Is this a riddle?
A very small percentage of boating "accidents" are just the result of mistakes. Most are the result of poor choices and behaviors and reckless operation.
When in doubt....lean towards conservatine...but to sLing some assumptions is baseless. This is one of those "fail" situations....so it is easy to point fingers. It takes a different sort to point the same finger in situations of success and be able to substantiate a dangerous situation.
I hadn't seen where it was determined to be a 34 Silverton yet.
But not all 34s are created equal and the simplistic formula used as reported in Australia and it's shoot off in US boating safety classes is definitely for rookies.
If you ever had to work commercially, you better have a better feel for loading or have the USCG certify the vessel rather than use that formula.
All I have seen is part of a hull.
And read a lot of speculation.
My main point is it is easy to say it is overloaded after it turned over.....but a few here have given advice through the years to people who gave asked....how many can I take out?
My point is the formula is so conservative for some boats and not enough for others.....not sure what the answer is for others....I know mine for this case and when I have to load a boat that is pushing the limits.
How good are TFers at loading their boats?
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A 34 Silverton may be fine with 30 people on board if they all stayed put like sandbags. .
Boat loading safety is more than just number of people.
There are times I get concerned at how my boat is loaded with only 4 people on board. In rough water, the "rules" change completely. I make sure heavy items such as tool boxes and jerry cans are down low, and secure; even in a knock down. Not only stored items but fixtures as well. Hot water heaters, refrigerators, fuel tanks, batteries can all break loose and have the potential to sink a boat.
Imagine what could happen if you got hit by a big a wake and it caused your 20lb tool box to slide forcefully into your seacock. It would be like hitting your seacock with a big sledge hammer.