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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-capacity-plate-shows

What does a boat's capacity plate tell you?

The total weight and number of people it is designed to carry.

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  1. Total weight and number of people ✔
  2. Where each person must sit
  3. How to start the motor

Why: The capacity plate lists maximum persons and total allowable weight. On outboard boats, the weight line includes persons, motor and gear. Going over it can make the boat unstable.

Huh, didn't know that: On applicable outboard boats under 20 feet, the capacity plate also shows maximum horsepower.

The dad joke
Why did the boat go on a diet? Its capacity plate said so.
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References

Answer: Total weight and number of people. The capacity plate lists maximum persons and total allowable weight. On outboard boats, the weight line includes persons, motor and gear. Going over it can make the boat unstable.

  1. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022, Basic Boating Knowledge Core Plus Power higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf
    gross load capacity (total weight and number of persons) from the boat capacity plate.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. 33 CFR 183.21, Applicability www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-183/subpart-B/section-183.21
    This subpart applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. 33 CFR 183.25, Display of markings www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-183/subpart-B/section-183.25
    U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities XX Persons or XXX Pounds XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear XXX Horsepower, motor
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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