Skip and hazelnut
This is from a USCG publication that talks about it but is not the actual regulation. The bow up boat pictured by hazelnut does not meet this regulation. It might be older than the regulation, have had flotation removed, engine larger than specified, loaded with bricks etc. To post a picture like that and suggest it is the probable outcome is outrageous.
The real story here should be the boats over 20', still being made and sold, that will sink to the bottom
I'd like to see posted a list of boats that do not have level flotation capability. I can't find one.
LEVEL FLOTATION. Level Flotation will increase both your ability to survive and the ability of rescue groups to locate you after and accident has occurred. Level Flotation does just what its name sounds like. If a boat fills with water, Level Flotation will make the boat float level. You and your passengers will actually be able to remain inside the boat even though it is full of water. There you will be warmer, feel safer, be less in danger of drowning and will provide a larger target for rescue groups to locate. If the seas are calm, you might be able to bail the water out of your boat and if the powerhead of your motor wasn’t damaged by immersion in the water, you might be able to return to shore under your own power.
The Level Flotation Standard applies to monohull outboard powered boats less than 20 feet in length except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatables, submersibles, race boats, surface effect vessels and amphibious vehicles. The principles of Level Flotation, however, may be applied to many of these excepted boats at your option.
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/educati...atbuilders.pdf