weight if all are adults.

 

[Keith in Punta Gorda]

I believe you're legal if you meet the rules for stability in the CG regs. The regs basically attempt to keep the boat from tipping to an unsafe angle if everyone on board went to one side and wind was blowing. Guess you could do your own test before you leave the dock to see how far it leans. Other restrictions are for number of seats available and feet of boat perimeter that has rail or safety line. Best judgement should apply.

 

[Jim Beck]

Just as a comparison, a Hunter 38 has a rated capacity of 10 people. Would guess your boat would be no more than that.