ATX 22 Type-S, Owner'S Manual

Page: 27 / 100

BOATING SAFETY | 26
Overloading

WARNING
An overloaded boat through passengers, non factory installed ballast, and
equipment can cause death or serious injury . It can cause loss of control,
capsizing, or swamping .
DO NOT overload your boat
. Your boat is equipped with a maximum capacity
plate indicating the maximum acceptable load as determined by the manufactur-
er following certain Federal guidelines . Equally critical is how weight is distributed
throughout the boat . The weight must be distributed evenly throughout the boat,
besides the proper use of the ballast . If too much weight is placed in one area it can
have serious impact on boat handling and control .
The capacity plate is used by boat manufacturers participating in the National
Marine Manufacturers Association certification program . Your manufacturer has
submitted your model for inspection and compliance with their guidelines . The ca-
pacity plate has the following information permanently printed on it . It is attached
to the boat by the throttle for the operator to read before they drive the boat .
•
The total weight of persons, gear and other items which the boat is capable
of carrying under normal conditions .
This weight must include any added
ballast above and beyond manufacturer’s ballast system(s).
Be Advised
• Any non-factory installed ballast must be properly secured to prevent injury .
Non-factory ballast is not recommended .
• Death or serious injury can occur from overloading the boat . DO NOT
overload your boat .
• Do not fill the bilge area with water from any source .
• The maximum number of persons allowed on the boat . This information on
the capacity plate applies under normal conditions and special care must
be used in any abnormal conditions . Check the capacity plate on your
boat and abide by these limits .
• Remember DO NOT exceed capacity!
NOTICE
Your boat manufacturer installs wake enhancement ballast systems in
some models . The full weight of this system has already been considered
in the boat capacity calculation and therefore does not influence maximum
capacity, unlike non-factory ballast tanks or weights, which must be included as
part of the gear weight .
As wakeboarding has developed, we have witnessed the advent of ballast
systems which add weight and increase the size of the wake . The simplest
ballast system on the market is the water ballast type, such as the “FAT SAC .”
It is not uncommon to see operators use such systems and then put addi-
tional people in their boat . Please be advised that this practice can lead to
overloading your boat . Each boat has a maximum capacity label displaying
the maximum weight of people, gear and ballast that can be placed in the
boat . Always be aware of the load in your boat and do not load the boat in
excess of the listed capacity . The quest for the largest wake has caused some to
excessively overload their boats .
Overloading a boat may cause it to become unstable and adversely affect the
boat’s handling .