Subdivision 1. Requirement. (a) A watercraft 20 feet or less in length manufactured for sale in this state after December 31, 1980, except canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, and inflatable boats, must have a capacity plate permanently affixed to the watercraft by the manufacturer. The capacity plate must contain information relating to maximum safe carrying and power capacity specifications prescribed by the commissioner. The information contained on the capacity plate must, at a minimum, comply with the established standards and regulations of the United States Coast Guard.
(b) For purposes of this section, "manufacture" means to construct or assemble a watercraft or alter a watercraft in a manner that changes its weight and carrying capacity.
Subd. 2. Certification of correct information. The information appearing on a capacity plate is deemed to certify that the manufacturer has correctly and faithfully specified the maximum safe carrying and horsepower capacity and that the information is not a deliberate or negligent misrepresentation.
Subd. 3. Violation. A person who does not comply with provisions of this section commits a violation for each watercraft for which this section is not complied with.
History:1990 c 391 art 9 s 27