Got a question about the Chaparral ?

The people and resources you bring on board are your greatest assets. The fewer things you have to worry about, the more time for fun. So when it comes to managing capacity, choose wisely and be prepared—it's always better to be overprepared than underprepared!

• Capacity Tag

Overloading passengers or equipment can unbalance your boat - messing with your trim, plane & wake and could even cause you to swamp or capsize a boat. Look near the helm for the capacity tag which lists the total amount of weight and approximate passengers that can be added to the vessel. This additional carrying weight includes people, gear and the weight of the fuel.

• Weight Distribution

Now that you’ve found your weight capacity tag, it’s equally important to understand that while you might be within the boat’s capacity it’s not a good plan to put all that additional weight in one area of the boat. Overloading the bow or aft will lead to an unbalanced boat so spread out your passengers and gear.

• Float Devices

You will typically need to be able to provide all passengers with an approved type 1, 2, 3, or 5 personal flotation device and for boats between 16-65 feet you’ll need to have a throwable type 4 device.

• Carriage Requirements

Always check Federal & local carriage requirements to ensure you have all the necessary items on board. Some typical requirements include having a B1 fire extinguisher on board, a first aid kit, emergency fuel & water, a vhf radio as well as a bilge pump. You may need a sound device and if you’re heading out on coastal waters you’ll need a visual distress signal.

Learn more by visiting Discover Boating.