A big decision factor when picking a flats boat, or any boat, is capacity. If you have a larger family and/or regularly fish with multiple people, a larger flats boat with more capacity may be preferred. However, with this higher capacity comes drawbacks such as additional weight, higher draft, and sometimes additional purchase and storage costs.
Most flats boats will safely fit 4 adults. Some smaller flats boats, sometimes known as micro skiffs or solo skiffs, will only hold one or two anglers, while a few of the larger flats boats can hold up to 6 people.
A boat's capacity is not only a rating for the number of people that can safely be on board your boat, but is also used to identify other limitations, such as weight and max horsepower, that you should be aware of before loading up your boat and heading out. It is always recommended to stay within the parameters specified for your boat as operating a flats boat outside of the manufacturer's rating can come with serious consequences.
Understanding Capacity Rating Of A Flats Boat
A boat's capacity rating is the total weight that the boat can safely carry in optimum conditions. This weight includes the weight of people as well as all fuel and gear. The capacity of a boat is determined by many factors to include the shape of the hull, weight, and weight distributions (balance or Center of Gravity).
On powered boats, less than 20 feet, the capacity rating should be listed on a capacity plate that is mounted somewhere on the helm or transom of the boat. If a flats boat doesn't have a capacity plate available, it is important to reach out to the original manufacturer before loading up your boat with too many people or too much gear. Some will say a “rule of thumb estimate” can be made by multiplying the boat length by the width of the boat and dividing that by 15. However, this estimate is not accurate when it comes to small flats boats. For example, we know the max occupancy of Chittum Skiff's Islamorada 18 legacy is 4 people. However, if you use the “rule of thumb estimate” formula (18′ (L) X 6.66′(W) / 15) you will get an estimated occupancy of 7.2 people which is far too many for this boat.
Dangers With Overloading A Flats Boat
A responsible operator will never overload their boat beyond the rated load. An overloaded boat carries risks of causing serious harm to the boat and its passengers. Even on perfect weather days, an overloaded boat can be easily compromised by something as simple as an unexpected weight shift or even another boat's wake.
Overloading your flats boat will decrease controllability, increase the risk of swamping (taking on excess water), and can lead to capsizing, injury, and death. This is even more important on a flats boat due to their relatively low freeboard height and light weight.
A boat's freeboard height is a measurement of the distance from the water line to the top of the boat where water can enter the hull. Flats boats have the shortest freeboard height in comparison to most any other boat and as such, can be more susceptible to taking on water which can quickly lead to capsize. The more weight that is on the flats boat, the less available freeboard you will have, and therefore the higher risk of swamping.
Another reason flats boats are more sensitive to overloading is that they are built super lightweight and balanced to a particular load. Any shift in crew or gear can drastically affect change balance of the boat which can put a portion of the deck underwater. If you think about it, a 150 lb weight shift in a 900 lb flats boat will have much more effect on the balance than a 150 lb shift in a 5000 lb bay or offshore boat.
Is It Illegal To Have More People Onboard Than Capacity Rating
There is no federal law prohibiting an operator from overloading a boat. However, many states will apply local laws and regulations prohibiting such actions. For example, according to boat-ed, Florida state law prohibits overloading a boat in either weight (capacity) or horsepower.
Exceeding Maximum Loading or Horsepower is the failure of a vessel operator to ensure that his or her vessel is loaded safely and not overpowered. Florida law prohibits a person from operating a monohull vessel less than 20 feet in length while exceeding the maximum weight, persons, or horsepower capacity as displayed on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/studyGuide/Exceeding-Maximum-Loading-or-Horsepower/10101002_30218/
It is always highly discouraged to overload your boat, no matter what the legal regulations might say. To learn more about the specific laws and regulations in your state, you can reference the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators by clicking here.
Flats Boats With Highest Capacity
If you are looking for a boat that can get into some decently shallow waters while also being able to carry 5, maybe 6 people, there are a few flats boats that can meet your needs. Here are our favorite flats boats that are on the larger side that can comfortably carry 5 or more people.
Hewes Redfisher 21
The Redfisher 21 by Hewes is somewhat a boat on its own. This boat sport a 21′ 6″ length overall, a beam of 8′ 6″, and tips the scales at 2850 lbs. This boat is one of the heaviest flats boats on the market today and almost puts itself out of the flats boat category. This boat makes the top of the list due to its large fishing platform, seating options, a USCG capacity rating of 6 people, all while maintaining a draft of fewer than 12 inches.
If you are looking for a high quality boat that can take a beating and fit you and a decent crew for some sandbar trips, look no further than the Hewes Redfisher 21.
Islamorada 21 Legacy
The Islamorada 21 Legacy is one of, if not the best, technical poling skiffs in the 20'+ range. Hall and team really did a great job with this boat for those guides and tournament fishermen who needed a little more room for clients and gear while still needing to get into sub 10″ of water. This boat is a full 21′ long with a beam of 7′ 4″, a total weight of only 750 lbs, and a capacity to hold up to 5 people.
Actioncraft 2020 FlatsMaster
Another highly versatile boat is the Actioncraft 2020 FlatsMaster. This boat is built with a 20′ 2″ length overall, an 8′ 0″ beam, a loaded weight of 1305 lbs, and a USCG capacity rating of 6 people. The folks at Actioncraft boast that “the 2020’s advanced design combines the ultimate in fishability with more comfort, convenience, and versatility than ever before, with many new design innovations never before found on any builder’s skiff at any cost”.
Yellowfin 21 Hybrid
This boat has the ride, comfort, and performance of a bay boat with a traditional layout of a flats boat. This might be one of the closest boats that you will get to “the best of both worlds”. The 21 Hybrid has a length overall of 21′ 9″, a beam of 7′ 9″, a weight of 2535 lbs, a draft of 13″, and enough room to fit 5 people. Stack on the 350 HP Max Verado and you have a boat that can take a crew and get there lightning fast.
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