US Coast Guard Capacities Predator 16ft Boat

[rmata]

Well I just bought my first boat and got everything registered in my name. Been working on getting all my safety gear in order, and realized the USCG plate is missing. It's a 1990 Predator Boat that is 16ft long. I don't even know what the model is since it wasn't listed on the title and a google search didn't come up with much about Predator Boats. It's a center console boat with a tunnel hull. Do I need to have this plate? It only has a Evinrude 48hp motor so I'm sure that's well within it's limits and I don't ever plan on taking more that 4 people so I think I'll be fine, but just not sure if the plate is something I need or not. And if it is, how do I go about getting a replacement? Thanks, and if you know anything about Predator Boats I would appreciate the info.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: US Coast Guard Capacities Predator 16ft Boat

Do I need to have this plate?

Ask your state officials... Some states require it, and others do not. It is NOT a federal mandate. Personally in my state it is perfectly allowable for any boat to not have it, and the allowable weight becomes a judgement call of the game warden. (I have known a few people that intentionally removed it and run with a person or two over, game wardens generally don't care or will just tell them to go back and unload someone, never a ticket. On the other hand, I know of plenty of people that have gotten tickets for being over by 1 person, even if they are most likely well under the weight limit. (bunch of kids on board)