www.iFourWinns.com

this could be a stupid question but thought i'd ask for future info.

I'm a stickler to the boating capacity but got to thinking if children (around 6) are considered 1 person for the capacity or if some places bend the rules maybe saying 2 small children could potentially be 1 (like 2 50-60 lb kids pretty much is 1 adult in a way).

i understand the law could be each person is 1 for capacity due to movement around the boat and safety in that aspect but just got to wondering.

i have and still assume 1 body = 1 capacity but just a thought. anyone know for sure. probably a state by state thing?

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2006 Nissan Titan SE 6" Lift
2000 Four Winns 190 Horizon 5.0GL

I've been under the impression, maybe incorrectly, that capacity is based on numbers of person OR weight, i.e, 10 people or 1500lbs. So, theoretically you could have a bunch of kids or just a few really fat people. But shouldn't exceed either number regardless of size of the person. I assume that's due to seating space and weight carrying ability.

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

I represent that remark.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I tend to go by both weight and number of people . Depending on their behavior, the installation of a plank ( like on pirate ships) might ease the load if necessary ( just a thought)

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

I always go by the person number and do not exceed that. I don't worry too much about the weight (I probably should though!) I think the weight capacity also includes your gear so the actual allowable weight on the boat due to people could be greatly reduced! I wonder how the Coast Guard or water patrol would see this?

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I go by the number of people. There has to be safe seating for each person. Plenty of accidents list way too many passengers. Which likely contributes both to the accident happening, and certainly to the number of people injured. To me there's no point in bringing too many along when it raises that much risk. That and in smaller boats it's a royal pain in the ass trying to keep the boat properly trimmed when too many people are on it and moving around (which they WILL do, despite your asking otherwise).

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

In NH the law states that the legal capacity is EITHER the weight OR the # of people .... whichever is reached first.

Sooo .... if the capacity is 10 people or 1500 lbs, this means 2 adults and 8 small kids is the limit .... even though this is not 1500 lbs (well, it better not be, anyway!).

Or,

If you have 5 - 300lb people ... that's the limit.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

that's what i figured. thanks all.

mainly was thinking for this weekend. we go to a very small lake where they shoot off fireworks and anchor out to watch from the boat. potentially have 6 adults & 5 kids. the boat is 9 or 1350lbs. if this is the case a few get to watch from camp

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2006 Nissan Titan SE 6" Lift
2000 Four Winns 190 Horizon 5.0GL

Have you done fireworks from the boat yet? It's not the watching the show that's an adventure. It's the getting back to the dock. All manner of idiots all trying to race their passengers back to the ramp. Oy, as if ramp time wasn't pandemonium enough...

My perspective on the 4th is be the last to get there and the first to leave. Or be among the first and do not plan on leaving for at least an hour after the show ends. There are just too many idiots (often inebriated) to make it worth the hassles of avoiding them. It's a quick way to turn a good night into a bad one.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

We do the: First to arrive, last to leave........ No stress that way.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

+1. Half the fun is sitting back and watching the idiots after the show.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

...... and keeping an eye on everyone else's boat .... who does not know how to set an anchor ......

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

yes we have been on this very lake last year for fireworks.

we're lucky it's one of the last known lakes in Colorado where you can camp right at the waters edge with your camper and just moor or beach the boat where camp is.

we have the boat out a day or so in advance then will stay till everyone has left or camp there at the lake.

if it were like any other lake around here for the 4th there would be no way I'd put in. this particular location is small mountain town maybe 3000 people in the county total.

i do love watching the people with the expensive boats and no brains. we watched 2 60k+ wakeboard boats drag anchor right by us twice last year....lol they were even tied up with 2 anchors out.

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2006 Nissan Titan SE 6" Lift
2000 Four Winns 190 Horizon 5.0GL