When should you inspect your boat's capacity plate?

Inspecting your boat's capacity plate before participating in any boating activities is essential for ensuring safety on the water. The capacity plate provides critical information about the maximum number of passengers and the total weight your boat can safely accommodate. Knowing this information helps prevent overloading, which can lead to capsizing or losing control of the vessel. It is particularly important to verify this right before heading out because conditions can change, and you might be tempted to take more people or gear than is safe once everyone is gathered for the outing.

While inspecting the capacity plate after purchasing the boat is also important, doing so just before you set out on the water ensures that you have the most current and relevant information to make safe decisions for that specific boating experience.