Interpreting inflatable specs..

[wipe_out]

Just looking at a new inflatable and want as small and light as is practical for our boat.. The spec that is confusing is the load capacity vs the max number of people.. For example the 3D suplerlight 230 states 350kg load capacity but only 2 people.. Are they suggesting that people generally weigh 175kg? Even taking the engine into account that still over 150kg per person?

How should the stats be interpreted?

 

[Rappey]

A small boat I have states 5 people, or one person and 435kg of "luggage"
The outboard is already allowed for.
Could it be the difference between cargo being on the floor giving a very low c of g but people add more weight higher up ?

 

[pvb]

Technically, the load capacity should be calculated using ISO rules, and will be marked on a plate on the dinghy. Similarly, the max number of passengers should be marked on the plate, and neither of these figures should be exceeded.

Most of the figures quoted by 3D for load capacity seem high to me. I have a Zodiac Cadet Aero 240, a bit bigger, with bigger tubes and a much more substantial construction, and that's rated at only 290kg load capacity, and is rated for 3 passengers.

 

[Jim@sea]

A small boat I have states 5 people, or one person and 435kg of "luggage"
The outboard is already allowed for.
Could it be the difference between cargo being on the floor giving a very low c of g but people add more weight higher up ?

Most people add more weight higher up. (sorry)

 

[LadyInBed]

Another parameter that you should consider is the tube diameter.
The smaller the diameter the wetter your bum gets!