U.S. COAST GUARD MAXIMUM CAPACITY LABEL

This Safety standard applies to boats that subject to the Safe Loading Standard and outdboard powered boats which are subject to the Safe Powering Standard. The regulation requires the manufacturer to post the U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capcities label where it is visible to the operator when getting the boat underway. The general format and appereance of the label is shown in Fig 3 ( Note labels on boats built prior to August 1, 1980, will show persons capacity in terms of total pounds only.)

The Capacity Information on the label is intended as a guide for the operator. Aprudent boater should treat the ratings as if they are absolutes and not to be exceeded. Marry State enforcement authorities consider operation of a boat in excess of the capacity ratings to be negligent operation and will cite the operator accordingly. Many insurance companies will refuse to insure a boat powered with an outboard engine that exceeds the horsepower rating on the capacity label. And finally, many boats manufacturers may refuse to honor warranty claims if the boat is matched with an outboard engine that exceeds the maximum power listed on the Coast Guard capacity label.

information taked from: Boatbuilder's Handbook Part 3 — Consumer Fact Sheets - Page 9
Part 3 (PDF) (867 KB)

WHO: Manufacturers of boats subject to the Safe Loading and Safe Powering Standards must affix the U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities label. The Safe Loading Standard ( Subpart C of Part 183) applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in lenght, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatables. The Safe Powering Standard (Subpart D of Part 183) applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in lenght that use one or more outboard motors for propulsion, ecept sailboats, canoes, Kayaks and inflatables.

WHAT: The U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities lable must display Maximum Horsepower ( if an outboard boat), the Maximum Persons Capacity in pounds and the number of people and the Maximum Weight Capacity (persons, motor and gear for outboards) (persons and gear for inboards, inboard-outdrives and boats without mechanical propulsion). The manufacturer calculates the capacity shown on the marking in accordance with the standards in 33 CFR 183. The capacity information must be displayed within a yellow area ( see ilustration for minimum character sizes) and must be in the following format with no substitution of words

Note: Abbreviations for teh words "Horsepower" (HP) and "Pounds" (LBS) may be used.

Sec. 183.25—Display of markings

(a) Each marking required by Sec. 183.23 must be permanently displayed in a legible manner where it is clearly visible to the operator when getting the boat underway.

(b) The information required by Sec. 183.23 must be displayed in the following manner:

1. For outboard boats:
   U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities
   XX Persons or XXX Pounds
   XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear
   XXX Horsepower, motor
   
   or
   
   U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities
   XX Persons or XXX Pounds
   XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear
   XXX Horsepower, motor with remote steering
   XXX Horsepower, motor without remote steering
   
   
2. For inboard boats and inboard-outboard boats:
   U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities
   XX Persons or XXX Pounds
   XXX Pounds, persons, gear
   
   
3. For boats rated for motors of 2 horsepower or less:
   U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities
   XX Persons or XXX Pounds
   XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear
   XXX Horsepower, motor
   
   
4. For boats rated for manual propulsion:
   U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities
   XX Persons or XXX Pounds
   XXX Pounds, persons, gear
   This Boat Not Rated for Propulsion by Motor
   
   

(c) The capacity information displays required in paragraph (b) must meet the following as
illustrated in Figure 183.25:

1. The capacity information required in Sec. 183.23 must be displayed within a yellow area that—


1. Is at least 4 inches wide; and
2. Is high enough that each line of print is separated by at least 1/8 inch
   from each other and from the borders of the yellow area;
2. The persons capacity in whole numbers must be black print with the following
   dimensions:
   1. (i) The height must not be smaller than one-half inch;
   2. (ii) The width of the numbers must be three-fifths of the height except for the number “4”, which shall be one stroke width wider, and the number “1”, which shall be one stroke in width;
   3. (iii) The stroke width shall be one-sixth of the height; and
   4. (iv) The minimum space between the numbers shall be one stroke width.
   
   
3. (3) The words in the line “XX Persons or XXX Pounds” must be at least one-quarter inch in height but not larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number and of a color contrasting with yellow. The number of pounds in this line must be at least one eighth inch in height but no larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number and of a color contrasting with yellow.
   
   
4. (4) All remaining words and numbers required to be within the yellow area required in paragraph (c)(1) must be at least one-eighth inch in height, but no larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number.
   
   
5. (5) All other words and numbers on the displays must be located outside the yellow area on a background color, which contrasts with yellow.
   
   
6. (6) The words “Maximum Capacities” must be at least one-quarter inch in height and of color contrasting with its background.
   
   
7. (7) The words “U.S. Coast Guard” must be at least one-eighth inch in height and of color contrasting with its background.
   

[CGD 78-034, 45 FR 2029, Jan. 10, 1980]

Sec. 183.23—Capacity marking required
Each boat must be marked in the manner prescribed in Secs. 183.25 and 183.27 with the maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons and in pounds, the maximum weight capacity in pounds, determined under Secs. 183.33 through 183.43, and the maximum horsepower capacity determined under Sec. 183.53 or the statement “This Boat Not Rated for Propulsion by a Motor”.

[CGD 78-034, 45 FR 2029, Jan. 10, 1980, as amended by USCG-1999-5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

 

Sec. 183.27—Construction of markings
Each marking required by Sec. 183.23 must be—
(a) Capable of withstanding the combined effects of exposure to water, oil, salt spray, direct sunlight, heat, cold, and wear expected in normal operation of the boat, without loss of legibility; and
(b) Resistant to efforts to remove or alter the information without leaving some obvious sign of such efforts.

[CGD 78-034, 45 FR 2030, Jan. 10, 1980]

 

Sec. 183.33—Maximum weight capacity:
Inboard and inboard-outdrive boats
(a) The maximum weight capacity (W) marked on a boat that has one or more inboard or inboard-outdrive units for propulsion must not exceed the greater value of W obtained from either of the following formulas:

W = (maximum displacement) – boat weight – 4 (machinery weight)
              5                             5                           5

W = (maximum displacement – boat weight)
      5

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) Maximum displacement is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the
boat at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard. For the
purpose of this paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of
the two following conditions are met:

• (i)The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane and theaft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern) are equidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water surface.
• (ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point of water ingress.
  

(2) Boat weight is the combination of:

• (i)Hull weight;
• (ii) Deck and superstructure weight;
• (iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances; and
• (iv) Weight of full permanent fuel tanks.

(3) Machinery weight is the combined weight of installed engines or motors, control equipment, drive units, and batteries.

[CGD 72-61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972]
Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 183.33, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

Sec. 183.35—Maximum weight capacity: Outboard boats

(a) The maximum weight capacity marked on a boat that is designed or intended to use one
or more outboard motors for propulsion must be a number that does not exceed one-fifth of the
difference between its maximum displacement and boat weight.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) Maximum displacement is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the boat at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard except for water coming through one opening in the motor well with its greatest dimension not over 3 inches for outboard motor controls or fuel lines. For the purpose of this paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of the two following conditions are met:

• (i)The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane andtheaft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern) areequidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water surface.
• (ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point
  of water ingress.

(2) Boat weight is the combination of:

• (i)Hull weight;
• (ii) Deck and superstructure weight;
• (iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances; and
• (iv) Weight of full permanent fuel tanks.

[CGD 72-61, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, as amended by CGD 73-250, 40 FR 43857, Sept. 23, 1975; CGD 75-176, 42 FR 2681, Jan. 13, 1977; USCG-1999-5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999

 

Sec. 183.43—Persons capacity: Boats rated for manual propulsion and boats rated for outboard motors of 2 horsepower or less

(a) The persons capacity in pounds marked on a boat that is rated for manual propulsion or for motors of 2 horsepower or less must not exceed:

1. For boats rated for manual propulsion, 90 percent of the maximum weight capacity in pounds; and
2. For boats rated for motors of 2 horsepower or less, 90 percent of the maximum weight capacity in pounds, less 25 pounds.

(b) The maximum persons capacity, in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat that is rated for manual propulsion must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the value determined in paragraph (a)(1), dividing the sum by 141, and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next lower integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

(c) The maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat rated for mo to rs of 2 horsepower or less must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the value determined in paragraph (a)(2), dividing the sum by 141, and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next lower whole integer and if th e fr action is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

[CGD 78-034, 45 FR 2031, Jan. 10, 1980

 

Sec. 183.53—Horsepower capacity
The maximum horsepower capacity marked on a boat must not exceed the horsepower capacity determined by the computation method discussed in paragraph

(a) of this section, or for certain qualifying boats, the performance test method discussed in paragraph (b) of this section. (a) The maximum horsepower capacity must be computed as follows:

(1) Compute a factor by multiplying the boat length in feet by the maximum transom width in feet excluding handles and other similar fittings, attachments, and extensions. If the boat does not have a full transom, the transom width is the broadest beam in the aftermost quarter length of the boat.

(2) Locate horsepower capacity corresponding to the factor in Table 183.53.

(3) For a boat with a factor over 52.5, if the horsepower capacity calculated in Table 183.53 is not an exact multiple of 5, it may be raised to the next exact multiple of 5.

(4) For flat bottom hard chine boats with a factor of 52 or less, the horsepower capacity must be reduced by one horsepower capacity increment in Table 183.53.

(b) For boats qualifying under this paragraph, the performance test method described in this paragraph may be used to determine the horsepower capacity.

(1) Qualifying criteria. (i ) Thirteen feet or less in length; (ii) Remote wheel steering; (iii) Transom height (A) Minimum 19 inch transom height; or, (B) For boats with at least a 19 inch motorwell height, a minimum 15 inch transom height; (iv) Maximum persons capacity not over two persons;

(2) Boat preparation. (i) The boat must be rigged with equipment recommended or provided by the boat and motor manufacturer and tested with the highest horsepower production powerplant for which the boat is to be rated, not to exceed 40 horsepower. (ii) Standard equipment must be installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. (iii) The lowest ratio (quickest) steering system offered on the boat model being tested must be installed. (iv) The outboard motor must be fitted with the manufacturer’s recommended propeller providing maximum speed. (v) Standard permanently installed fuel tanks must be no more than one-half full. Boats without permanent tanks must be tested with one full portable tank. (vi) Portable tanks must be in their desi gnated location or placed as far aft as possible. (vii) The out board motor must be placed in the lowest vertical position on the transom or, if mounting instructions are provided with the boat, at the height recommended. (viii) Boat bottom, motor and propeller must be in new or almost new condition.

Note: The use of the following special equipment should be considered because of the potential for exceeding the capabilities of the boat while performing the test: Racing Type Personal Flotation Device Helmet.

(3) Test conditions. Testing must be conducted on smooth, calm water with the wind speed below 10 knots. The test must be conducted with no load other than a driver who must weigh no more than 200 pounds. The motor trim angle must be adjusted to provide maximum full throttle speed short of excessive porpoising or propeller ventilation or “cavitation”, so that there is no loss of directional control.

(4) Quick turn test procedure. Set throttle at a low maneuvering speed and steer the boat straight ahead. Turn the steering wheel 180 deg. in the direction of least resistance in 1/2 second or less and hold it at that position without changing the throttle or trim settings during or after the wheel change. The boat completes the maneuver successfully if it is capable of completing a 90 deg. turn without the driver losing control of the boat or reducing the throttle setting. Gradually increase the boat’s turn entry speed incrementally until the boat does not complete the Quick Turn Test successfully or successfully completes it at maximum throttle.

Note: It is recognized that operator skill and familiarity with a particular boat and motor combination will affect the test results. It is permissible to make a number of practice runs through the quick turn test at any throttle setting.

(5) Test course method. Set throttle for 30 miles per hour boat speed and run the test co ur se se t up in accordance with Figure 183.53, passing outside the designated avoidance ma rk er for 35 to 37.5 miles per hour without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test cour se, increase the throttle setting to 35 to 37.5 mi le s per hour boat speed and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, increase the throttle setting to 37.5 to 42.5 miles per hour boat speed and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, increase the throttle setting to 42.5 miles per hour or more and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, continue to increase the throttle setting and run the test course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for 42.5 miles per hour or more until the boat fails to complete the test successfully or the boat completes the test course maneuvers successfully at full throttle. The boat successfully completes the test course if the driver is able to ma n euver it between the designated avoidance markers without striking the markers and without losing control of the boat or reducing the throttle setting. There must be no change in position of any equipment on board and there must be no change of position of personnel in order to influence the test results. There must be no instability evidenced by oscillating motion in t he roll or yaw axes exhibited while negotiating the course.

Note: It is recognized that operator skill and familiarity with a particular boat and motor combination will affect the test results. It is therefore considered permissible to make a number of practice runs through the test course at any throttle setting.

(6) Maximum horsepower capacity.

(i) For boats capable of less than 35 miles per hour, the maximum horsepower capacity must be the maximum horsepower with which the boat was able to successfully complete the Quick Turn Test Procedure in Sec. 183.53(b)(4) at full throttle or the maximum horsepower determined under the calculations in Sec. 183.53(a) of this section.

(ii) For boats capable of 35 miles per hour or more, the maximum horsepower capacity must be t he maximum horsepower with which the boat was able to successfully complete both the Quick Tu rn Test Procedure in Sec. 183.53(b)(4) and the Test Course Method in Sec. 183.53(b)(5) at full throttle or the calculations

More Information found to make calculations:

Subpart C — Safe Loading & Subpart B — Display of Capacity Information
PDF version (617 KB) Read from page 40

This information was taken from http://www.uscgboating.org