Global Marine: Dangers of Exceeding Maximum Capacity

You can find a boat’s capacity limit in the owner’s manual and on a capacity plate in the boat, typically near the helm. However, if your boat is 25 feet or less there is an easy formula that allows you to estimate a boat’s maximum capacity. Simply multiply the boat length in feet times the boat width in feet and then divide that number by fifteen. Your answer will represent the number of people that can safely board your boat. This formula can be helpful for quick planning but remember it’s just an estimate. Make sure that you are familiar with the precise maximum capacity before leaving the dock.