How many people is safe?

[tcrespo]

This could be a silly question, but how many people is safe on your boat? I've got a 1978 Hunter 27 and have had up to 8. Cramped, yes - for sure and not enjoyable under sail. So now we're thinking about our 4th of July plans - down here, they do a great fireworks show on the lake. Thinking that we'll motor up to the area where they shoot them off, anchor and enjoy. So - that leads to the question - how many people could I fit safely on the boat without having to worry? No sails will be up, so that will free up some room on the bow for sitting. Thoughts?

 

[jimq26]

Doesn't the law require your boat to display a capacity rating?

I know yours was built before this became mandatory, but I thought that you were still required to display a plaque with this information regardless..???This link is for Canadian boats, and I always thought US boats had the same requirements.

 

[Tommy T]

Capacity rating requirment

COAST GUARD CAPACITY PLATE: (33 CFR 183.31)This plate is affixed by the boat manufacture and applies to all monohull boats less than 20 feet in length except sailboats, inflatables, canoes and kayaks. This plate must be at least 4 inches wide, and display in black letters over yellow the maximum number of person’s capacity in whole numbers of persons and in pounds, the maximum weight capacity in pounds, and the maximum horsepower for that boat or the words “This Boat Not Rated for Propulsion by Motor”. The plate must be permantely displayed in a legible manner where it is clearly visible to the operator when getting the boat underway.

 

[Tom]

Boat Capacity

Capacity is calculated by Length x Width divided by 15. The result does not mean everyone will be comfortable...

 

[Tommy T]

This may be the wrong way

This may be the wrong way to judge the number of people on board but this is how I do it.1. If someone spills a drink, how many people will get wet.2. If someone has too many drinks is there enough room for them to lay down without rolling over the side.3. How full is my holding tank.4. How full is my water tanks.5. I think this is the most important one, do I have enough PFDs and saftey equipment aboard to handle everyone.

 

[Ross]

It depends on the boat.

I once read of a whale watch boat that capsized with an approved number of people on board because all of the passengers rushed to one side on the boat when whales were seen there. If I were to take on passnegers in an emergency as many as I could get below would be on the cabin floor. I wouldn't want very many on deck. Ten to twelve people weigh a ton.

 

[letterman]

good question

I've sailed with 20 on my 37' Irwin. Everyone had room too. For days like the Fourth, we raft off. That way, one boat can be the chauffeur so to speak. Makes it safer for when there are a lot of people.Last year we had 40 people on 5 boats for something or other, all boats were under 30 except for mine.I could have sworn my boat could hold 39 according to CG rules, but I can't remember where I found the info.Figure out where people will sit on the boat in your head. Then, act accoringly.

 

[Brian D]

The maximum number you can have on your boat

Is directly proportionate to the number of PFD you have.

 

[higgs]

In calm waters at anchor/dock

I would think if you can fit them aboard you are OK. Even if everyone rushes to the rail at the same time, once they all fall into the water the boat should right itself. Sounds like fun to me.

 

[Benny]

What is your criteria about enjoying yourself?

We do it every year. Take off around 5:00 PM for the 2 1/2 hour trek across the Bay to St. Petersburg. The show starts around 9:00 PM and lasts until about 10:00. We head back and get in around 12:30 AM. Sometimes we have six persons other times we have eight. If the admiral and I want to enjoy ourselves that's about the limit.

 

[paulj]

This question is on the ASA test

For sailboats only....added to Tom Chicago's entryCapacity is calculated by Length x Width divided by 15 = number of people weighing 150 lbs.Thanks Tom....I guess you passed the ASA test.

 

[tcrespo]

Good advice from all..

and some very funny answers as well! Thanks guys - have a good one!

 

[Liam]

Length x width Divided by 15 = ridiculous

Okay... my boat is 33' long x 11' equals = 363 divided by 15 = 24.2 people x 150 lbs = 3,630 lbs.While it is true that that number is close to the rated load capacity of my boat (3,900 lbs), I really can't imagine having 24 people on the boat.There is only one head with a 12 gallon holding tank!

 

[caguy]

That may be so Liam but you have 77' of rail and unlimited ocean capacity.

Standing shoulder to shoulder they should all be able to pee at the same time.

 

[Ross]

Caguy that's alright until someone finds a genie

and wishes the whole ocean was Guinness. Then they will have to pee in the boat. ;D

 

[Brian D]

Sorry caguy...

Your calculations are faulty. That should be 77/2, and 2 deep! Would you want someone on the windward side peeing? LOL

 

[Sam5214]

Capacity Calculation

Hi Tom,I have a capacity calculation for you. It is from Sailing Fundamentals by Gary Jobsen. This calculation estimates "the maximum number of persons who can safely ride in the boat on a calm day. Multiply the length (in feet)by the width (in feet) and divide this by 15 Round the result down to the nearest whole number. This formula assumes that the average weight of a person is 150 pounds." Take care,Sam

 

[Nik]

I just couldn't see....

I just couldn't see 13 poeple packed on my 26 footer....I am thinking 4 is comfortable and 6 is cramped....Nik

 

[paulj]

Well you could have 7 fat friends with food and drink

This is a also a question on the ASA test such that how far out from the coast do you have to be to.... "That may be so Liam but you have 77' of rail and unlimited ocean capacity. Standing shoulder to shoulder they should all be able to pee at the same time." paulj

 

[tcrespo]

Sailing or not

If I have the sails up, I think 6 is the max on the boat. The focus of this question though was to see how many could safely be on the boat for the 4th of July - no sailing, just motoring up the lake a few miles, rafting up and watching fireworks.I think 12 will be fine (that's my target number), although the ones that end up staying down below are going to get pretty sick of hearing that Yanmar SB 8 plugging along after a while...