Coast Guard statistics show that boats certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are safer than other boats. Why settle for anything less for your family?
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USCG |
NMMA |
| Who assures compliance? |
The manufacturer self certifies his own boat to meet USCG standards. |
NMMA verifies that each boat model meets both USCG and ABYC standards. A manufacturer's entire line of boats must meet these standards. |
| Must the manufacturer know what the standards require? |
No. Proof of knowledge is not required. |
Yes, each manufacturer has a Compliance Specialist trained in standards compliance. |
| Is there actual inspection? |
None required. USCG does not verify or certify recreational boats. |
Independent inspectors inspect regularly, every boat model
for compliance with Coast Guard and NMMA certification requirements. |
| Maximum weight and persons capacities |
Applies only to monohull boats under 20' except sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats. |
Applies to boats under 26' including pontoon boats, sailboats
canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats. Persons capacity specified for fly
bridges and upper decks. |
| Horsepower capacity |
Applies only to monohull outboard powered boats under 20' except canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats. No testing required. |
Applies to all outboard boats under 26' including pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats. Boats must be performance tested. |
| Basic Flotation |
Required in monohull inboard and sterndrive boats under 20'. |
Same as USCG, and optionally on boats over 20'. |
| Level flotation |
Required in monohull outboards 2 hp and below, and non-powered outboard boats under 20' with some exceptions. |
Same as USCG. Optionally for outboards, sterndrive and inboard powered boats over 20'. |
| Fuel Systems |
Applies to sterdrive and inboards powered by gas. Minimum regulations to prevent fuel leaks and sources of electrical ignition. (USCG regulation, 33CFR, Subparts I and J) |
Applies to sterndrive, gasoline powered inboards, outboards and diesel powered boats. Same as USCG plus standards for: fuel tank material, fuel tank thickness, fill hose size, fuel feed strainer, fuel warning label, all fuel components able to withstand fire in the engine compartment and temperatures from -20 to +176 degrees Farenheit, all fuel components corrosion and deterioration resistant, fuel level indicator, color coded wiring. |
| Electrical Systems |
Subpart I includes only Ignition protection, Grounding, Batteries, and Conductors. |
Applies to all boats, and includes both DC (Direct Current/Battery)
and AC (Accessory Current/Generator/Shore-power) systems. These systems
are inspected in their entirety to Marking, Ambient Temperature, Ignition
Protection, Polarity Devices, Overcurrent Protection, Ground Fault Protection,
System Wiring, Installation, Switches, Receptacles, Panelboards, Switchboards,
Plug Connections, DC Bonding and Grounding, Generators, and Battery Capacity.
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| Requirements |
U.S.C.G. regulations, 33 CFR, Subparts I and J which include
minimum regulations to prevent fuel leaks and sources of electrical ignition.
|
U.S.C.G. regulations, 33 CFR, Subparts I and J plus specifications
for: fuel tank material, fuel tank thickness, fill hose size, vent hose
size, fuel feed strainer, fuel warning label, all fuel components able to
withstand fire in the engine compartment and temperatures from -20 to +176F,
all fuel components corrosion and deterioration resistant, fuel level indicator,
color coded wiring. |
| Ventilation |
Minimum regulations to remove gasoline vapors from gasoline powered boats. (USCG regulation, 33 CFR, Subpart K). Requires both natural and powered ventilation systems. |
Same as USCG for gasoline powered boats plus 2-1/2" minimum duct size, exhaust duct near the engine, intake and exhaust 24" apart inside compartment. Ventilation openings located: to minimize entry of water, to minimize entry of exhaust gas and fuel fumes, at least 15" from fuel fill and vent, outside weather enclosures, warning label, plus ventilation for diesel powered boats. |
| Bilge pumps |
Not required. No regulations. |
Standards for: materials, design and construction, location and installation, operation. |
| Steering systems |
No. Regulations. |
Standards for: Steering wheels, helm assemblies and manual hydraulic systems. |
| To order please call our Fulfillment Department at 312.946.6209 |
