30 kW and 40.8 CV: how should you read the boating threshold?

30 kW is approximately 40.8 CV. Within six miles or on inland waters, a licence is required if power exceeds 30 kW or displacement exceeds the threshold for that engine type.

The conversion is approximate; the certified figure controls

MIT associates 30 kW with about 40.8 metric horsepower. The power threshold is exceeded only when maximum operating power is greater than 30 kW; exactly 30 kW is not greater. Use the manufacturer's official power declaration for the installed engine, not rounded CV, tax horsepower or a sales listing.

For navigation within six miles, displacement thresholds are 750 cm³ for a carburetted two-stroke, 900 for a direct-injection two-stroke, 1,000 for a four-stroke outboard, 1,300 for a four-stroke inboard, 2,000 for a naturally aspirated diesel and 1,300 for a turbocharged diesel. Displacement and power are independent triggers: exceeding either applicable limit can require a licence.

Example: convert without losing the technical record

If the plate shows 30 kW, the approximate conversion is 40.8 CV. If another document says 41 CV, do not infer from rounding that actual output exceeds the threshold: compare the official motor declaration and approved data. Differences between conversions and rounded figures should be resolved using the technical documents for the specific engine.

For example, a 29 kW, 1,050 cc four-stroke outboard is over the 1,000 cc limit MIT lists for that type. Conversely, a smaller engine can still require a licence if it exceeds 30 kW. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road theory with category B chapters, exam quizzes and mistake review.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road theory with category B chapters, exam quizzes and mistake review.