Re: Capacity Plates
the bentley plate above has two weight capacities, and allows 550# for the 90 HP motor. The total weight capacity is the higher number 2745# b/c it includes the motor.
i think is it much more useful for the consumer to account for the motor weight before giving the weight/passenger limit. But even that is a fiction b/c no consumer can accurately calculate all his gear weight; from gasoline to anchor.
Keep in mind that some boats have a higher or lower capacity based on hull design, so you can't just divide the passenger limit into the weight limit. (I have a 17' ocean kayak (wood, rubber and canvas) that has a 700# payload and there is no way you could squeeze 3 adults in it, much less 4 @ 160# each.) Part of the equation is the manufacturer's safety recommendation.
After all, you wouldn't put 2100# of gear and no people in a boat; there's always at least one person!
The plates are just guidelines. However, some states have adopted them as "law" in that any violation of the plate violates "safe operation." Other states say a violation is evidence but not proof of unsafe operation, so you could argue that 6 skinny 8 year old girls plus you may violate the 6 passenger rule but is still safe.
Something has changed. This is the plate from a 2005 Bentley 20' Cruise. Nothing special...2 logs. A new 20' Bennington gets a plate that says 9.
