folks, quick question...

 

i have a camping trip up coming, that will require a boat to get to where I'm going. going to use the 1982 bass tracker to haul myself, 1 other person and the gear. problem is, the boat is rated for only 440 lbs (or 3 persons) but we're going to be a little over that... (maybe 50lbs) (we're estimating)  on smooth water, not making any sharp turns or anything... is this gonna sink me? would prefer to make one trip, but would prefer above that not to sink the boat, my gear, and my friends gear. 

No it's not going to sink you. Boats are usually under rated a little. It's not something I'd do on a regular basis but considering the circumstances you should be fine. Obviously, use your best judgement, you'll be able to tell if it's too much.

My boat ia rated for 6 people or 550 lbs. Thats a whole lots little folks. I got more weight in tackle then the people in it. Youll be fine!

You should be fine, make sure to distrubute the weight as evenly as possible, then see how the boat behaves near the dock. My buddy has an 83 tracker & I have a 97, they both hold more weight than they're rated for. I wouldn't worry.

I have a neighbors boat rated fo 420 pounds. He alone weighs 480, and his wife probable weighs over 300, and they both go in it.

Ever watch Swamp People? Those guys haul thousands of pounds of gators in those tin boats. Just don't take any unnecessary chances and you'll be ok

When it gives you a weight rating of 440 or 3 people the 440 is for a single person, the total load capacity is higher than that... You should be just fine