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Author Topic:   Capacity of a 15'?

SuburbanBoy posted 10-02-2001 11:03 AM ET (US)
After reading the 13' vs. 15' thread, with comments about the capacity of the 15', I have a question. I seem to remember that the capacity plate on my 78/79 15' read 7 (seven!) persons. Others have claimed 5 (five) person capacity for their 15'. Our reference section states 5 persons in 1984. I believe that mine was delivered as a striper, perhaps with great capacity (fewer heavy add-ins)? Any insight into the reason for this considerable difference (other than a "senior moment" on my part)?
Thanks,
sub
reeltime2 posted 10-02-2001 11:58 AM ET (US)
On my 1984 15 S.S. the plate reads max capac. 5 persons. Ive always wondered why they rate the classic 13 at 6.
russellbailey posted 10-02-2001 12:06 PM ET (US)
Our 1980 Striper 15 reads 7 persons on the plate. It IS heavy and crowded with 7, but it works.
After heading out in Bogue and Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina with 5, I think 5 is a reasonable max for seaworthiness.
On a lake I've never had trouble with seven.
where2 posted 10-02-2001 12:24 PM ET (US)
My '85 15' Sport clearly says 5 persons, and I prefer never to carry more than 4 for safety and performance reasons. Then again, I deal with the ICW in Palm Beach, FL where everyone owns a bigger boat, and makes bigger waves. If I am heading out into the Atlantic, I only carry 3 persons, for safety and performance reasons (dive gear takes up space and adds weight).
TightPenny posted 10-02-2001 03:20 PM ET (US)
Go with the weight number, not the number of persons.
Some one has rated my Montauk for seven people. Where the heck I would put them is something I haven't figured out yet.
It says 7, but I normally fish with 2.
jameso posted 10-02-2001 03:22 PM ET (US)
OK guys do your homework,,the classic 15 is not the same hull as the striper! This is the 16/17 hull,,see reference.
Jim Armstrong
reeltime2 posted 10-02-2001 04:10 PM ET (US)
Maybe you should do your homework Jim! Most of us know the striper is avalable in 15 & 17 ft.
JBCornwell posted 10-02-2001 04:15 PM ET (US)
Au contraire, JamesO. The Striper 15 was on a 15 hull, same as the classic Standard, Sport, Super Sport and (rare) Center Console 15s. They were all rated for 5 people or 1055lb, whichever came first.
There was a Striper 17 as well, and it was rated the same as any other classic 17 hull, 7 people or 1415lb. I don't have a 1980 brochure, but I suspect that Russel has a 17 Striper and is confused about the length.
Russel, if your plate says 7 people, 1415lb, and 100HP it is a Striper 17. If it says 7 people, 1055lb and 70hp I owe you an apology.
Red sky at night. . .
JB :)
SuburbanBoy posted 10-02-2001 04:51 PM ET (US)
Thanks Russell, based on your statements, I am sure that my 15' Striper is rated for 7 people. Yes, I agree that the weight should be the final determining factor. On occasion I will carry a boat load of kids and remember checking the capacity plate to ensure USCG compliance. It is usually very hot when I load up, and the kids love the occasional water spray.
Thanks,
sub
jameso posted 10-02-2001 07:36 PM ET (US)
I have been properly flogged!
Free Willy posted 10-02-2001 10:26 PM ET (US)
According to "Chapman Piloting Seamanship and Small boat Handling", 56th ed. 1983, Chapter6 Small Boat Seamanship. You can determine the number of persons that can safely be carried by the following equation:
L x B divided by 15 = number of persons
L= overall length
B= maximum width
in feet and tenths of feet
Take the results to the nearest whole number
There is also a formula for weight carrying capacity. The formula for this takes into account a measurement at the lowest point that water can enter (De). The formula as follows:
7.5 x L x B x De = allowable weight, in pounds
The book goes on to explain the relationship.
Now I'm not a mathematician, just putting the info out there.
By the way my USCG plate for 1977 13' 4" Boston Whaler makes no mention of number of persons. Persons capacity was not required until August 1980.
IMHO, Chapman is an indespensible reference book for the boat operator.
Tsuriki BW posted 10-03-2001 01:32 AM ET (US)
My Dauntess 14 (14'5") is rated for 5 people. No thanks...It would be "crowded" with 5. I can't imagine a 15' rated for 7 no matter what the mathmatics.
Tsuriki
andygere posted 10-03-2001 02:15 AM ET (US)
I had 6 in my 13 one time, shuttling out to the beach in smooth conditions. It was crowded, but I was amazed at how much freeboard was left even with that heavy load. Interestingly, my '89 catalog lists capacity (persons, motor & gear) of a Sport 13 at 1200 lbs, and a Sport 15 at 1055 lbs. The Montuak is rated for 1415 lbs, only 215 more than the 13!
Whalerdan posted 10-03-2001 04:40 AM ET (US)
Correct me if I'm wrong here - My buddy has a 17ft Outrage and I think his plate says it is rate for only 6 people. I remember this because we couldn't believe his boat was rated for less people than my montauk. (It was a discussion we had a whole ago, but this is how I remember it.) Anyway, I'm pretty sure his boat is just as long as mine (montauk), and I know its wider. So if Freewilly's equations are true, how does he explain the difference in the outrage 17 and montauk max persons plates?
Free Willy posted 10-03-2001 06:00 AM ET (US)
Whalerdan, the equations are not mine, just info I've found. However, if the 17' Outrage has a transom notch, that would/could lower the (De) in the second formula related to weight capacity.
Just a guess.
Highwater posted 10-03-2001 08:19 AM ET (US)
For what it's worth, the factory-installed plate on my 1972 13' Sourpuss says that the 13'4" Boston Whaler is rated for "6 persons at 150 pounds per person" or "1200 pounds for persons, motor and gear." It has a transom notch (1972 was the last year).
JBCornwell posted 10-03-2001 09:26 AM ET (US)
Hey, Sub boy and Russell. I did some research and found I was wrong. Prior to 1981 the 15' hull was rated for 1070lb and 7 persons. Got it off a cap. plate from a '79 and from BW Service.
My humble apologies to you both. You don't learn a lot from people you agree with.
Red sky at night. . .
JB :)
Bigshot posted 10-03-2001 11:21 AM ET (US)
My 24 Baja is rated for 8 or 9 people. It only has seating for 5 6 if you squeeze. When I was a kid I had 11 people in my 13' and went for a good 3 mile cruise(slowly). Only took 1 wave over the bow. damn boats have a lot of foam. Put 9 people in a squall once with the plug out and sunk it(on purpose). swam away and within 5-10 minutes it was high and dry.
george nagy posted 10-03-2001 07:07 PM ET (US)
I had a 1982 15' sport and it was only rated for 5 people. All the 13' sports at the time were rated at 6 people. I always thought this was strange. Does anyone know the real answer to this baffeling question?
I am pretty sure that the capacity of each hull remained the same for each of its different model configurations i.e. for the 15' it would be 5 persons for the sport, super sport, sport cc, striper, supersport ltd., mischief, and sport gls.
I have also been looking at some of my 1987-88 brochures and have noticed some indescrepencies such as the 18' outrage is listed for a 20" transom. I have also noticed in another brochure they are showcasing someones 25' outrage (JAYBIRD) and I'm pretty sure that it has twin 25" engines so if you look at the transoms on other 25' hulls you can see that they are cut lower.
LHG you seem to posses such knowledge what do you think?
lhg posted 10-03-2001 07:43 PM ET (US)
George - both the 18 & 25 Outrages were designed for single 25" engines, and twin 20" engines. The 25 was Whaler's only offering rated for twin V-6 engines, but the hull was designed before the advent of the 25" standard off-the-shelf CR engines. So, with a notched transom you either have to secure a special order 20" CR engine, or use jack plates if twins are to be installed. I recommend the latter.
This is why the Full Transom Whaler Drive was introduced. It is designed to accomodate twin 25" V-6 CR engines, either for the 22 or 25's.
CPD also has a "30 inch transom" option, meaning the notched transom is 5" higher to accomodate a 30" single or 25" twins. Particularly on the 22 Outrage, this is an excellent improvement. Like the full transom option, this is done after the mold, but no one could tell that's how they did it.
jimh posted 10-04-2001 12:34 AM ET (US)
I just walked out in the garage and looked at the plate on my 1976 Whaler 15-Sport.
CAPACITY - 1070 lbs.
There is no rating for number of people.
Whalerdan posted 10-04-2001 01:17 AM ET (US)
This whole discussion seems to reinforce my thoughts on those ID plates, which is that they are very arbitrary and are only a starting point to go from regarding the max limit on a boat. That's why I laugh to myself when people wing-out about overpowering buy a few horsepower. You can kill yourself in a montauk with a 50hp, when your by yourself if your stupid.
lonestarpa posted 10-05-2001 05:22 PM ET (US)
You folks are overlooking the obvious... the 13 and 17 are older designs before the influx of lawsuits and things like capacities became more conservitive.
Sawgrass posted 10-06-2001 06:35 PM ET (US)
My 1980 15' Sport, like others, has a metal plate stating the capacity at 1070 pounds. Below this plate is another label that states:
15'3" BOSTON WHALER Compliance with certain states requiring capacity not to exceed 7.0 persons at 150 pounds per person or the maximum persons capacity in pounds listed on this boats capacity information plate.
The metal plate has an identification # of 1257200 and the label has the # 1257300 which I assume are Boston Whaler reference numbers.

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Author	Topic: Capacity of a 15'?
SuburbanBoy	posted 10-02-2001 11:03 AM ET (US) After reading the 13' vs. 15' thread, with comments about the capacity of the 15', I have a question. I seem to remember that the capacity plate on my 78/79 15' read 7 (seven!) persons. Others have claimed 5 (five) person capacity for their 15'. Our reference section states 5 persons in 1984. I believe that mine was delivered as a striper, perhaps with great capacity (fewer heavy add-ins)? Any insight into the reason for this considerable difference (other than a "senior moment" on my part)? Thanks, sub
reeltime2	posted 10-02-2001 11:58 AM ET (US) On my 1984 15 S.S. the plate reads max capac. 5 persons. Ive always wondered why they rate the classic 13 at 6.
russellbailey	posted 10-02-2001 12:06 PM ET (US) Our 1980 Striper 15 reads 7 persons on the plate. It IS heavy and crowded with 7, but it works. After heading out in Bogue and Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina with 5, I think 5 is a reasonable max for seaworthiness. On a lake I've never had trouble with seven.
where2	posted 10-02-2001 12:24 PM ET (US) My '85 15' Sport clearly says 5 persons, and I prefer never to carry more than 4 for safety and performance reasons. Then again, I deal with the ICW in Palm Beach, FL where everyone owns a bigger boat, and makes bigger waves. If I am heading out into the Atlantic, I only carry 3 persons, for safety and performance reasons (dive gear takes up space and adds weight).
TightPenny	posted 10-02-2001 03:20 PM ET (US) Go with the weight number, not the number of persons. Some one has rated my Montauk for seven people. Where the heck I would put them is something I haven't figured out yet. It says 7, but I normally fish with 2.
jameso	posted 10-02-2001 03:22 PM ET (US) OK guys do your homework,,the classic 15 is not the same hull as the striper! This is the 16/17 hull,,see reference. Jim Armstrong
reeltime2	posted 10-02-2001 04:10 PM ET (US) Maybe you should do your homework Jim! Most of us know the striper is avalable in 15 & 17 ft.
JBCornwell	posted 10-02-2001 04:15 PM ET (US) Au contraire, JamesO. The Striper 15 was on a 15 hull, same as the classic Standard, Sport, Super Sport and (rare) Center Console 15s. They were all rated for 5 people or 1055lb, whichever came first. There was a Striper 17 as well, and it was rated the same as any other classic 17 hull, 7 people or 1415lb. I don't have a 1980 brochure, but I suspect that Russel has a 17 Striper and is confused about the length. Russel, if your plate says 7 people, 1415lb, and 100HP it is a Striper 17. If it says 7 people, 1055lb and 70hp I owe you an apology. Red sky at night. . . JB :)
SuburbanBoy	posted 10-02-2001 04:51 PM ET (US) Thanks Russell, based on your statements, I am sure that my 15' Striper is rated for 7 people. Yes, I agree that the weight should be the final determining factor. On occasion I will carry a boat load of kids and remember checking the capacity plate to ensure USCG compliance. It is usually very hot when I load up, and the kids love the occasional water spray. Thanks, sub
jameso	posted 10-02-2001 07:36 PM ET (US) I have been properly flogged!
Free Willy	posted 10-02-2001 10:26 PM ET (US) According to "Chapman Piloting Seamanship and Small boat Handling", 56th ed. 1983, Chapter6 Small Boat Seamanship. You can determine the number of persons that can safely be carried by the following equation: L x B divided by 15 = number of persons L= overall length B= maximum width in feet and tenths of feet Take the results to the nearest whole number There is also a formula for weight carrying capacity. The formula for this takes into account a measurement at the lowest point that water can enter (De). The formula as follows: 7.5 x L x B x De = allowable weight, in pounds The book goes on to explain the relationship. Now I'm not a mathematician, just putting the info out there. By the way my USCG plate for 1977 13' 4" Boston Whaler makes no mention of number of persons. Persons capacity was not required until August 1980. IMHO, Chapman is an indespensible reference book for the boat operator.
Tsuriki BW	posted 10-03-2001 01:32 AM ET (US) My Dauntess 14 (14'5") is rated for 5 people. No thanks...It would be "crowded" with 5. I can't imagine a 15' rated for 7 no matter what the mathmatics. Tsuriki
andygere	posted 10-03-2001 02:15 AM ET (US) I had 6 in my 13 one time, shuttling out to the beach in smooth conditions. It was crowded, but I was amazed at how much freeboard was left even with that heavy load. Interestingly, my '89 catalog lists capacity (persons, motor & gear) of a Sport 13 at 1200 lbs, and a Sport 15 at 1055 lbs. The Montuak is rated for 1415 lbs, only 215 more than the 13!
Whalerdan	posted 10-03-2001 04:40 AM ET (US) Correct me if I'm wrong here - My buddy has a 17ft Outrage and I think his plate says it is rate for only 6 people. I remember this because we couldn't believe his boat was rated for less people than my montauk. (It was a discussion we had a whole ago, but this is how I remember it.) Anyway, I'm pretty sure his boat is just as long as mine (montauk), and I know its wider. So if Freewilly's equations are true, how does he explain the difference in the outrage 17 and montauk max persons plates?
Free Willy	posted 10-03-2001 06:00 AM ET (US) Whalerdan, the equations are not mine, just info I've found. However, if the 17' Outrage has a transom notch, that would/could lower the (De) in the second formula related to weight capacity. Just a guess.
Highwater	posted 10-03-2001 08:19 AM ET (US) For what it's worth, the factory-installed plate on my 1972 13' Sourpuss says that the 13'4" Boston Whaler is rated for "6 persons at 150 pounds per person" or "1200 pounds for persons, motor and gear." It has a transom notch (1972 was the last year).
JBCornwell	posted 10-03-2001 09:26 AM ET (US) Hey, Sub boy and Russell. I did some research and found I was wrong. Prior to 1981 the 15' hull was rated for 1070lb and 7 persons. Got it off a cap. plate from a '79 and from BW Service. My humble apologies to you both. You don't learn a lot from people you agree with. Red sky at night. . . JB :)
Bigshot	posted 10-03-2001 11:21 AM ET (US) My 24 Baja is rated for 8 or 9 people. It only has seating for 5 6 if you squeeze. When I was a kid I had 11 people in my 13' and went for a good 3 mile cruise(slowly). Only took 1 wave over the bow. damn boats have a lot of foam. Put 9 people in a squall once with the plug out and sunk it(on purpose). swam away and within 5-10 minutes it was high and dry.
george nagy	posted 10-03-2001 07:07 PM ET (US) I had a 1982 15' sport and it was only rated for 5 people. All the 13' sports at the time were rated at 6 people. I always thought this was strange. Does anyone know the real answer to this baffeling question? I am pretty sure that the capacity of each hull remained the same for each of its different model configurations i.e. for the 15' it would be 5 persons for the sport, super sport, sport cc, striper, supersport ltd., mischief, and sport gls. I have also been looking at some of my 1987-88 brochures and have noticed some indescrepencies such as the 18' outrage is listed for a 20" transom. I have also noticed in another brochure they are showcasing someones 25' outrage (JAYBIRD) and I'm pretty sure that it has twin 25" engines so if you look at the transoms on other 25' hulls you can see that they are cut lower. LHG you seem to posses such knowledge what do you think?
lhg	posted 10-03-2001 07:43 PM ET (US) George - both the 18 & 25 Outrages were designed for single 25" engines, and twin 20" engines. The 25 was Whaler's only offering rated for twin V-6 engines, but the hull was designed before the advent of the 25" standard off-the-shelf CR engines. So, with a notched transom you either have to secure a special order 20" CR engine, or use jack plates if twins are to be installed. I recommend the latter. This is why the Full Transom Whaler Drive was introduced. It is designed to accomodate twin 25" V-6 CR engines, either for the 22 or 25's. CPD also has a "30 inch transom" option, meaning the notched transom is 5" higher to accomodate a 30" single or 25" twins. Particularly on the 22 Outrage, this is an excellent improvement. Like the full transom option, this is done after the mold, but no one could tell that's how they did it.
jimh	posted 10-04-2001 12:34 AM ET (US) I just walked out in the garage and looked at the plate on my 1976 Whaler 15-Sport. CAPACITY - 1070 lbs. There is no rating for number of people.
Whalerdan	posted 10-04-2001 01:17 AM ET (US) This whole discussion seems to reinforce my thoughts on those ID plates, which is that they are very arbitrary and are only a starting point to go from regarding the max limit on a boat. That's why I laugh to myself when people wing-out about overpowering buy a few horsepower. You can kill yourself in a montauk with a 50hp, when your by yourself if your stupid.
lonestarpa	posted 10-05-2001 05:22 PM ET (US) You folks are overlooking the obvious... the 13 and 17 are older designs before the influx of lawsuits and things like capacities became more conservitive.
Sawgrass	posted 10-06-2001 06:35 PM ET (US) My 1980 15' Sport, like others, has a metal plate stating the capacity at 1070 pounds. Below this plate is another label that states: 15'3" BOSTON WHALER Compliance with certain states requiring capacity not to exceed 7.0 persons at 150 pounds per person or the maximum persons capacity in pounds listed on this boats capacity information plate. The metal plate has an identification # of 1257200 and the label has the # 1257300 which I assume are Boston Whaler reference numbers.