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National
United States Regulations
33 CFR PART 183—BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT




Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 183—BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT



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Authority: 46 U.S.C. 4302; Pub. L 103–206, 107 Stat. 2439; 49 CFR 1.46.

Source: CGD 72–61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General
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§ 183.1 Purpose and applicability.
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This part prescribes standards and regulations for boats and associated equipment to which 46 U.S.C. Chapter 43 applies and to which certification requirements in Part 181 of this subchapter apply.

[CGD 85–098, 52 FR 19728, May 27, 1987]

§ 183.3 Definitions.
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Beam means the transverse distance between the outer sides of the boat excluding handles, and other similar fittings, attachments, and extensions.

Boat means any vessel—

(1) Manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use;

(2) Leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; or

(3) Operated as an uninspected passenger vessel subject to the requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter C.

Full transom means a transom with a maximum width which exceeds one-half the maximum beam of the boat.

Length means the straight line horizontal measurement of the overall length from the foremost part of the boat to the aftermost part of the boat, measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer, and measured parallel to the centerline. Bow sprits, bumpkins, rudders, outboard motor brackets, handles, and other similar fittings, attachments, and extensions are not included in the measurement.

Monohull boat means a boat on which the line of intersection of the water surface and the boat at any operating draft forms a single closed curve. For example, a catamaran, trimaran, or a pontoon boat is not a monohull boat.

Motorwell means any arrangement of bulkheads or structures that prevents water from entering the passenger carrying area of the boat through any cutout area in the transom for mounting an outboard motor.

Motorwell height means the vertical distance from the lowest point of water ingress along the top of the motorwell to a line representing a longitudinal extension of the centerline of the boat's bottom surface, excluding keels. This distance is measured as a projection on the centerline plane of the boat. See Figure 183.3.

Permanent appurtenances means equipment that is mounted or fastened, so that it is not removable without the use of tools. Seats, inboard engines, windshields, helm stations, or hardtops are permanent appurtenances. Outboard motors, controls, batteries, and portable fuel tanks are not permanent appurtenances.

Remote steering means any mechanical assist device which is rigidly attached to the boat and used in steering the vessel, including but not limited to mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical control systems.

Sailboat means a boat designed or intended to use sails as the primary means of propulsion.

Sheer means the topmost line in a boat's side. The sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane of the boat at the forward end and intersects the transom (stern) at the aft end. For the purposes of this definition, the topmost line in a boat's side is the line defined by a series of points of contact with the boat structure, by straight lines at 45 degree angles to the horizontal and contained in a vertical plane normal to the outside edge of the boat as seen from above and which are brought into contact with the outside of the horizontal boat. A boat is horizontal when it is transversely level and when the lowest points at 40 percent and 75 percent of the boat's length behind the most forward point of the boat are level.

Transom means the surface at the stern of a boat projecting or facing aft. The upper boundary of the transom is the line defined by a series of points of contact, with the boat structure, by straight lines at 45 degree angles to the horizontal and contained in a vertical longitudinal plane and which are brought into contact with the stern of the horizontal boat. A boat is horizontal when it is transversely level and when the lowest points at 40 percent and 75 percent of the boat's length behind the most forward point of the boat are level.

Transom height means the vertical distance from the lowest point of water ingress along the top of the transom to a line representing a longitudinal extension of the centerline of the boat's bottom surface, excluding keels. This distance is measured as a projection on the centerline plane of the boat. See Figure 183.3.

Vessel includes every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.

Figure 183.3—Transom and Motorwell Height

View or download PDF


[CGD 73–250, 40 FR 43856, Sept. 23, 1975, as amended by CGD 75–176, 42 FR 2681, Jan. 13, 1977; CGD 85–002, 51 FR 37574, Oct. 23, 1986; CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33669, June 28, 1996; 61 FR 36629, July 12, 1996; USCG–1999–5040, 67 FR 34760, May 15, 2002]

§ 183.5 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). To enforce any edition other than the one listed in paragraph (b) of this section, notice of change must be published in the Federal Register and the material made available to the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Division, Washington, DC 20593–0001, and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. All approved material is available from the sources listed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this part, and the sections affected are:





Air Movement and
Control
Association, 30
W. University
Drive, Arlington
Heights, IL
60004:
AMCA 210-74: § 183.610
Laboratory
Methods of
Testing Fans
for
Ratings_1974.
American Boat and
Yacht Council,
Inc., 3069
Solomons Island
Road, Edgewater,
Maryland 21037-
1416:
ABYC A-16 § 183.810
Electric
Navigation
Lights-1997.
American Society
for Testing and
Materials, 100
Barr Harbor
Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959:
ASTM D 471- §§ 183.114; 183.516;
96, Standard 183.607; 183.620
Test Method
for Rubber
Property_Eff
ect of
Liquids.
ASTM D 1621- § 183.516
94, Standard
Test Method
for
Compressive
Properties
of Rigid
Cellular
Plastics.
ASTM D 1622- § 183.516
93, Standard
Test Method
for Apparent
Density of
Rigid
Cellular
Plastics.
ASTM D 2842- § 183.114
97, Standard
Test Method
for Water
Absorption
of Rigid
Cellular
Plastics.
Institute of
Electrical and
Electronics,
Engineers, Inc.,
445 Hoes Lane,
Piscataway, NJ
08854:
IEEE 45 IEEE § 183.435
Recommended
Practice for
Electrical
Installation
s on
Shipboard_19
83. Cable
Construction.
National Fire
Protection
Association, 1
Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA
02269:
NFPA No. 70 § 183.435
National
Electrical
Code_1987.
Articles 310
& 400.
Naval
Publications
Forms Center,
Customer
Service_Code
1052, 5801 Tabor
Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA
19120:
MILSPEC-P- § 183.516
21929B
Plastic
Material,
Cellular
Polyurethane
, Foam-In-
Place,
Rigid_1970.
Society of
Automotive
Engineers, Inc.,
400 Commonwealth
Drive,
Warrendale, PA
15096:
SAE J378 § 183.430
Marine
Engine
Wiring_1984.
SAE J557 High § 183.440
Tension
Ignition
Cable_1968.
SAE J1127 § 183.430
Battery
Cable_1980.
SAE J1128 Low § 183.430
Tension
Primary
Cable_1975.
SAE § 183.540
J1527DEC85
Marine Fuel
Hoses_1985.
Underwriters
Laboratories,
Inc. (UL), 12
Laboratory
Drive, Research
Triangle Park,
NC 27709-3995:
UL 1114 § 183.540
Marine (USCG
Type A)
Flexible
Fuel Line
Hose_1987.
UL 1128 § 183.610
Marine
Blowers_1977.
UL 1426 § 183.435
Cables for
Boats_1987.



[CGD 87–009, 53 FR 36971, Sept. 23, 1988, as amended by CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33670, June 28, 1996; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67176, Dec. 1, 1999; USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40059, June 29, 2000; USCG–1999–6580, 66 FR 55091, Nov. 1, 2001; 69 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; USCG–2004–18057, 69 FR 34926, June 23, 2004]

Subpart B—Display of Capacity Information
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§ 183.21 Applicability.
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This subpart applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats.

§ 183.23 Capacity marking required.
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Each boat must be marked in the manner prescribed in §§183.25 and 183.27 with the maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons and in pounds, the maximum weight capacity in pounds, determined under §§183.33 through 183.43, and the maximum horsepower capacity determined under §183.53 or the statement “This Boat Not Rated for Propulsion by a Motor”.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2029, Jan. 10, 1980, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.25 Display of markings.
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(a) Each marking required by §183.23 must be permanently displayed in a legible manner where it is clearly visible to the operator when getting the boat underway.

(b) The information required by §183.23 must be displayed in the following manner:

(1) For outboard boats:


U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities

XX Persons or XXX Pounds

XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear

XXX Horsepower, motor

or

U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities

XX Persons or XXX Pounds

XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear

XXX Horsepower, motor with remote steering

XXX Horsepower, motor without remote steering


(2) For inboard boats and inboard-outboard boats:


U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities

XX Persons or XXX Pounds

XXX Pounds, persons, gear


(3) For boats rated for motors of 2 horsepower or less:


U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities

XX Persons or XXX Pounds

XXX Pounds, persons, motor, gear

XXX Horsepower, motor


(4) For boats rated for manual propulsion:


U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities

XX Persons or XXX Pounds

XXX Pounds, persons, gear

This Boat Not Rated for Propulsion by Motor


(c) The capacity information displays required in paragraph (b) must meet the following as illustrated in Figure 183.25:



View or download PDF


(1) The capacity information required in §183.23 must be displayed within a yellow area that—

(i) Is at least 4 inches wide; and

(ii) Is high enough that each line of print is separated by at least 1/8 inch from each other and from the borders of the yellow area;

(2) The persons capacity in whole numbers must be black print with the following dimensions:

(i) The height must not be smaller than one-half inch;

(ii) The width of the numbers must be three-fifths of the height except for the number “4”, which shall be one stroke width wider, and the number “1”, which shall be one stroke in width;

(iii) The stroke width shall be one-sixth of the height; and

(iv) The minimum space between the numbers shall be one stroke width.

(3) The words in the line “XX Persons or XXX Pounds” must be at least one-quarter inch in height but not larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number and of a color contrasting with yellow. The number of pounds in this line must be at least one-eighth inch in height but no larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number and of a color contrasting with yellow.

(4) All remaining words and numbers required to be within the yellow area required in paragraph (c)(1) must be at least one-eighth inch in height, but no larger than one-half the height of the persons capacity number.

(5) All other words and numbers on the displays must be located outside the yellow area on a background color which contrasts with yellow.

(6) The words “Maximum Capacities” must be at least one-quarter inch in height and of color contrasting with its background.

(7) The words “U.S. Coast Guard” must be at least one-eighth inch in height and of color contrasting with its background.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2029, Jan. 10, 1980]

§ 183.27 Construction of markings.
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Each marking required by §183.23 must be—

(a) Capable of withstanding the combined effects of exposure to water, oil, salt spray, direct sunlight, heat, cold, and wear expected in normal operation of the boat, without loss of legibility; and

(b) Resistant to efforts to remove or alter the information without leaving some obvious sign of such efforts.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2030, Jan. 10, 1980]

Subpart C—Safe Loading
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§ 183.31 Applicability.
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This subpart applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in length except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats.

§ 183.33 Maximum weight capacity: Inboard and inboard-outdrive boats.
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(a) The maximum weight capacity (W) marked on a boat that has one or more inboard or inboard-outdrive units for propulsion must not exceed the greater value of W obtained from either of the following formulas:


(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) “Maximum displacement” is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the boat at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard. For the purpose of this paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of the two following conditions are met:

(i) The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane and the aft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern) are equidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water surface.

(ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point of water ingress.

(2) “Boat weight” is the combination of:

(i) Hull weight;

(ii) Deck and superstructure weight;

(iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances; and

(iv) Weight of full permanent fuel tanks.

(3) “Machinery weight” is the combined weight of installed engines or motors, control equipment, drive units, and batteries.

[CGD 72–61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972]

Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting §183.33, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

§ 183.35 Maximum weight capacity: Outboard boats.
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(a) The maximum weight capacity marked on a boat that is designed or intended to use one or more outboard motors for propulsion must be a number that does not exceed one-fifth of the difference between its maximum displacement and boat weight.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) “Maximum displacement” is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the boat at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard except for water coming through one opening in the motor well with its greatest dimension not over 3 inches for outboard motor controls or fuel lines. For the purpose of this paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of the two following conditions are met:

(i) The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane and the aft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern) are equidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water surface.

(ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point of water ingress.

(2) “Boat weight” is the combination of:

(i) Hull weight;

(ii) Deck and superstructure weight;

(iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances; and

(iv) Weight of full permanent fuel tanks.

[CGD 72–61, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, as amended by CGD 73–250, 40 FR 43857, Sept. 23, 1975; CGD 75–176, 42 FR 2681, Jan. 13, 1977; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.37 Maximum weight capacity: Boats rated for manual propulsion and boats rated for outboard motors of 2 horsepower or less.
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(a) The maximum weight capacity marked on a boat that is rated for manual propulsion or for motors of 2 horsepower or less must not exceed 3/10 of the difference between the boat's maximum displacement and the boat's weight in pounds.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) “Maximum displacement” is the weight of the volume of water displaced by the boat at its maximum level immersion in calm water without water coming aboard. For the purpose of this paragraph, a boat is level when it is transversely level and when either of the two following conditions are met:

(i) The forward point where the sheer intersects the vertical centerline plane and the aft point where the sheer intersects the upper boundary of the transom (stern) are equidistant above the water surface or are equidistant below the water surface.

(ii) The most forward point of the boat is level with or above the lowest point of water ingress.

(2) “Boat weight” is the combination of:

(i) Hull weight;

(ii) Deck and superstructure weight; and

(iii) Weight of permanent appurtenances.

[CGD 72–61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972]

Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting §183.37, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

§ 183.39 Persons capacity: Inboard and inboard-outdrive boats.
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(a) The persons capacity in pounds marked on a boat that is designed to use one or more inboard engines or inboard-outdrive units for propulsion must not exceed the lesser of:

(1) The maximum weight capacity determined under §183.33 for the boat; or

(2) For boats with a maximum persons capacity less than 550 pounds, the maximum persons capacity determined in the following manner:

(i) Float the boat in calm water with all its permanent appurtenances, including installed engines, full fuel system and tanks, control equipment, drive units and batteries.

(ii) Gradually add weights along one outboard extremity of each passenger carrying area, at the height of the seat nearest the center of that area, but no higher than the height of the gunwale and distributed equally forward and aft of that center in a plane parallel to the floorboards, until the boat assumes the maximum list or trim or both, without water coming aboard.

(iii) Compute the persons capacity in pounds in the following formula: Persons capacity=A/0.6 where A is the total of the weights added in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

(b) The maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat that is designed or intended to use one or more inboard engines or inboard-outboard units must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the value determined in paragraph (a)(2)(iii), dividing the sum by 141 and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next whole integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2030, Jan. 10, 1980, as amended by CGD 83–012, 49 FR 39328, Oct. 5, 1984; 50 FR 18636, May 2, 1985]

§ 183.41 Persons capacity: Outboard boats.
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(a) The persons capacity in pounds marked on a boat that is designed to use one or more outboard motors for propulsion must not exceed the lesser of:

(1) The maximum weight capacity determined under §183.35 for the boat minus the motor and control weight, battery weight (dry), and full portable fuel tank weight from Table 4 of Subpart H of this part; or

(2) For boats with a maximum persons capacity less than 550 pounds, the maximum persons capacity determined in the following manner:

(i) Float the boat with all its permanent appurtenances.

(ii) Add, in normal operating positions, the dry motor and control weight, battery weight, and full portable fuel tank weight, if any, shown in Table 4 of Subpart H of this part for the maximum horsepower capacity marked on the boat. Permanently installed fuel tanks shall be full of fuel.

(iii) Gradually add weights along one outboard extremity of each passenger carrying area, at the height of the seat nearest the center of that area, but no higher than the height of the gunwale, and distributed equally forward and aft of that center in a plane parallel to the floorboards until the boat assumes the maximum list or trim, or both without water coming aboard.

(iv) Compute the persons capacity in pounds using the following formula: Persons capacity=A/0.6 where A is the total of the weights added in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.

(b) The maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat designed or intended to use one or more outboard motors for propulsion must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the lesser of the values determined in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2)(iv), dividing the sum by 141, and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next lower whole integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2030, Jan. 10, 1980, as amended by CGD 83–012, 49 FR 39328, Oct. 5, 1984; 50 FR 18636, May 2, 1985]

§ 183.43 Persons capacity: Boats rated for manual propulsion and boats rated for outboard motors of 2 horsepower or less.
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(a) The persons capacity in pounds marked on a boat that is rated for manual propulsion or for motors of 2 horsepower or less must not exceed:

(1) For boats rated for manual propulsion, 90 percent of the maximum weight capacity in pounds; and

(2) For boats rated for motors of 2 horsepower or less, 90 percent of the maximum weight capacity in pounds, less 25 pounds.

(b) The maximum persons capacity, in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat that is rated for manual propulsion must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the value determined in paragraph (a)(1), dividing the sum by 141, and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next lower integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

(c) The maximum persons capacity in whole numbers of persons marked on a boat rated for motors of 2 horsepower or less must not exceed the value obtained by adding 32 pounds to the value determined in paragraph (a)(2), dividing the sum by 141, and rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. If the fraction is less than one-half, round down to the next lower whole integer and if the fraction is equal to or greater than one-half, round up to the next higher whole integer.

[CGD 78–034, 45 FR 2031, Jan. 10, 1980]

Subpart D—Safe Powering
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§ 183.51 Applicability.
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This subpart applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats, that are designed or intended to use one or more outboard motors for propulsion.

§ 183.53 Horsepower capacity.
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The maximum horsepower capacity marked on a boat must not exceed the horsepower capacity determined by the computation method discussed in paragraph (a) of this section, or for certain qualifying boats, the performance test method discussed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(a) The maximum horsepower capacity must be computed as follows:

(1) Compute a factor by multiplying the boat length in feet by the maximum transom width in feet excluding handles and other similar fittings, attachments, and extensions. If the boat does not have a full transom, the transom width is the broadest beam in the aftermost quarter length of the boat.

(2) Locate horsepower capacity corresponding to the factor in Table 183.53.

(3) For a boat with a factor over 52.5, if the horsepower capacity calculated in Table 183.53 is not an exact multiple of 5, it may be raised to the next exact multiple of 5.

(4) For flat bottom hard chine boats with a factor of 52 or less, the horsepower capacity must be reduced by one horsepower capacity increment in Table 183.53.


Table 183.53_Outboard Boat Horsepower Capacity
[Compute: Factor=Boat LengthxTransom Width]



If factor (nearest integer) is...................... 0-35 36-39 40-42 43-45 46-52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horsepower Capacity is.............................. 3 5 7.5 10 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Note: For flat bottom hard chine boats, with factor of 52 or less, reduce one capacity limit (e.g. 5 to 3)]





----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No remote steering, or less than 20[sec] transom
Remote steering and at height
If factor is over 52.5 and the boat least 20[sec] transom -------------------------------------------------
has height For flat bottom hard
chine boats For other boats
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horsepower capacity is (raise to (2xFactor) -90......... (0.5xFactor)-15........ (0.8xFactor)-25
nearest multiple of 5).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(b) For boats qualifying under this paragraph, the performance test method described in this paragraph may be used to determine the horsepower capacity.

(1) Qualifying criteria. (i) Thirteen feet or less in length;

(ii) Remote wheel steering;

(iii) Transom height

(A) Minimum 19 inch transom height; or,

(B) For boats with at least a 19 inch motorwell height, a minimum 15 inch transom height;

(iv) Maximum persons capacity not over two persons;

(2) Boat preparation. (i) The boat must be rigged with equipment recommended or provided by the boat and motor manufacturer and tested with the highest horsepower production powerplant for which the boat is to be rated, not to exceed 40 horsepower.

(ii) Standard equipment must be installed in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

(iii) The lowest ratio (quickest) steering system offered on the boat model being tested must be installed.

(iv) The outboard motor must be fitted with the manufacturer's recommended propeller providing maximum speed.

(v) Standard permanently installed fuel tanks must be no more than one-half full. Boats without permanent tanks must be tested with one full portable tank.

(vi) Portable tanks must be in their designated location or placed as far aft as possible.

(vii) The outboard motor must be placed in the lowest vertical position on the transom or, if mounting instructions are provided with the boat, at the height recommended.

(viii) Boat bottom, motor and propeller must be in new or almost new condition.

Note: The use of the following special equipment should be considered because of the potential for exceeding the capabilities of the boat while performing the test:

Racing Type Personal Flotation Device

Helmet.

(3) Test conditions. Testing must be conducted on smooth, calm water with the wind speed below 10 knots. The test must be conducted with no load other than a driver who must weigh no more than 200 pounds. The motor trim angle must be adjusted to provide maximum full throttle speed short of excessive porpoising or propeller ventilation or “cavitation”, so that there is no loss of directional control.

(4) Quick turn test procedure. Set throttle at a low maneuvering speed and steer the boat straight ahead. Turn the steering wheel 180° in the direction of least resistance in 1/2 second or less and hold it at that position without changing the throttle or trim settings during or after the wheel change. The boat completes the maneuver successfully if it is capable of completing a 90° turn without the driver losing control of the boat or reducing the throttle setting. Gradually increase the boat's turn entry speed incrementally until the boat does not complete the Quick Turn Test successfully or successfully completes it at maximum throttle.

Note: It is recognized that operator skill and familiarity with a particular boat and motor combination will affect the test results. It is permissible to make a number of practice runs through the quick turn test at any throttle setting.

(5) Test course method. Set throttle for 30 miles per hour boat speed and run the test course set up in accordance with Figure 183.53, passing outside the designated avoidance marker for 35 to 37.5 miles per hour without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course, increase the throttle setting to 35 to 37.5 miles per hour boat speed and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, increase the throttle setting to 37.5 to 42.5 miles per hour boat speed and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, increase the throttle setting to 42.5 miles per hour or more and run the course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for that speed without contacting any of the course markers. If the boat successfully completes this run of the test course and the motor was not at full throttle, continue to increase the throttle setting and run the test course passing outside the designated avoidance marker for 42.5 miles per hour or more until the boat fails to complete the test successfully or the boat completes the test course maneuvers successfully at full throttle. The boat successfully completes the test course if the driver is able to maneuver it between the designated avoidance markers without striking the markers and without losing control of the boat or reducing the throttle setting. There must be no change in position of any equipment on board and there must be no change of position of personnel in order to influence the test results. There must be no instability evidenced by oscillating motion in the roll or yaw axes exhibited while negotiating the course.

Note: It is recognized that operator skill and familiarity with a particular boat and motor combination will affect the test results. It is therefore considered permissible to make a number of practice runs through the test course at any throttle setting.

(6) Maximum horsepower capacity. (i) For boats capable of less than 35 miles per hour, the maximum horsepower capacity must be the maximum horsepower with which the boat was able to successfully complete the Quick Turn Test Procedure in §183.53(b)(4) at full throttle or the maximum horsepower determined under the calculations in §183.53(a) of this section.

(ii) For boats capable of 35 miles per hour or more, the maximum horsepower capacity must be the maximum horsepower with which the boat was able to successfully complete both the Quick Turn Test Procedure in §183.53(b)(4) and the Test Course Method in §183.53(b)(5) at full throttle or the calculations in §183.53(a) of this section.

(iii) The maximum horsepower capacity determined in accordance with §183.53(b) must not exceed 40 horsepower.

Figure 183.53—Boat Horsepower Capacity Test Course—35 MPH or More

View or download PDF


[CGD 85–002, 51 FR 37574, Oct. 23, 1986]

Subpart E [Reserved]
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Subpart F—Flotation Requirements for Inboard Boats, Inboard/Outdrive Boats, and Airboats
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Source: CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

§ 183.101 Applicability.
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This subpart applies to monohull inboard boats, inboard/outdrive boats, and airboats less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, submersibles, surface effect vessels, amphibious vessels, and raceboats.

[CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.105 Quantity of flotation required.
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(a) Each boat must have enough flotation to keep any portion of the boat above the surface of the water when the boat has been submerged in calm, fresh water for at least 18 hours and loaded with:

(1) A weight that, when submerged, equals two-fifteenths of the persons capacity marked on the boat;

(2) A weight that, when submerged, equals 25 percent of the dead weight; and

(3) A weight in pounds that, when submerged, equals 62.4 times the volume in cubic feet of the two largest air chambers, if air chambers are used for flotation.

(b) For the purpose of this section, “dead weight” means the maximum weight capacity marked on the boat minus the persons capacity marked on the boat.

§ 183.110 Definitions.
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For the purpose of this subpart:

Bilge means the area in the boat, below a height of 4 inches measured from the lowest point in the boat where liquid can collect when the boat is in its static floating position, except engine rooms.

Connected means allowing a flow of water in excess of one-quarter ounce per hour from the engine room bilge into any other compartment with a 12 inch head of water on the engine room side of the bulkhead.

Engine room bilge means the area in the engine room or a connected compartment below a height of 12 inches measured from the lowest point where liquid can collect in these compartments when the boat is in its static floating position.

Engine room means the compartment where a permanently installed gasoline or diesel engine is installed, including connected compartments.

Open to atmosphere means a compartment that has at least 15 square inches of open area directly exposed to the atmosphere for each cubic foot of net compartment volume.

Sealed compartment means an enclosure that can resist an exterior water level of 12 inches without seepage of more than one-quarter fluid ounce per hour.

[CGD 77–145, 43 FR 56858, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by CGD 82–010, 48 FR 8273, Feb. 28, 1983; CGD 85–098, 52 FR 19728, May 27, 1987; CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33670, June 28, 1996; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67176, Dec. 1, 1999]

§ 183.112 Flotation material and air chambers.
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(a) Flotation materials must meet the requirements in §183.114 as listed in Table 183.114 when used in the: (1) Engine room bilge, (2) engine room, or (3) bilge, unless located in a sealed compartment.

(b) Air chambers used to meet the flotation requirements of this subpart must not be integral with the hull.

[CGD 77–145, 43 FR 56859, Dec. 4, 1978; 44 FR 47934, Aug. 16, 1979]

§ 183.114 Test of flotation materials.
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(a) Vapor test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed in a fully saturated gasoline vapor atmosphere for 30 days at a minimum temperature of 38 °C.

(b) 24-hour gasoline test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 24 hours at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in reference fuel B, of ASTM D 471 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5).

(c) 30-day gasoline test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 30 days at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in reference fuel B, of ASTM D 471 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5).

(d) 24-hour oil test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 24 hours at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in reference oil No. 2, of ASTM D 471 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5).

(e) 30-day oil test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 30 days at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in reference oil No. 2, of ASTM D 471 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5).

(f) 24-hour bilge cleaner test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 24 hours at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in a 5-percent solution of trisodium phosphate in water.

(g) 30-day bilge cleaner test. The flotation material must not reduce in buoyant force more than 5 percent after being immersed for 30 days at 23 plus or minus 2 °C in a 5-percent solution of trisodium phosphate in water.

(h) The buoyant force reduction in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section is measured in accordance with ASTM D 2842 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5).


Table 183.114_Flotation Performance Tests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area 183.110
-------------------------------
(c) Engine
Test 183.114 (b) room
Engine unless (d)
room open to Bilge
bilge atmosphere
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Vapor test.......................... ........ X ........
(b) 24 hour gasoline test............... ........ .......... X
(c) 30 day gasoline test................ X .......... ........
(d) 24 hour oil test.................... ........ .......... X
(e) 30 day oil test..................... X .......... ........
(f) 24 hour bilge cleaner test.......... ........ .......... X
(g) 30 day bilge cleaner test........... X .......... ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[CGD 77–145, 43 FR 56859, Dec. 4, 1978; 44 FR 47934, Aug. 16, 1979, as amended by USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40059, June 29, 2000]

Subpart G—Flotation Requirements for Outboard Boats Rated for Engines of More Than 2 Horsepower
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Source: CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

General
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§ 183.201 Applicability.
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(a) This subpart applies to monohull outboard boats that are:

(1) Less than 20 feet in length; and

(2) Rated for outboard engines of more than 2 horsepower.

(b) This subpart does not apply to sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, submersibles, surface effect vessels, amphibious vessels, and raceboats.

[CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.202 Flotation and certification requirements.
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Each boat to which this subpart applies must be manufactured, constructed, or assembled to pass the stability and flotation tests prescribed in §§183.225(a), 183.230(a), and 183.235(a).

§ 183.205 Passenger carrying area.
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(a) For the purpose of this section a boat is level when it is supported on its keel at the two points shown in Figure 2.

(b) As used in this subpart, the term “passenger carrying area” means each area in a boat in which persons can sit in a normal sitting position or stand while the boat is in operation. Passenger carrying areas are illustrated in Figures 3 through 8.

(c) The length of the passenger carrying area is the distance along the centerline of the boat between two vertical lines, one at the forward end and one at the aft end of the passenger carrying area when the boat is level as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. For boats with a curved stem inside the passenger carrying area, the forward vertical line is where a line 45 degrees to the horizontal when the boat is level is tangent to the curve of the stem, as illustrated in Figure 5. For boats with cabins, the forward vertical line is where there is a minimum distance of two feet between the inside top of the cabin and the water line formed when the boat is swamped and loaded with weights under §183.220 as illustrated in Figure 6.

(d) The breadth of each passenger carrying area is the distance between two vertical lines at the mid-length, excluding consoles, of the passenger carrying area when the boat is level as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. For boats with round chines inside the passenger carrying area, the vertical line is where a transverse line 45 degrees to the horizontal is tangent to the arc of the chine, as illustrated in Figure 8.

[CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.210 Reference areas.
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(a) The forward reference area of a boat is the forward most 2 feet of the top surface of the hull or deck, as illustrated in Figure 9.

(b) The aft reference area of a boat is the aft most two feet of the top surface of the hull or deck, as illustrated in Figure 9.

§ 183.215 Reference depth.
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Reference depth is the minimum distance between the uppermost surface of the submerged reference area of a boat and the surface of the water measured at the centerline of the boat, as illustrated in Figure 10. If there is no deck surface at the centerline of the boat from which a measurement can be made, the reference depth is the average of two depth measurements made on opposite sides of, and at an equal distance from, the centerline of the boat.

§ 183.220 Preconditioning for tests.
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A boat must meet the following conditions for at least 18 hours before the tests required by §§183.225, 183,230, and 183.235:

(a) Manufacturer supplied permanent appurtenances such as windshields and convertible tops must be installed on the boat.

(b) The boat must be loaded with a quantity of weight that, when submerged, is equal to the sum of the following:

(1) The sum of 50 percent of the first 550 pounds of the persons capacity marked on the boat and 12 1/2 percent of the remainder of the persons capacity.

(2) Twenty-five percent of the result of the following calculation, but not less than zero: The maximum weight capacity marked on the boat; less the weight shown in Column 6 of Table 4 for maximum horsepower marked on the boat; less the persons capacity marked on the boat.

(c) The weights required by paragraph (b) of this section must be placed in the boat so that the center of gravity of each amount of weight required by paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section is within the shaded area illustrated in Figure 11. The location and dimensions of the shaded area are as follows:

(1) The shaded area is centered at the mid-length of the passenger carrying area and at the mid-breadth of the boat;

(2) The length of the shaded area, measured along the centerline of the boat, is equal to 40 percent of the length of the passenger carrying area of the boat; and

(3) The breadth of the shaded area, measured at the midlength of the passenger carrying area, is equal to 40 percent of the breadth of the passenger carrying area of the boat.

(d) Weight must be placed in the normal operating position of the motor and controls and the battery in lieu of this equipment. The required quantity of weight used for this purpose depends upon the maximum rated horsepower of the boat being tested and is specified in Columns 2 and 4 of Table 4 for the swamped weight of the motor and controls and for the submerged weight or the battery, respectively.

(e) Permanent fuel tanks must be filled with fuel and each external opening into the fuel tank must be sealed.

(f) The boat must be keel down in the water.

(g) The boat must be swamped, allowing water to flow between the inside and outside of the boat, either over the sides, through a hull opening, or both. Entrapped air in the flooded portion of the boat must be eliminated.

(h) Water must flood the two largest air chambers and all air chambers integral with the hull.

[CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.222 Flotation material and air chambers.
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(a) Flotation materials must meet the requirements in §183.114 as listed in Table 183.114 when used in the bilge, unless located in a sealed compartment.

(b) Air chambers used to meet the flotation requirements of this subpart must not be integral with the hull.

[CGD 77–145, 43 FR 56859, Dec. 4, 1978; 44 FR 47934, Aug. 16, 1979]

Tests
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§ 183.225 Flotation test for persons capacity.
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Flotation standard. When the conditions prescribed in §183.220 are met, the boat must float in fresh, calm water as follows:

(a) The angle of heel does not exceed 10 degrees from the horizontal.

(b) Any point on either the forward or aft reference area is above the surface of the water.

(c) The reference depth at the reference area that is opposite the reference area that is above the surface of the water is 6 inches or less.

§ 183.230 Stability test.
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(a) Flotation standard. When the conditions prescribed in §183.220 (a), (d) through (h) and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section are met, the boat must float in fresh, calm water as follows:

(1) The angle of heel does not exceed 30 degrees from the horizontal.

(2) Any point on either the forward or aft reference area is above the surface of the water.

(3) The reference depth at the reference area that is opposite the reference area that is above the surface of the water is 12 inches or less.

(b) Quantity of weight used. Load the boat with a quantity of weight that, when submerged, is equal to the sum of the following:

(1) One-half of the quantity of weight required by §183.220(b)(1).

(2) The quantity of weight required by §183.220(b)(2).

(c) Placement of quantity of weight: starboard side. Place the weight required by paragraph (b) of this section in the boat so that:

(1) The quantity of weight required by §183.220(b)(2) is positioned in accordance with §183.220(c); and

(2) One-half the quantity of weight required by §183.220(b)(1) is uniformly distributed over a distance along the outboard perimeter of the starboard side of the passenger carrying area that is equal to at least 30 percent of the length of the passenger carrying area so that the center of gravity of the quantity of weight is located within the shaded area illustrated in Figure 12, the center of gravity of the amount of weight placed on the floor of the boat is at least 4 inches above the floor, and the center of gravity of the amount of weight placed on a seat is at least 4 inches above the seat. The location and dimensions of the shaded area are as follows:

(i) The shaded area is centered at the mid-length of the passenger carrying area;

(ii) The length of the shaded area is equal to 70 percent of the length of the passenger carrying area; and

(iii) The breadth of the shaded area is 6 inches from:

(A) For weights placed on the floor, the outboard perimeter of the passenger carrying area; and

(B) For weights placed on a seat, a vertical line inside the passenger carrying area as illustrated in Figure 13.

(d) Placement of quantity of weight: port side. The quantity of weight required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section is placed along the port side of the passenger carrying area in accordance with the conditions prescribed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

§ 183.235 Level flotation test without weights for persons capacity.
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When the conditions prescribed in §183.220 (a) and (d) through (h) are met, the boat must float in fresh, calm water as follows:

(a) The angle of heel does not exceed 10 degrees from the horizontal.

(b) Any point on either the forward or aft reference area is above the surface of the water.

(c) The reference depth at the reference area that is opposite the reference area that is above the surface of the water is 6 inches or less.

[CGD 77–145, 43 FR 56859, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

Subpart H—Flotation Requirements for Outboard Boats Rated for Engines of 2 Horsepower or Less
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Source: CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20245, Apr. 18, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

General
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§ 183.301 Applicability.
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(a) This subpart applies to monohull outboard boats that are:

(1) Less than 20 feet in length; and

(2) Rated for manual propulsion or outboard engines of 2 horsepower or less.

(b) This subpart does not apply to sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, submersibles, surface effect vessels, amphibious vessels, and raceboats.

[CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20245, Apr. 18, 1977, as amended by USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34716, June 29, 1999]

§ 183.302 Flotation requirements.
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Each boat to which this subpart applies must be manufactured, constructed, or assembled to pass the stability and flotation tests prescribed in §§183.325(a), 183.330(a), and 183.335(a).

§ 183.305 Passenger carrying area.
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(a) For the purpose of this section, a boat is level when it is supported onits keel at the two points shown in Figure 2. (continued)