Davis Law Group, P.S.

Enjoy the Water Safely on your Small Boat

Small boat operators need to engage in water-related activities in order to be aware of their boat’s limitations.

Statistically, more than 80 percent of all boating fatalities occur in boats less than 26 feet in length, often the result of capsizing or falls overboard. In many cases, a contributing factor is one or a combination of the Coast Guard’s Big 4, which include excessive speed, reckless operation, operator inattention/inexperience, and boating under the influence (BUI).

But other factors point to hazards particular to smaller craft. In small, open-constructed boats, the wave-size-to-boat ratio is much less than on a larger boat, and a small boat will fill with water more quickly, making it easier to sink. Even large waves or gusts of wind can affect your trip.

It is important to keep in mind your boat’s maximum load capacity. On most boats up to 20 feet long, you can find information of this kind on the capacity plate, permanently affixed to the hull by the manufacturer. It should report the maximum horsepower rating and maximum load weight at which the boat can safely operate. If a capacity plate isn’t present, one easy formula for calculating the maximum load for a mono-hull boat is to multiply the boat’s length times its width and divide by 15. Did you know that?

For example, a 6 ft. wide, 18-foot boat can carry up to 7 people safely.

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends completing a pre-departure checklist prior to launch to make certain your boat is in good working order and has all the necessary safety equipment on board. Click here to see the checklist and print out your own list.

Also another basic check, look at the weather report and waterway conditions.