How much weight can a tuna tower or flybridge safely hold? It’s an important question, and one many boaters are asking after some well-published accidents attributed to over-capacity on upper decks.
To help boat operators make good decisions regarding the appropriate load for upper decks, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently updated its standards, which now address maximum upper deck capacity for persons and gear.
The expanded standards require a label stating maximum weight capacity in terms of pounds to be placed near the steps to the upper deck of any boat, regardless of length. Labels will not state the number of persons allowed on the upper deck, because that will vary based on the weight of any gear stowed up there.
The ABYC standards, which are published to guide those who design, construct, and maintain vessels, are updated annually. While they are voluntary, about 85 percent of the market follows the guidelines, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The expanded standards for boat load capacity are found in section H-5, and they have a July 31, 2017 compliance date. Consumers should see the labels on almost all boats built for the 2017-18 model year. Some manufacturers are already complying voluntarily.
Members of ABYC can access the standards using the online standards library. Members may also take part in an on-demand webinar outlining the 2016-17 changes.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 10:03
How much weight can a tuna tower or flybridge safely hold? It’s an important question, and one many boaters are asking after some well-published accidents attributed to over-capacity on upper decks.
To help boat operators make good decisions regarding the appropriate load for upper decks, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently updated its standards, which now address maximum upper deck capacity for persons and gear.
The expanded standards require a label stating maximum weight capacity in terms of pounds to be placed near the steps to the upper deck of any boat, regardless of length. Labels will not state the number of persons allowed on the upper deck, because that will vary based on the weight of any gear stowed up there.
The ABYC standards, which are published to guide those who design, construct, and maintain vessels, are updated annually. While they are voluntary, about 85 percent of the market follows the guidelines, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The expanded standards for boat load capacity are found in section H-5, and they have a July 31, 2017 compliance date. Consumers should see the labels on almost all boats built for the 2017-18 model year. Some manufacturers are already complying voluntarily.
Members of ABYC can access the standards using the online standards library. Members may also take part in an on-demand webinar outlining the 2016-17 changes.