Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I got stopped yesterday about 22 miles offshore by an inflatable off of a USCG cutter. After a quick search of my boat, they then gave me a ticket for not having a USCG Maximum Capacity plate. According to the PO, ALL vessels under 20'0" hull length must have and display a USCG Max Capacities plate while navigating federal waters (which is anything over 12 miles offshore), regardless of date or place of manufacture. This includes vessels like mine, which are titled as homemade because they predate the federal HIN system. The PO said I can get the $75 fine waived if I show proof of compliance within 30 days.

Here's what annoys me: I still have the original manufacturer's identification sticker under the helm. It shows the hull serial number: #2489, the max HP: 240, and the max load, persons, motor and gear: 1?35 lbs. (I put the question mark in there for the second number because the decal is torn there. The third number could also be an 8 or a 5) He said the manufacturer's plate was partially illegible or destroyed, didn't specify a max capacity in number of persons, with max weight indecipherable, and therefore didn't meet the requirements.

I called SeaCraft Boats, and they will provide a capacity plate for any hull they made since Tracker took over in '87, but not for earlier hulls.

So next I contacted a local decal manufacturer, and he would not make a run of less than 100 decals, at a price of $1,250, or $12.50 each.

Next I contacted LetterRite, and they will make a minimum run of 10 decals for $190, or 25 for $200.

USCG calculation for max hp is (vessel LOA in ft X BEAM in ft X 2)-90 [rounded up to next higher 5hp increment = MAX HP. The the Length is vessel LOA, NOT hull LOA, and may include the length of any permanently-mounted propulsion machinery. Length and Beam are also rounded up to next higher full integer. So the 20' SeaCraft models would be either
(20x8x2)-90=230 MAX HP
OR
(22x8x2)-90=265 MAX HP (if the motor is through-bolted to the transom. (This is how the 19' bowrider and Seafari had legal optional 260 hp sterndrives.)

So the image below uses the 230hp USCG MAX HP calculations,(although I am open to using the 265hp calculation) and the weight limits from the 20' Seafari, which has the lowest weight limits of the various 20' SeaCraft models.

I'm considering order 25 of these decals. Would anyone like one at my cost plus postage? That would be about $13 or $14 dollars, I think. There won't be an option on some plates of 230 and some of 265 hp. They would all have to be the same.

they would look like this:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...0USCGplate.gif

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Hate to hear about the Ticket, This was one of my first questions about my 20 when I bought it, since I havn't ran the boat yet it been a non-issue but I knew I would have to do something before running her.
Count me in on a Sticker. PM me for the Info for payment.
You skipped the fishing report, How much did those fish cost per pound yesterday. LoL thats what my wife would have asked! Thanks as always Steve

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I would look on line for a FastSigns store.

Some of those stores have a machine that is called the "Edge" (makes decals).

Normally they charge by the sq.ft. and you get so many decals per sheet...small run stuff. We use to charge about $35.00 to do a job like this and you would get a dozen or so decals.

I have been out of the business for a few years so all my contacts are gone.

Good luck.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr Frank

Count me in for one. My 1970 20SF is like yours - considered home made and has no sticker. PM me for the payment and I will get it to you before you order. I would rather have the 230 vs the 265. I remember my dad's 20SF had a plate and the max engine hp was listed as 175. ??

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr.Frank,
I plagiarized this from the Classicmako.com/forums/discussions:

michigan dave
Head Shark

USA
4909 Posts

Posted - 10/13/2009 : 06:30:23 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Thanks to member Makoboat1 for finding this site, it looks like a awesome way to reproduce those faded HIN and Capacity plates, as well as trailer serial number plates.

http://www.machineplatesonline.com/Home.html
1979m21 225johnson "blue dolphin" bought off this board and restored
with everyones help!!Gone but not Forgotten....
S.Haven MI>Columbus OH

makoboat1
Member

USA
45 Posts

Posted - 10/22/2009 : 18:06:54 Show Profile Reply with Quote


Heres the plate made up in 4 days -$30

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

If your Seafari is 20', it's NOT "under 20'-0" So the regulation does not apply to your boat. Your over the limit, so why did you get a ticket in the first place?

My Sceptre is 23' so I guess thats why I dont have one of those cap. plates.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I'll contact Machine Plates and get a quote before I order the metal decals.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Yes it does. The hull length on the 20' SeaCraft is 19'8", even though my LOA is 21'11" including anchor roller and propulsion machinery. The original sticker says 19'8", and you can still read that.

Personally, I think the idea of giving a guy on a boat identified as a 20 footer a ticket because his hull is 4 inches short is the epitome of nit-picking penny-ante bureaucratic masculine bovine excreta.

I also think he was upset because he expected to find drugs on my boat during their search and didn't, so he felt like he had to justify stopping me and searching for half an hour.

Let's face it, especially on a Monday, you don't often see small boats that far offshore around here. (Unless they're SeaCrafts :) ). I was stopped at 22 miles out, while on my way in from about 40 miles out, and the CG Cutter was at least a couple miles inshore of me. I was even headed across the motionless cutter's bow at all of 24 mph. Exhilarating speed, let me tell you!

Oh yeah, cost per pound on the cleaned fish including the fine is about $38 per pound. I brought home one (1) grouper, yielding about 4 1/2 lbs of filets. OTOH, I released several barracuda, and two sharks.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr. Frank
Would need one for the MA maybe one for the Seafari. I can't recall it's decal condition. I've never had my capacity plate questioned when I've been stopped on boats without one. Better safe than harassded. Dave

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I've been boating for 42 years and this is the 2nd time I've had my capacity decal/plate checked.

The last time was in Fenwick Island, Delaware in 1986, and I was operating an '86 21' Checkmate Starflight with a 3.4L 300hp Mercury on the back. The Delaware DNR was sure I was overpowered.

But nope, the decal said 300hp max hp. It was a "special order" from Checkmate in Bucyrus, Ohio ;) (Actual USCG max was 310hp) The original plate said max hp 235, but they were happy to send us a new plate to make the boat legal for our attempts to break the then 107 mph world slalom-ski speed record. We eventually got that boat up to over 110 mph. As it was we had the 2nd fastest boat on Assawoman bay. (I also rigged the fastest: a 21' Allison with a 2.4L EFI Mercury Bridgeport that radared at 114 mph. Shoot, we got a plywood 26' Chincoteague Scow to run 93 mph with twin 3.4L Mercs. Now THAT's a story to tell)

FYI, I failed the world record attempt, but survived the fall immediately after a 103 mph run. I actually fell turning around for another run after slowing to under 80 mph. Can you say "skipped like a stone"? :eek: Pulling a skier, the boat would not go faster than 103. I sold my $600 Fox custom 98" V-bottom ski a couple of weeks later, still wearing a neck brace. Now I look back and say, "Good God! That was STUPID! What was I thinking?"

At 50 yrs old now, my body reminds me of the whole slough of incredibly dangerous and stupid things I did when I was younger. Over 50 broken bones, including breaking my back in three places in another boat incident. I have been severely injured racing motorcycles, sports cars, and offshore boats. I was a slow learner.

Yeah, I hurt most days, but, Praise God, I can still celebrate the Mass, and go fishing, and play golf, ride my motorcycle, and spend time with wife and my teen-aged kids. The pain is a small price to pay for that.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I,m going to need one for my 20.
Let me know what you decide to do

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

My missing plate has never been an issue. I've only seen the man once past the 12 mile mark though. I had some nice snapper so they did check for the "reef fish" gear; circle hooks, deflator and hook remover.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Muchas gracias for the machine plates link! I need both a HIN plate on the back of my transom per MA state regs, and i think a second one hidden somewhere else per the Feds. I have neither :), and somehow slipped by when registering the boat this spring with a smile and a chat at the DFW office as was supposed to have a 'HIN number rubbing' or something to that effect. So if your up here in MA, we have that regulation as well. Never heard of anyone being written up here for this though...

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatregfaq.htm#HIN

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Father Frank,
I will take 4 or 5 of them please. Pm me and I will get the $$$ to you.
Thanx.
OP

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Okay, here is the proof from LetterRite.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...decalproof.jpg

My cost is "about" $40 per sheet, 4 decals per sheet, plus shipping of $5 or so. I do not intend to order until I get a firm price in writing.

I counted a total of 12 persons including myself who want/need one so far, so I will be ordering 3 sheets, 12 total.


Here's my count:
L_Steve: 1
Ron B: 1
Tarpun: 2
Jorge: 1
Caymanboy: 5
Brn2fsh: 1
Me: 1

If the price comes in just as verbally quoted, I'll charge $12 each out of those who want one. That'll cover the shipping cost to me and first class mail to you.

If anyone else wants one, let me know. I probably won't order 'til Monday, as I will be taking my son hunting this weekend during Florida's muzzle loading season for his very first hunt. :)

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr Frank,

You are too good to us!

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

EXCELLLLENT!!!!!! :cool:
THANX!!!

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

What happen to staying in close :D

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I couldn't help it. The grouper were calling me day and night, running up my cell phone bill. I had to teach them a lesson. :D

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr. Frank,
My boat's original sticker, mounted on port side of cockpit, just aft of bulkhead and just below the teak side board, is still fairly legible. I rubbed a lead pencil on a piece of paper over it to confirm the numbers. For what it's worth, here are the numbers stamped on my sticker which I thought you might be interested in:

Model: 20008
Hull S/N: 2268
Max HP: 170
Max Number of persons: 6 @ 150 lbs/person
Maximum Weight of persons, motor and gear: 1500 lbs.
Here's a photo of the actual sticker:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...tyDecal001.jpg

Since my boat now has a closed in transom and is 30" longer with the flotation bracket, it's theoretically a 22' boat, so I suppose I could calculate larger numbers for allowable HP and capacity. It occurred to me that maybe one option you might consider would be to leave some of the decals on the sheet blank, so that guys could stamp their own numbers on the aluminum sheet?! Then the guys with non-stock configurations could make their own custom stickers. Denny

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I'm in on that one

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Mine is directly below the helm mount on the wood bulkhead.

Mine says Model: Seafari 20'
Hull S/N:2489
Maximum HP: 240
Maximum weight: 1?35 lbs
It says nothing about maximum persons.
My hull # is 221 after yours.

I didn't think of that. I'll post the info when I'm done so others can have their own made. I just looked up the calculation tables the USCG uses, and figured it out myself. The only thing I couldn't do was actually float and measure the displacement of the hull in a pool, so I used the specs on this website for max weight capacity, divided by 150, rounding down to the highest whole number to get max persons.

Your hull, at 19'8", with 2 1/2 feet added to it, PLUS the anchor roller and propulsion machinery could easily actually be over 24', and then you round up to next higher whole number for LOA in feet. But you are a minimum LOA for HP purposes of 23' withoutpropulsion machinery, giving you a Max HP of at least280.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Fr. Frank,
Put me down for a total of three. Thanks
dave

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

[QUOTE]
Okay, here is the proof from LetterRite.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...decalproof.jpg

The decals are in. With a mix-up on the order, I got 12 instead of the 16 I thought I had ordered. Keeping one for myself, that leaves 11 for all y'all.


My cost was $130 including shipping. So if y'all still want 'em, please send me $12.50 for the decal, and I'll send it out USPS 1st class mail. Paypal is the easiest way. My email is fatherfrankgough@aol.com. If you prefer to pay with a check, PM me and I'll send you my address.


Here is the original list I had. I think those who wanted just one should have priority over the additional decals for those who wanted more than one, but except for Tarpun, we're good. "Tarpun" later asked to raise his count to 3, but unless someone else bails on theirs, I don't see a way to do that fairly.

L_Steve: 1
Ron B: 1
Tarpun: 2
Jorge: 1
Caymanboy: 5
Brn2fsh: 1
Me: 1


When you pay, make sure you include a message telling me your CSC user name.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Run the ad again, I'll sign for one. Although I think a 19'8" x 7'6' boat only qualifies for 200 and change horsepower... ;)

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

It certainly doesn't NEED that much. I don't make the guidelines for such determinations, the USCG does. The wording is specific. Max HP is based upon a vessel's LOA and max beam, and each one of them gets rounded up to the next higher foot measurement.

By USCG standards, my Seafari with a hull length of 19'8" and beam of 7'6" is actually 23' long by 8' wide for max HP purposes. That's because LOA includes propulsion machinery and anchor roller. Go figure.

And I think it does pretty well with just a 90 hp Mercury. :cool:

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I'm in for one!

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

One thing I want to know is what good is that sticker really? Who is to say that you can't just make your own and put whatever you want on it (within the CG calculations)

I just checked mine which was originally on the top of the console. The only parts I could make out were the specs stamped into it, but thanks to Bushwacker, I now know what the rest of it said. The specs on it were (72 SF):
20' FOB
140 Max horsepower
6
1300

What's up with the low rating on it?

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

i have 1975 seafari order me one too let me know how to send payment thank you very much george

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I don't have any more, George. If we get another list of 12 people wanting them, I'll re-order, or I'd be happy to give the info who wants to make the order themselves.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

thank you i am sure that you will get plenty more that wont one just let us know george

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

You can put me down for 1. 1969 20'SF
Let me know where the $ needs to go when the time comes.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Father Frank,
I could use 3.
Regards,
Ole

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Okay, that's 5, we're almost halfway there.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

Put me on the list. 74' 20SF!

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

do you have specs for a 86 23' i need one of those
thanks
matt

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I'd like one for my SF18.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

1986 23 CC SeaCraft was rated for 400 hp.
Go to This Page.
Interestingly enough, a number of 23' SF were made in the late 70's with stickers that showed an O/B power max rating of 500 HP

I rigged the town of Palm Beach's Police boat, a 1977 23'SF, with twin 235 Evinrudes back in '84. It was rated for 500 hp. The motors were given to them FREE by OMC. The town just paid for the rigging.

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

I'll take one for my '73 20SF

Thanks

Lloyd

Re: Fed requirement for USCG max capacity plate
 

The 18 stickers would be a separate run. The minimum is 3 sheets, or 12 decals. Of course you can order 12 to get one. The cost is about 45 per sheet. Read this whole thread.

JFTR, the USCG max HP, (NOT the manufacturer's max recommended HP) for the 18' hull only is 214 hp. SeaCraft rated the 18' for 150 hp.

But if you want to really max it out, remember USCG standard for measuring "Length Over All" INCLUDES propulsion machinery and accessories such as swim platforms and anchor pulpits that extend beyond the hull.

18'2" hull + 18" for propulsion machinery = 19'10" = USCG 20' LOA rating.
7'6" beam = 8' USCG Beam rating)
LOA X Beam X 2 - 90 = 230 hp

I recently measured my 20' Seafari (19'8" hull) to see if I could get it into a garage at a house we were thinking of buying. My boat with the motor down, from the back of the cavitation plate to the end of the anchor roller is 23'4". That does NOT include the anchor extending beyond the roller. By USCG rules, I could therefore claim a legal max hp rating of 294 HP.

Can you imagine a 275 Verado on the back of a 20' Seafari? Wouldn't that be a Kamikaze Express!! :eek:

I think I'll keep my 90 Opti :cool: