Capacity Plates

[AllToonedUp]

Just bought my first pontoon boat and turns out the capacity plate had been taken off. Ive tried searching the web for information and cant find any information I need. Its a 28 ft riviera cruiser with 25inch logs. Anybody happen to know Max people and/or weight and also Max hp?? Also, Ive found a few places that will make new plates and mail them but they require the information to make the plate which I don't have yet. Anyone want to recommend a place they had a cap plate made?? THANK YOU!!!

[HandymanHerb]

Doesn't matter if you rebuild it, just use common sense and don't over load it

[AllToonedUp]

I agree, but i thought that you were required to have one on board in view of the helm??

[HandymanHerb]

Maybe new, but when they get old they fall off or you can't read them, so then it doesn't matter, water cops going to be worried more that you have a PFD's for all and they fit, and they use their eyes to judge if your over loaded or not.

[ToonGuy]

You are not required to have one. The USGC (Federal) law reads:

REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPACITY LABEL – Monohull
boats less than 20 feet, and built after October 31, 1972
must have a capacity label affixed. This is the responsibility
of the manufacturer. Kayaks, sailboats, inflatables, and
canoes are exempt from this requirement. While Federal
Regulations do not prohibit the boat operator from
exceeding these capacities, state law may prohibit it. Check
with your state’s boating authority.

What this means is that any vessel 20' or over does not require a capacity plate when used in a non-commercial setting. I'm not here to argue with your LEO or your insurance company, just stating the facts

If you want to replace yours, gather the needed info and look here:
http://garzonstudio.com/boat/capacity-decal.html

[AllToonedUp]

Thanks guys!!!! Appreciate all the help and reply's!

[RonKMiller]

The Coast Guard Vessel Examiner (VE) that did a 100 point safety inspection on my boat wanted to see it. Granted, my boat is a bit "different," but it put his mind at ease and since I passed the inspection I'm glad it was there.

I would be curious to know if there are ANY other members here that have the Coast Guard Safety Inspection sticker. While certainly not required it could be extremely useful if you found yourself in court trying to defend your actions in a liability suit.

Oh yeah, it's FREE. I get one every year and it literally kept me out of jail in San Diego Harbor.

If ANY boats need to have a capacity plate it's pontoons - just sayin'. Although I've NEVER seen one overloaded...

Garzon Studios did a fine job. It looks 100% OEM.