Ballast & Max Capacity

[Astepatatime]

Ok...question that is probably common sense, but going to ask it anyway. Did some searching on the forum but couldn't find what I'm looking for.

The published capacity of our boat is 3,000 pounds. I'm assuming that fuel and the stock ballasts don't count against that (i.e full fuel and stock ballast tanks and you still have 3,000 lbs of capacity available). Subtract off gear, coolers, etc.

Now add some additional fat sacs. Say two 750 lb sacs to create a monster surf wake. I'm assuming those DO count against your capacity. Correct? So in this situation, you now have 1,500 left for people and gear?

Reason for my question - getting ready to purchase some sacs and reading a lot of posts of 1,100 to 2,000 pounds of sacs and I'm thinking "wow, just how much can you load these things up with?".

[kevkan]

I don't think even stock ballast is included in the capacity rating. I'm fairly certain lots of folks ride/surf with more than "legal" weight in the boat. I've never heard of a ticket for excess weight, now excess people...

[pap]

Any boat that is weighted sufficiently for wakesurfing and for most wakeboarding is going to be over the rating. The 2013 X30 is rated 2250. 750 per side sacs + 1000 stock ballast and we're over already with no people on the boat.

And people run a lot more than that.

It's a stupid number, there needs to be a better system. Sure it's a pig at that weight, and I wouldn't be turning aggressively or traveling at high speed, but it's not going to sink.

[sp00ky]

Ok...question that is probably common sense, but going to ask it anyway. Did some searching on the forum but couldn't find what I'm looking for.

The published capacity of our boat is 3,000 pounds. I'm assuming that fuel and the stock ballasts don't count against that (i.e full fuel and stock ballast tanks and you still have 3,000 lbs of capacity available). Subtract off gear, coolers, etc.

Now add some additional fat sacs. Say two 750 lb sacs to create a monster surf wake. I'm assuming those DO count against your capacity. Correct? So in this situation, you now have 1,500 left for people and gear?

Reason for my question - getting ready to purchase some sacs and reading a lot of posts of 1,100 to 2,000 pounds of sacs and I'm thinking "wow, just how much can you load these things up with?".

Published capacity what the hell is that? Load me up till the transom rips off!!!

[bbymgr]

DNR on Lake James in Indiana is ticketing boats for being over the weight allowance. They started this last year.

[73blue]

DNR on Lake James in Indiana is ticketing boats for being over the weight allowance. They started this last year.

Just curious, but how do they check the weight?

[Traxx822]

Any boat that is weighted sufficiently for wakesurfing and for most wakeboarding is going to be over the rating. The 2013 X30 is rated 2250. 750 per side sacs + 1000 stock ballast and we're over already with no people on the boat.

And people run a lot more than that.

It's a stupid number, there needs to be a better system. Sure it's a pig at that weight, and I wouldn't be turning aggressively or traveling at high speed, but it's not going to sink.

Now hand your boat to an inexperienced person on a shallow lake in a bad storm.

It might sink then.

Rule is, don't open the lockers and show them. If they ask to search or board the vessel say no. You have that right. But you better be following all other laws.



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[bbymgr]

A buddy told me that the DNR "strong armed" him into telling them how much ballast he had. The DNR asked how much he had and my buddy said he wasn't sure. Then the DNR said something like, you can tell me, or I can confiscate the boat and take it in to be weighed right now. It is pretty obvious when the boat is squatting low in the water that it is over the limit. My buddy got a warning, but he said that if caught again he would be fined.

[chriscraftmatt1976]

Now hand your boat to an inexperienced person on a shallow lake in a bad storm.

It might sink then.

Rule is, don't open the lockers and show them. If they ask to search or board the vessel say no. You have that right. But you better be following all other laws.



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with cops, yes. DNR doesn't need paperwork to search you.

[pap]

"empty all"

[mzimme]

"empty all"

Yes officer, I do have 3 bilge pumps!

[bikenskijerm]

Any boat that is weighted sufficiently for wakesurfing and for most wakeboarding is going to be over the rating. The 2013 X30 is rated 2250. 750 per side sacs + 1000 stock ballast and we're over already with no people on the boat.

And people run a lot more than that.

It's a stupid number, there needs to be a better system. Sure it's a pig at that weight, and I wouldn't be turning aggressively or traveling at high speed, but it's not going to sink.

I'm almost 100% sure that the rating assumes a full tank of fuel and stock ballast being full as well. In this instance you'd only be counting 1500 pounds of weight.

[willyt]

i strongly dislike DNR.

STRONGLY. like arnold schwarzenegger in his prime strong. like skunk smell strong. like fart after eating deviled eggs strong.

[73blue]

I'm almost 100% sure that the rating assumes a full tank of fuel and stock ballast being full as well. In this instance you'd only be counting 1500 pounds of weight.

I'm almost 100% sure you are mistaken (no offense). Many capacities listed dont even assume the motor.

However, federal law only requires boats under 20' to have a capacity plate, and it is up to each state to decide whether or not to enforce the capacities. In many states it is only a guideline, not an enforceable regulation.

[Astepatatime]

Interesting responses...thought this was almost a rhetorical question.

But it appears there's no consensus on what counts or doesn't count. And how it weight capacity is enforced.

Maybe I'll reachout to my dealer rep out of curiousity.

My main concern is just safety. I've only had one 750lb sac in the rear port locker of the X55 as a test run, and that created a pretty serious list. I'm considering adding a second 750 under the port side seat (that seams to be the recommendation for optimal surf wave) and honestly, a bit nervous of the idea. But I know smaller size boats do it all the time. Probably just have to get used to it.