A capacity plate is a plate that gives essential information for a boat. It is present at the front part of the boat and it provides the kind of information that is necessary for the stable function of the boat. It is to say that it provides safety information. But not all kind of boats have capacity plates. Capacity plates are required for just a few kinds of boats especially the small ones.
Under the Federal law, the boats that are less than 20 feet in length (not including the personal watercrafts (PWCs) must have a capacity plate. Boats of this length are required to have the capacity plates. They help maintaining balance and stability by overcoming issues like overloading etc. They are usually short boats that can be used to perform different functions.
- Role of a Capacity plate:
A capacity plate has limited functions. These functions are listed below:
- Any boat engine has its limitations for the horsepower. Those limitations are crucial for the better functioning of the boat. They provide information in a clear manner. On a capacity plate, it is clearly written that what is the maximum horsepower that engine of the boat can stand. That is to give precautions not to exceed the given horsepower.
- A boat, that is less than 20 feet in length, can carry a limited weightage. It may include the weight of the gear, motors and the number of passengers. This total or maximum weightage must not be surpassed. If exceeded then it may lead to serious consequences for everyone.
- A capacity plate also tell the maximum number of people a boat can carry. Overloading a boat can hinder the normal progress of that boat. For instance, large boats have high carrying capacity, therefore they can carry lots of weight and the number of passengers are more in there. And other boats like personal watercrafts (PWCs) also do not need to have a capacity plate because only a limited number of people can boat on them i.e. 1 to 3 . But small boats having a capacity plate have just a little carrying capacity hence it must be paid attention and considered a matter of great consequences.
- Significance:
Boats having a capacity plate have a significance that can easily prevent the adverse situations like sinking, capsizing etc. It is because of the instructions given on the capacity plate. It maintains balance and stability. Functioning of the boat without following these preventive measures and written parameters can lead to legal fines and penalities. It is because it is under federal law that the boats under 20 feet in length must have a capacity plate.
- Conclusion:
Following the instructions written on the capacity plate can lead to a comfortable boating experience especially in boats that are less than 20 feet in length because they are more umstable and malfunction if not following a proper guidance. Also its legality makes it more necessary to be followed.