Boating Basics: Before Going Out
Before going out on the water, take steps to make the outing
safe and enjoyable.
Vessel Length Classes
- A vessel’s length class determines the
equipment necessary to comply with
federal and state laws.
- Vessels are categorized in these length classes:
- Less than 16 feet (Class A)
- 16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class 1)
- 26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class 2)
- 40 feet to less than 65 feet (Class 3)
- Length is measured from the tip of
the bow in a straight line to the stern.
This does not include outboard motors,
brackets, rudders, bow attachments, or
swim platforms and ladders that are not a
molded part of the hull.
Vessel Capacity
Always check the capacity plate
to make sure you don’t swamp or
capsize your vessel by overloading
it. This plate is usually found near
the operator’s position or on the
vessel’s transom. It indicates the
maximum weight capacity, maximum number of people
the vessel can carry safely, and maximum horsepower. You should not exceed either the stated maximum weight
capacity or the maximum number of people.
Personal watercraft (PWCs) and some other vessels are not required to have a capacity plate. Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the
manufacturer’s warning decal.
On vessels with no capacity plate, you can use the
following rule of thumb to calculate the number of
persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) that the
vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.
Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.) ÷ 15
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