What is the purpose of a boat's capacity plate?

The purpose of a boat's capacity plate is to show the number of passengers and weight limit that the boat can safely carry. This plate provides critical information that helps ensure safe operation, preventing overloading which can lead to instability, difficulty in maneuvering, or even capsizing. Understanding and adhering to the weight limit is essential for maintaining the boat's balance and performance on the water.

Other choices do not serve this primary purpose: the maximum speed of the boat, engine specifications, and safety equipment requirements are important aspects of boating, but they are not indicated on this specific plate. The capacity plate focuses solely on how many people and how much weight the boat can accommodate.