Flotation

Definitions

Every definition contained herein shall be assumed to be preceded by the following statement: “For the purpose of this guideline, we will use the following definitions:”

NOTE:
In the event of a question of interpretation of these definitions, consult with the United States Coast Guard.

Mono-hull: Any vessel on which, when it is at rest and carries its maximum rated horsepower capacity and maximum weight capacity, the line of intersection of the water surface and the hull forms a single closed curve. For example: a catamaran, trimaran or pontoon boat is not a mono-hull boat. However, it is important to observe that some small catamarans, when loaded, do form a single water line and must be considered mono-hulls.

Race boat: Any vessel which is manufactured soley for use in sanctioned racing events, and is not intended for use as a recreational boat.

Sailboat: A boat designed or intended to use sails as the primary means of propulsion.

Basic Flotation: A flotation system which will keep a swamped boat from sinking when its passengers are in the water clinging to it, provided that the aggregate weight of the motor, passengers and equipment carried in or attached to the boat does not exceed the boat's maximum weight capacity. With Basic Flotation, the swamped boat may float at any attitude.

Level Flotation: A flotation system that will keep a swamped boat and a specified quantity of the weights of its motor, equipment and passengers floating in an approximately level attitude. Sufficient stability is provided to prevent the swamped craft from capsizing in calm water when one-half of the passengers are evenly distributed at one side of the passenger carrying area and as low as possible in the boat. Level Flotation does not provide a self-righting capability.

Modified Level Flotation: A flotation system that provides level flotation, as defined here, but with a reduction in the quantity of flotation required for passengers.

Dead Weight: For inboards, sterndrives and airboats, the maximum weight capacity marked on the boat, minus the persons capacity marked on the boat.

Horsepower Capacity: The maximum recommended horsepower capacity of a boat as stated on the boat's capacity plate.

Passenger Carrying Area: [see 183.205 & 183.305] Each area in a boat in which persons can sit in a normal sitting position or stand while the boat is in operation. Figures 2.1 to 2.5 explain the passenger carrying area for different boat configurations.

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