Safe Loading — Subpart C

Category Two: Outboard Boats

Since many outboard boats leave the manufacturing plant without engines (these are installed by others), the method of calculating weight and persons capacity varies slightly from the inboard category. Weights for engines, controls, batteries, etc., must be worked into the formulae. However, basically the process is the same: figure the location of the static float-plane, calculate the maximum displacement, and then apply the formulae to arrive at capacity.

The other difference is in the calculation of the displacement, where we acknowledge that a 3-inch diameter hole is permitted in the engine-well area to provide access for the control cables and fuel lines. This hole will be sealed during immersion tests, or considered acceptable if displacement is calculated by another method.

The Coast Guard has been given authority to randomly check boats for compliance with the flotation requirements. When this check is conducted, simulated outboard engine weights are used rather than an actual outboard engine. The weight used during this check is obtained from the outboard engine weight table included in Subpart H (Flotation) of the CFR (see Table 4). Due to changing technology, outboard engines heavier than those listed in Table 4 are available. This is particularly true in the case of 4 stroke engines. The reader is encouraged to refer to ABYC Standard S-30, Outboard Engines and Related Equipment Weights, for the latest outboard engine weight table.

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