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Practical Seamanship / Boat Systems

Weight and load distribution

Technical visualWeight and load distribution
Weight and load distributionA boat profile showing heavy movable loads kept low, balanced fore and aft, and secured. Capacity plate and manufacturer limits remain controlling.1HEAVY LOADlow, secured and appropriately distributed
Weight and load distributionA boat profile showing heavy movable loads kept low, balanced fore and aft, and secured. Capacity plate and manufacturer limits remain controlling.1CHECK CAPACITY2KEEP HEAVY LOAD LOW3BALANCE FORE + AFT4SECURE LOAD
Do not exceed rated capacity; a numeric maximum does not suit every sea condition.

Follow:

capacity plate where applicable

manufacturer limits

passenger limits

weight limits

operating manual guidance

General principles:

distribute weight fore and aft appropriately

avoid excessive list

keep heavy equipment low where practicable

secure movable loads

account for fuel, water, gear and passengers

do not exceed rated capacity

A capacity plate is not a promise that every loading arrangement below its numeric maximum is suitable for every sea condition.

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