Safe Loading — Subpart C

Category Three: Boats Rated for Manual Propulsion and Boats Rated for Outboard Motors of 2 Horsepower or Less

Do not be misled into thinking that this classification covers only dinghies. There are many rowboats of up to 20 feet in length, and these can have many different configurations. Since most of these boats will fall into a “limited production” classification, it is likely that some manufacturers may have overlooked these regulations. They do apply, and the Coast Guard does test such boats.

The procedure to certify them is very similar to the procedure in the other two categories studied above. We must locate the static float-plane, and we must calculate the displacement. Since these boats do not operate at high speeds, the law allows more of their displacement to be used as maximum weight capacity. Notice that the law states that weight capacity is 3/10 of displacement, as opposed to 1/5 for outboards of over 2 horsepower.

Another point worth mentioning is that there are small “tunnel-hulled” boats sold as catamarans that will fall into this category, because their water-line or foot-print is a single line when loaded. These are most often used as dinghies or tenders. Many people do not consider them to fall under the applicability of this subpart of the law, but in reality they do.

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