Handling & Trailering
How should gear be loaded in a small boat?
Answer
Spread it evenly fore and aft and side to side, keep it low in the boat, and secure it so it cannot shift
Distribute the load evenly fore and aft and from side to side, keep it low in the boat, and secure gear so it cannot shift. Weight stacked high or piled at one end raises the center of gravity and makes the boat unstable, and loose gear that slides can capsize a small boat.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division — "A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats" (rev. Nov. 8, 2023), “Safe Loading,” p. 39 (33 CFR 183 subpart C) — https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
Not the answer
- Stack it as high as possible to keep the bilge clear
- Leave it loose so it can settle wherever it wants
- Pile it all in the stern so the bow rides high
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