971.31 LOAD, OCCUPANT AND HORSEPOWER LIMITATIONS.

   (a)   No person shall operate a watercraft to which a capacity plate required by Ohio R.C. 1547.39 is attached, if the total load exceeds the weight capacity indicated on the capacity plate, or if the number of persons aboard exceeds the occupant capacity indicated on the capacity plate, or if the horsepower of any attached outboard motor exceeds the maximum horsepower indicated on the capacity plate.

   (b)   When no capacity plate exists, no person shall operate a watercraft if a reasonably prudent person would believe that either of the following circumstances applies:

      (1)   The total load aboard the watercraft has associated with it a risk of physical harm to persons or property;

      (2)   The total horsepower of any inboard engine or attached outboard motor has associated with it a risk of physical harm to persons or property.

         (ORC 1547.42)