236 2008 vs. 2009 Seating Capacity??

[207onfloats]

Regarding the SAN236, I don't get it, the seating capacity went from 14 to 16 in 2009, why? What if any hull changers were made?
Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated! I'm interested in purchasing a 236 and would like the additional seating...

[shag]

As far as I know it is the exact same hull. I can't recall the seating in a 236 though - maybe you can find some online. Good luck!

[perry386]

I've wondered the same thing many times. I do know, however, that there were no hull changes and no seating changes made between 2008-2009. What it could be is the change from a 2 piece tower to a 1-piece tower allowed for more weight in the boat. The "seats 16" marker doesn't refer to the actual seats. It is based on the weight the hull can support.

[Nautiquehunter]

My 08 210 has a seating capacity of 10 but the 09 holds 12 ?

[207onfloats]

I just had a conversation w/ a 2007 230 owner and he thought that the rear facing center jump seat wasn't available till '09, so 2 more seats...best guess!

[NautiqueJeff]

I am pretty sure the NMMA rating system changed around that time. I think that's why the capacities for each model went up without any design changes.

[s_kelley2000]

Jeff is right. NMMA and/or CC changed the way they calculated capacity in 2009 and most models went up by 2 people. Supposedly prior year boats of the same model also got a bump and you could get the new capacity plate from your dealer. There is some more info in this thread: http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...Capacity+plate

[207onfloats]

This I huge info! Thanks everyone for your posts. I too don't want the cops to give me any trouble if I have 15 or 16 on my '08 SAN236. Will get it re-placarded immediately.
Again, many thanks!

[perry386]

and even though it is rated 16...I have found that any more than 10 is uncomfortably tight.

[tdc_worm]

Anything over 20 feet is not required to have a capacity plate. To the best of my knowledge, the UBER SCIENTIFIC formula used to determine capacity is Length (in feet) x width (in feet) divided by 15. have fun with that.

[Nordicron]

Actually I've heard that the formula is based on number of safe seats in the boat.

[s_kelley2000]

Actually I've heard that the formula is based on number of safe seats in the boat.

The amount of safe seats has to be at least part of the equation. Why else would a 200 CB be rated for 7 and a 200 OB be rated for 9?

That is also true about boats over 20 feet not being required to have a capacity plate but if it came from the factory with a plate then that rule is trumped and I believe it is illegal to remove the capacity plate but I don't know that for sure.