Maximum Passenger Capacity in Ontario

[Hunter345]

Hello Sailors,

I was wondering if anyone could confirm the rules regarding maximum passenger capacity for my Hunter 34 on Lake Ontario?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Hello Sailors,

I was wondering if anyone could confirm the rules regarding maximum passenger capacity for my Hunter 34 on Lake Ontario?

Thanks for your time!

I would suspect this is limited (anywhere) by your boat capacity and the number of life jackets on board.

In theory, I imagine you could load a few dozen rug rats on board if you observed the capacity and number of life jackets .

Any other ideas out there ? ? ?

 

[Benny17441]

Don't know about Canada but here in the states for a recreational sailboat that size the Captain is allowed to decide the number of people he can take aboard safely. For smaller monohull boats, under 20' with certain exceptions the USCG requires the manufacturer to install a placard indicating the maximum number. For commercial vessels the weight per person is dictated at 185 lbs.

 

[James10016]

Hunter345,

You'll have to use some common sense and the formula of one life vest per passenger for boats over > 20 feet.

Federal law only requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate. Thus, in your case you'll have to follow the recommended capacity found in the owner's manual if it is even specified.

They do provide this basic formual below. But It is obviously designed for boats less than < 20 feet.:

Number of people =
vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.)
15


Because using it on my Hunter 45 Legend, it says I could have up to 39 passengers on my boat. Which to say the least, is crazy by anyone's standards. I'd never take on more than a dozen without GOOD reason.

Regards,

James

 

[Nom De Guerre]

There is no rule for that vessel. Contact the manufacturer or architect for recommended safe limits.