Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

[JamesCoste]

My boat has a 6-passenger and 750 or 800 lb weight limit (I'll check later).<br /><br />I plan to take a camping trip off one of the rivers here in North Florida.<br /><br />Once I launch the boat, I imagine the trip will be less than 20 minutes one way.<br /><br />My problem: I plan to take 3 adults and 4 small boys. Automatically I'm over what the boat is rated. I have enough seats in the boat and yes, it will be very crowded with gear and all. I estimate that the combined weight of all 7 will be about 850 lbs (not including gear).<br /><br />I'd like to try to take one trip up river, but don't want to get fined for exceeding the recommendations(if that is what they are).<br /><br />If stopped (very unlikely on this remote river), will I automatically get fined for exceeding the limits?<br /><br />What would you do?<br /><br />Of course I want to be safe...

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

Hi James. I would be more worried about swamping the boat than I would about getting a ticket. If your passenger limit is 800# then your total limit is about 1100 to 1200#. By the time you pack enough gear for a camping trip for 7 people you are going to be WAY overloaded. All it will take will be a wake over the stern and you're done. Remember it's the weight of people, motor, fuel, gear, etc... I have a small boat too that I take camping to remote areas and I tow a canoe loaded with all my gear behind the boat. It works great. The canoe is very seaworthy and has a huge carrying capacity for it's size. You won't get on plane doing this, but you wouldn't get on plane anyway loaded the way you're talking. Just a thought. As for the law, it depends on the state you live in. Call your local Game and Fish Dept. for details. Good luck, have fun and be safe.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

Make 2 trips or take a second boat as suggested.<br /><br />Worried about a $50 ticket, but not the death of a child and a 3 million $ lawsuit?<br /><br />Have fun camping.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

The number of people you can take on any boat is limited to the number that can safely fit. As a rule of thumb, if everyone fits on seat or in the cabin, it’s ok. I agree the weight limit is a concern.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

2 trips is great advice...

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

I think I'll take two trips. It does make more sense and, of course, safety is my primary concern. Most likely my kids, one of my friends, his son and I will be there before the other so I can have the 5 of us and gear safely taken up to the campsite, unload, and then return myself to pick up my other friend, his son, and their gear.<br /><br />I appreciate your advice. If I had a canoe or small john boat to tow behind the boat, I would "almost" be willing to slowly tow most of our gear, and one adult up river.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

Ever thought about getting a cheap inflatable for the gear?<br /><br />If you have enough seats, 3 grown-ups & 4 small kids is probably within the 6-pax limit.<br /><br />Sounds like a fun trip. don't forget the hamburger buns. or the bug spray. or the sun screen. or the extra lantern mantles. or batteries. ...

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

I've done that too jtexas, but man you have to go slow. Those inflatables don't tow worth a flip. They do hold alot of weight though and are very seaworthy. If you're not in a hurry, they work well. About 4 MPH tops.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

If my trip were longer than about 20 minutes one-way, I'd do all I could to avoid 2 trips (including using a canoe, jon boat, or inflatable to tow the gear behind my boat). If one of my buddies had a boat, we'd take two boats and be done with it.<br /><br />My buddies and I all had brain "cramps" and after planning for either one or two trips, etc. realized that our kids have school on the Friday in which we are going. The men will go set up camp late that morning or early that afternoon. then have a couple of our wives come drop off the boys after they get off of school. Most-likely one of the wives will drive my truck and trailer back home. The landing in which we will launch is somewhat deserted. I don't trust leaving my truck/trailer there overnight.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

As if those boys are actually going to get any work done in school Friday!

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

You are right, we might as well take them out for the day. <br /><br />Heck, I can teach them how to collect tinder, kindling, and fuel for the fire. They can help cook their own meals and other educational things.<br /><br />Since we will be right off the river, we might bring along a rod or two. We'll let them learn how to find their own bait (worms probably) under logs and such. If we catch a few fish (bream), we'll let them clean them and cook them in tin-foil, lemon-juice, butter, salt and pepper in the coals. <br /><br />I better get back to work. This daydreaming has got to stop or I won't get anything done...

 

[Tom2697]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

I've seen this multiple times where jetski convoys tow behind ski-tubes loaded with their gear. I believe there are even inflatables designed for high speed towing with gear in them. Check out Overton's, Bart's, or any of the other watersports related supply houses....

 

[Tom2697]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

Oh yeah, only do this if you need extra space for your gear...Not for bringing along extra people!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Weight limits on boat and # of passengers question.

don't forget to mention this thread to the boys.<br />prob. a few future boaters in the group <br />teaches a good scout lesson IMO.<br />on MY honor, I promise to do my best....<br />old eagle scout.