Maximum Legal Capacity

Coconut

Coconut

New Member
Hi all,
New to the sunfish and to the forum. Have owned my fish for about 3 weeks now - loving it. Just got the Sunfish Bible and I'm pouring over it.

Quick question - what is the maximum legal capacity (people onboard) of the sunfish? I have searched this forum plus searched the Vanguard website for this info...cannot seem to find it.

There is a nice beach across the water from my launch area that I like to sail out to with 3 people aboard. Once we get to the location, we drop one or two people off on the beach and take turns enjoying the sunfish and the beach - and of course we sail back home with 3 people aboard.

Anyone know where I can reference the maximum legal occupancy limit of the sunfish? Is there a legal limit?

Thanks in advance.
 
Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate. (However, PWC and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.)

On vessels with no capacity plate, the following rule of thumb is commonly used by state constabularies to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.

Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.) /15

For example, for a vessel 14 feet long by 4 feet wide, the number of persons is 56 divided by 15, which equals 3.7 persons (or a total person weight of 3.7 x 150, or 555 lbs).

This is just an example. Many states round down to the next whole number. Check with your state’s boating regulatory agency for the formula they use. Your state’s laws are what you are responsible for knowing and complying with should you be stopped for a safety inspection.

For more information: U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
http://www.uscgboating.org

Links to State Boating Laws
http://sailing.about.com/od/stateagenices/Boating_Safety_Agencies_by_US_State.htm
 
Dan – thanks for the great information and the links. I am in Texas and found the State boating laws using the link you provided (Texas Handbook of Boating Laws: http://www.boat-ed.com/tx/handbook/index.htm). I’m still digging, but I have yet to find anything relating to how to calculate the state’s allowable capacity in the absence of a capacity plate. The formula you provided is simple enough, but I am doubtful if the officials will buy it if I am ‘pulled over’ while sailing with 3 people aboard.

If anyone can reference anything specific for Texas thanks in advance !
 
Three people, but what matters in a nautical sense is their total weight. Are you thinking of taking along two kids? If so, it would be a bit absurd for the water police to stop you (of course I don't know to what extent Texas officials enforce the rules). But if your 'crew' is two college linebackers, I would be a bit concerned. Of course the conditions on the lake, weather etc. play a role as well.
 
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