Coast Guard boat weight rating?

[Rapaleye]

Every boat has a coast guard plate on it that indicates the number of persons OR the maximum weight allowed in a boat, example 4 persons OR 775 lbs. Does anybody know is it truely OR, meaning you could have 5 people in the boat (assuming all have life jackets) as long as their total weight is less than 775 lbs? Or will the enforcement folks get riled if you have any more than 4 people.
The reason for my question is the boat I like says 4 or 775lbs but I have five in the family. However the total weight of all of us today is 450 lbs and better not hit 775 for a long time if ever.
Thanks for the help.
Jim

[RANGER]

I am not positively sure of this BUT: It is my understanding that the Coast Guard capacity rating is 1st - Number of people; 2nd - Total weight. The reason for this is to prevent some people from, say, taking 1 adult and 6 kids on a boat rated at 4 and 800lbs. It's not just weight.

[T-Mac]

Just remember this: The officer can count, but he won't have a scale to weigh the boat with him.

[Bad Finger]

They bust people for this all summer long on the St. Croix river, Mn. It is definetly the passenger rating. Even if it is one adult and 3 skinny kids. That's the max.

[mikie]

My understanding is the weight rating includes everything from gear to batteries, probably gas, too. Best to call your local watercraft office and see how they read it. I'd be surprised if they'd bust you for an extra person if he/she is a 3 year old, but ya never know! m

[RANGER]

mikie,

Sorry, but I must correct your statement: There are TWO capacity ratings for a boat; 1) Person capacity, and 2) BIA capacity. The BIA is TOTAL weight and includes people. i.e. my boat is rated 6 persons - 1200. BIA - 2100.

[Rapaleye]

Well I took your advice and called the Minnesota DNR department of water safety. The person there told me that you can have more than the number on the sticker as long as the total weight of the people doesn't exceed the weight on the sticker.
I still can't picture sitting in the boat explaining to the officer what each of us weighs. Unfortunately going up to a larger boat will increase the price of the rig by several thousand because of larger boat, motor hp and trolling motor. Tough decision especially since 98% of the time the total number in the boat will be 1 or 2.
Thanks for everybody's advice.
Jim

[Rapaleye]

I wanted to make sure I put the record straight. I did call the Minesota DNR boating safety line and they indicated that the weight rating of the boat is what is final, and that if the number of persons is over the rated number but their combined weight is under the weight rating you are still legal.
As a cross check I call the coast guard in St Paul and they said the opposite. The officer I talked to said if he pulled me over and saw that I had more passengers than the sticker indicated he would ticket me. His reasoning was that he can't weigh the people and therefore he goes by the number.
The coast guard makes the law so their guideline is final. Sounds like a person is smart to err on the conservitive side.
Just wanted to set the record straight.
Jim

[RANGER]

Congrats for sticking to it and getting the "correct" answer and sharing the info.

Here in Pa. our regs for inland waters differ somewhat than do the Coast Guards BUT I fish Erie as much as I can and abide by the CG rules 'cause "They da MAN" up there! Besides, the CG regs are more strict in certain areas then Pa.'s and, hopefully, keep folks safer.

[Bad Finger]

Good point. You must be aware of all enforcement agencies. Again, on the St Croix river, that can be many!

Min DNR, Wis DNR, several County Sheriff departments, the National Park service, the Coast Guard!!

Good advise, err on the side of caution.