New SOLAS Weight Regulations Coming into Effect

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Scale Man

We’ve mentioned SOLAS before but here is just a friendly reminder. Beginning July 1, 2016 changes to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty will require verified weight certificates for all containers before they are loaded onto a ship. If the certificate is not submitted in a timely matter (12-24 hours prior to stowing cargo), the cargo runs the risk of being refused passage. This new regulation will have a significant impact on several groups, including scale dealers located near ports or working in the overseas logistics industry.

What is SOLAS?
The SOLAS treaty was first passed in 1914 in response to the sinking of the RMS Titanic to improve safety procedures at sea. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the maritime arm of the United Nations.

Aren’t weights currently pre-determined and declared for shipping containers?
Pursuant to previous regulations, shippers have already been required to declare container weights on their supplied bill of lading/paperwork. Verification of shipping weights by approved methods of weighing will now be mandatory due to several maritime disasters. These incidents range from falling containers at port or overboard from ships, forklift accidents, on-deck stack collapses (often due to heavier loads stacked on top of lighter loads), and even shipwrecks due to declared weights being as much as 6.7 times the declared weight. The MSC Napoli met it’s end in January of 2007 when 20% of the loaded containers exceeded their declared weight by 3 tonnes; the largest difference being 20 tonnes and the total weight of the 137 containers was 312 tonnes heavier than the cargo manifest.

Who will be affected by this new law?
The SOLAS treaty affects 99% of the merchant ships around the world in terms of gross tonnage. These revisions will affect shippers, freight forwarders, and vessel and terminal operators. All of these businesses will need to establish policies and procedures to ensure the implementation of these new regulations.

Who enforces the new guidelines?
The maritime organization of each country will be generally responsible for enforcement, beginning July 1, 2016. Implementation of the new regulations should begin prior to July 1st to avoid disruptions and fines, as trans-shipments may depart after the deadline. If weight discrepancies are found between the lading paperwork and the actual weight, non-compliant cargo will not be loaded on vessels, subject to the new regulations.

Who is responsible for weight verification?
The bill of lading paperwork will list the shipper. This entity will ultimately be legally responsible for providing the verified gross mass (VGM). If the exporter uses a third-party agent to pack and weigh the goods to be forwarded to the terminal, the forwarder is acting purely on the instructions of the shipper. Therefore, the exporter remains the legal party responsible for verifying the gross mass prior to stowing cargo.

Container weight verification options:
SOLAS guidelines, legally binding on July 1, 2016, for verified gross mass (VGM) reporting specify only two acceptable methods for weighing a cargo transport unit (CTU):

Method 1: Weigh (or have a third party weigh) the packed CTU.
Method 2: Weigh all cargo items and packing and securing materials, and add this to the CTU’s tare weight.

All methods of weighing must pass standards of accuracy, and should be calibrated according to the appropriate state’s standards. The shipping documents specifying the gross mass must be not only declared, but verified through approved methods. A shipping document ensuring the VGM must be signed by a person authorized by the shipper and submitted to the master/representative and the terminal representative sufficiently in advance, between 12-24 hours prior to stowage, to be used in the ship’s stowage plan.

If the shipping document is not provided for the container with a verified gross mass and/or the master or his representative and the terminal representative have not obtained the verified gross mass of the container, it shall not be loaded on the ship.

What considerations are there when determining the best weight verification methodology?

When considering the best answer to shipping according to SOLAS weight verification guidelines and the new CTU Code of Practice, consider the best method that will:
Allow the highest possible level of accuracy
Work within your logistics processes
Not pose risks to workers or civilians within the containers vicinity
Minimize loss of time and productivity
Minimize costs of maintenance and calibration of the systems/equipment
Provide accurate weighments for timely submittal to shipmasters (no less than 12-24 hours prior to stowage)

So, what choices do you have when it comes to obtaining digital weight scales?

Cardinal Scale’s Digital Fill Control Improves Efficiency for Cherry Packing

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Scale Man

In preparation for the busy summer harvest season, fruit distributors find tremendous value in equipment improvements and workflow efficiency.

Recently, an authorized Cardinal Scale dealer outfitted a cherry packing shed in California with an upgraded packing system. This operation utilizes a conveyor belt system to transport sorted cherries to be packaged using Cardinal Scale static scales and weight indicators.

The initial weigh-in is performed on 14 conveyor lines using Cardinal Scale’s EB-150-LPAN bench scales and 225 Navigator weight indicators. The customer uses Cardinal Scale’s digital fill control software that comes standard on the 225 indicator and an RB4 relay to control the speed of the conveyor belt filling the cherry packages. When an appropriate weight has been reached, the indicator stops the belt and the container is sent down conveyor rollers to the next work station. The operator is not required to press any keys to continue filling the next container.

The filled cherry container then goes down the conveyor line to the checkweigher, comprised of a Cardinal Scale EB-150-LPAN bench scale with 190 Storm wash down indicator. This station utilizes the ColorZONE feature on the 190 indicator to rapidly indicate over, under, or desirable weight. The 190’s ColorZONE feature overcomes any language barrier that might be an obstacle with reading the indicator. The container is brought to the appropriate weight by manually adding cherries and then sent to final packaging.

The Cardinal Scale system has improved the operation by automating the initial packing process with fill control software.

The cherry packing process has become more productive and the packing shed is ready for the summer produce season. You can read the entire case study here.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in for your business, then give us a call at (919) 776-7737 or fill out our Request for Quote link on our website, centralcarolinascale.com — we are an authorized Cardinal Scale dealer and would be happy to provide you with the right equipment for your weighing needs.

Weighing Solutions for New SOLAS Requirements

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Scale Man

Starting July 1, 2016 the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Treaty will require all ISO containers to have a verifiable gross mass entered into the ship’s manifest prior to loading. This international treaty amendment comes in the wake of several at-sea disasters resulting from overweight and improperly balanced containers; impacting the loading of all containers at all ports world-wide, container shippers are ultimately responsible for verifying and providing the gross mass number.

We have a wide variety of scale equipment from Rice Lake Weighing Systems to help you with compliance, offering several turnkey solutions that are straightforward and worry-free. The industry preferred and recommended method for verifying ISO containers mass is to weigh the entire container, once sealed, to provide a total verified mass, with the added benefit of relevant center of gravity and container balance data. Rice Lake offers several products that make this possible, including:

Twist lock sensors for crane spreaders and mobile equipment attachments
Load pin and load sensor solutions integrated into overhead cranes
Below-the-hook crane scale and tension link solutions
Forklift scales
Truck scales and rail scales
And much more

These products can integrate into existing port handling equipment and management systems, providing minimum interruption to operations and seamless merging of data.

Starting July 1, 2016, unverified containers cannot be legally loaded. Failure to comply will result in fines and penalties throughout the logistics chain as well as costly delays and interruptions. Don’t let this happen to you – contact us today to discuss options to ensure compliance with this new treaty amendment.

Intercomp HH400 Handheld Indicator Now Available

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Scale Man

Intercomp Scales continues its history of continuous innovation and product improvement with the latest update to their HH400™ Handheld Indicator.

INTERCOMP HH400 now available

Previously known as the TL-RFX™ Indicator, it was the go-to choice for Intercomp’s TL™ Series Tension Link Scales. Now with added features such as output to RFX™ enabled wireless printers, memory storage, and RS232 output, the HH400™ Handheld Indicator available from Central Carolina Scale is ideal for monitoring and controlling CS™ and TL™ Series Crane and Tension Link Scales, as well as PT™ and LP™ Portable Wheel Load Scales from up to 300′ (90m).

With three display modes, it allows simultaneous viewing of data from up to four scales from a large, graphic display in an IP65 ergonomically designed housing. These state-of-the-industry features make this NTEP certified indicator an ideal solution for any weighing application requiring remote monitoring and control of up to four scales.

Additionally, an industry standard for wireless weight monitoring, Intercomp’s “Handheld Weighing Indicator,” has also been renamed the HH60™ Handheld Indicator. A proven indicator for applications requiring the monitoring of up to six scales, it also features memory storage with a RS232 port for data transfer, is capable of controlling scale functions remotely, and is NTEP certified providing users a choice between handheld wireless indicators.

Other wireless indicator options available from Intercomp include IntercompWeigh™ Software, PT20™ self-enclosed CPU, and apps to control and monitor scales from iPhone®, iPod® and iPad®.

Intercomp Company is an ISO 9001:2008 registered weighing and measurement solutions manufacturer based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota with offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, proudly serving the Industrial, Racing, ITS/Enforcement, Aviation, Military, Agriculture, and Mining and Aggregate industries worldwide.

Central Carolina Scale, Inc located in Sanford, NC has been in business over three decades and its employees have over 90 years of combined experience in weighing equipment sales and service but even with all that experience, the staff still trains regularly via both on the job training and factory supplied training. This one of the reasons why Central Carolina Scale has firmly established itself as a leader in the scale industry.

It’s also one of the reasons that many of the top scale manufacturers in the United States like Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Cardinal Scale Manufacturing, Doran Scales, Intercomp, and Avery Weigh-Tronix rely on Central Carolina Scale to distribute and service their scale equipment. Contact the sales department, (919) 776-7737 or visit centralcarolinascale.com

Load Cell Kit For Weighing Tanks and Vessels

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Scale Man

Cardinal Scale Manufacturing has a wide variety of Made in America load cell kits which allow you transform almost any vessel or platform into an integrated weighing system. A few simple things need to be considered when choosing the right system. We’ll also discuss the proper installation and setup methods to use.

Whether utilizing beam, tension, or compression cells in either analog or hydraulic configurations, Cardinal load cell kits give you flexible options to help solve many weighing applications.

To determine the total capacity of the system, you first need to know the total weight of the structure that the load cell stands will be supporting (dead load).

Add the anticipated maximum system live load to the actual dead load, and that total will be the necessary minimum system capacity. Normally, you want to divide this total by the number of load cells and then go up to the next largest size available load cell.

For example, let’s say a tank has an empty weight of 22,000 lb and an anticipated live load of 100,000 lb for a total combined load of 122,000 lb. Using four load cell stands, each cell will be seeing 30,500 pounds of anticipated weight. We would normally use a 50,000 pound load cell in this application. Since many times these systems are under a continual long-term load it is not uncommon for load cells to be almost twice the necessary capacity in order to help reduce signal creep.

Installation of load cell kits begin by determining if the floor (in the case of stand assemblies) or the building structure (for tension systems) is strong enough to bear the anticipated load. If not, piers or footings may be needed or additional support structures added. For all overhead suspension type systems, safety chains must be provided locally to bear any anticipated load due to component failure.

After the system is assembled, it is necessary to make sure that all of the load cells are taking equal dead load to the extent that it is possible. After the millivolt readings are as close as possible, secure the load cell stand assembles. Grouting the stands in place is the preferred method for long-term accuracy.

Most Cardinal Scale load cell stand kits come with checking designed into the stand itself. Depending on the device, some applications may require additional checking. Mixers and blenders are examples of devices that may need additional checking. Also, very tall tanks or hoppers may require additional restraints due to wind load on the structure.

Many systems using load cell kits require the connection of electrical supply or control wiring, as well as pipes and supply augers. Discharge chutes or pipes are used to get material out of the tank or hopper. It is very important to understand that anything connected to the scale structure must be installed with flexible couplings so that no path is present for force to be shunted off to ground during the weighing process. The more items that are connected to the structure the harder it is to get accurate weights.

For more information, contact the sales team at Central Carolina Scale (919) 776-7737

Detecto D Series Price Computing Scales Now Have Serial Port & Label Printer Available

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Scale Man

One of the questions we are asked quite often is “can I print labels with my basic price computing scale”? The answer used to be no. Then, the answer was no, or well, yes…. but it will be very expensive and difficult. Then, we started getting a few different entry level retail scales that would allow the printing feature. Fast forward to today and we have a new battery powered produce scale that offers this printing feature that will allow you to print basic price per pound labels.

DETECTO’s D Series Price Computing Scales Now Come Standard with RS232 Serial — Connect with DETECTO’s P225 Direct Thermal Label Printer for a complete system.

DETECTO D15, D30, and D60 price computing scales now come standard with a RS232 serial port for no additional cost. This allows you to connect the competitively-priced D series scales with the DETECTO model P225 direct thermal label printer for basic retail label printing.

DETECTO NTEP legal-for-trade D series scales offer 99 PLUs (14 direct quick keys and 85 indirect PLUs), rechargeable battery and AC adapter included, preset price buttons with preset TARE feature, and both operator and customer displays (Weight, Unit Price, and Total Price on the front and rear backlit LCDs).

Below are the model and part numbers needed to purchase a complete Retail POS Weighing and Printing Package from DETECTO.

(1) D Series Price Computing Scale
(1) P225 Direct Thermal Label Printer (sold separately)
(1) 7100-0025 Serial Cable (optional – connects scale to printer)
(1) 7100-0026 Thermal Label Rolls (optional – also available by the case)

We understand that you have alternatives when it comes to purchasing legal for trade scales can can compute price per pound. One of the under appreciated factors to consider in this competitive market is the actual scale manufacturer. Cardinal Detecto Scale Manufacturing has a reputation throughout the scale industry for their high quality weighing equipment.

Over the years we’ve seen how important it is to offer products from reputable scale manufacturers who actually support the products. The D Series scales have an easy to read weight display and easy to use Price Look Up (PLU) buttons right on the front of the scale. The scale has several different capacity choices as well.

The scale offers a dual power source of rechargeable battery pack and 110/120VAC 50/60 Hz adapter (included) for reliable use at the farmer’s market. Auto Shut-off, Sleep, and Backlight Off modes extend the retail scale’s battery life which is especially helpful when you’re on the go and don’t have access to an 110 VAC receptacle.

The NTEP legal-for-trade scale’s Pre-Pack key saves time by retaining the Unit Price and Tare for repetitive price computing, making the operator’s job even faster. The scale features adjustable, nonskid feet and bubble level which is great when you’re using this out at the market and you’re trying to set it up on a wooden table that isn’t level.

Contact our sales department today for more information or to get one of these systems. We can get you one of these label printing scales very quickly from Detecto Scale in Webb City, Missouri.

Best Fishing Tournament Scales for 2016

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Scale Man

We get asked all the time about fishing tournament scales that are used at competitions and weigh in’s. That’s probably because we’ve sold these types of scales for many years. So in this article we’re going to list off a few of our top choices for best fishing tournament scales for 2016 and provide you with our overall buying recommendations.

First, we would suggest that you decide what your budget is going to be and what features you must have and what features you want to have.

This can also be described as wants vs. needs. For example, you might want to have a remote display that connects to your scale so the crowd can see the weight. But you don’t necessarily need that luxury at the moment.

You’re also going to see that in many cases there is no 100% perfect scale.

Sometimes individuals will give us a list of a dozen requirements and say that they’re looking for scales that meet all these and almost always that will not happen. That is why we say to please come up with a realistic list of features that you need/want and then let us show you what we recommend for you.

Many years ago Doran Scales was the obvious choice for this market. They offered two different types of scales that were very popular. They offered a stainless steel bench scale and they offered a mild steel counter top scale. Both included “fishing tournament software” built into the scale and it would average the readings until it found the proper weight and then the weight would lock on the display.

These were really nice scales and were very popular with fishing clubs.

Unfortunately, Doran updated their main boards several years ago and the fishing software configuration was no longer available.

Now that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a Doran. In fact, we recommend if you’re looking for a long term solution a Doran 8000XL is a great choice. And, if you’re looking for something that is truly “waterproof” this scale is a great choice as well.

The only catch is that it doesn’t have the weight lock functionality and the scale indicator is rated IP69K which is excellent at water protection. So the Doran would be a great long term investment if you have the funds.

We also currently offer the 640 series. To be totally fair at this time, we are still evaluating it and can’t really provide much information other than to say it has some promise when it comes to averaging the scale weights and then locking in the weight but the system is fairly expensive.

Speaking of money, that is when customers often start going down the list looking for less expensive choices.

At this point, we start looking at items like the SL-3700 and BWS series. The SL3700 features a nice, high quality digital indicator that has some good filtering and weight lock capability. Meanwhile the BWS features a really large weight display which is easy to read.

When money is tight, folks often look at the Sportsman which does fulfill a lot of the requirements that club president’s do have. The scale is built for basic weighing environments and the fact is that it does a good job for the most part. But the scale is certainly not water proof and has its limitations for sure.

That leaves us with the WeighMaster. And overall, we think this is probably the best overall digital scale for fishing club weigh-in’s and tournaments.

The scale is built very well and features basically what we would call industrial construction. The weight indicator can be powered by regular 110VAC power or the built in rechargeable battery. The scale does have the ability to filter or average the weight on the platform and then lock the weight on the display.

This scale is overall the best choice we have for most everyday fishing tournaments. Now it does have its limitations as well. It’s not nearly as “waterproof” as the Doran 8000XL. It doesn’t display weight in ounces for example.

But overall for many folks, we think this is the best value and investment that you and your club can make. Contact us (919) 776-7737 or complete our RFQ form on the sales page and we can provide you with product recommendations and prices.

New & Improved NCI 7800 Series Shipping Scales from Avery Weigh-Tronix

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Scale Man

Avery Weigh-Tronix has improved the successful NCI 7800 series of post, mail and shipping scales, to bring them into line with the modern requirements of postal operations. The main change is the addition of improved connectivity options. The 7800 series will retain all of the key features that have contributed to the success of the range over the years, offering an affordable entry level shipping scale with a robust design.

However, changes within the postal and shipping industry have seen POS terminals advance and communication methods improve. So the factory has brought the range into line with modern requirements by adding USB HID and USB VCP ports to many of the models as standard. The NCI 7800 series scales have also been re-branded with the Avery Weigh-Tronix overlay design which now resembles the Avery Weigh-Tronix family branding that you may have noticed on some of their newest indicators for example.

Please note that we ship our NCI scales straight from the factory, so you even if our part numbers on the website are old, you will receive the brand new stock direct from the Avery Weigh-Tronix scale factory in Minnesota.

nci shipping scales by Avery Weigh-Tronix

Current Part Number Description New Part Number
7300-16577-01 Kit, Remote Display 6 Digit 7′ AWT05-508631
7300-16864-01 Kit, Remote DSPL 6DIG 1′ POST AWT05-508632
9503-16444 7815 BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508634
9503-16645 7815 BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508635
9503-17293 7815R BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508636
9503-17294 7815R BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508637
9503-16504 7820 BASE ASSY 12×14 100lb AWT05-508638
9503-16509 7820 BASE ASSY 12×14 100lb AWT05-508639
9503-16505 7820 BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508640
9503-16510 7820 BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508641
9503-17229 7820R BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508642
9503-17230 7820R BASE ASSY 12×14 150lb AWT05-508643
9503-16249 7821 BASE ASSY 12×14 200lb AWT05-508644
9503-15796 7824 BASE ASSY 12×14 250lb AWT05-508645
9503-15798 7824 BASE ASSY 24×24 250lb AWT05-508646
9503-15797 7824 BASE ASSY 24×24 300lb AWT05-508647
9503-15799 7824 BASE ASSY 24×24 300lb AWT05-508648
9503-16278 7829 BASE ASSY 20×20 250lb AWT05-508649
9503-16279 7829 BASE ASSY 20×20 250lb AWT05-508650
9503-15791 7840 BASE ASSY 18×24 250lb AWT05-508651
9503-15793 7840 BASE ASSY 18×24 250lb AWT05-508652
9503-16934 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 100lb AWT05-508653
9503-16935 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 100lb AWT05-508654
9503-16936 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 150lb AWT05-508655
9503-16937 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 150lb AWT05-508656
9503-16938 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 250lb AWT05-508657
9503-16939 7880 BASE ASSY 18×18 250lb AWT05-508658
9503-16679 7885 BASE ASSY 18×18 150lb AWT05-508659
9503-16680 7885 BASE ASSY 18×18 150lb AWT05-508660

Our range of electronic postal scales, available from Central Carolina Scale are extremely accurate, developed together with high volume shippers, and designed for use in a range of environments, from retail counters to back office systems. Most are highly connective, able to integrate into existing POS and data systems.

These scales can stand up to a busy day in the post office or mail room, day after day, and still accurate enough to display small differences in box weight. The postal scale range features easy to use operator displays, for error free, rapid customer service. Our extensive range of industrial products applicable to the postal logistics industry that can enhance your productivity and increase your company profitability. Contact us if you have any questions. (919) 776-7737 or visit our website and complete the request for quote/information form.

Rice Lake Roughdeck Floor Scales Are Built in America & Designed For Industrial Environments

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Scale Man

Roughdeck floor scales manufactured by Rice Lake Weighing Systems in Wisconsin are simply the strongest and most accurate floor scales available. These Made in USA heavy-duty scales are built tough from start to finish and lives up to its name with a superior structural design which has proven so durable that each Roughdeck carries a full five-year warranty on the deck structure.

Roughdeck floor scale design separates itself from other floor scales by minimizing deck deflection and other forces that could damage load cells. This provides greater accuracy and repeatability with every weighment. These floor scales can also be made in any custom size, shape, or capacity to meet unique needs. Rice Lake uses an intense cleaning process to remove all foreign materials and residue before painting to ensure proper paint bonding. Thick coats of paint are applied adding to each scales industry leading durability.

Stainless steel decks are abrasive blasted for a clean finish suitable for corrosive, chemical or washed down environments. Included with all models the rugged stainless steel Toughseal junction boxes are specifically designed to protect sensitive circuitry. Adjustable stainless steel Surefoot support feet decrease extraneous forces on the load cells resulting in superior accuracy and repeatability.

All Roughdeck models have threaded holes in the deck. This allows for the installation of eyebolts for use when lifting the scale with chains or using a spreader bar during installation or when servicing. All assembled Roughdeck scales are delivered with the junction box corner trimmed which equalizes load cell output. Standard or customized; the Roughdeck series is available in low profile, stationary, and portable versions and offers component interchangeability and alternative construction materials to meet specific industrial requirements.

From basic shipping and receiving, to highly corrosive or washed down environments. Rice Lake has a Roughdeck to meet any need. From weighing pallets, steel coils, truck axles, and even people or animals – Rice Lake floor scales carry the durable reputation and strength of the Roughdeck name. Durability and performance to last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a reliable weighing solution that is built tough and designed to last, please give us a call at (919) 776-7737 or fill out the request a quote form on our website.

Virginia Man Reels in Fish Weight Record Catch

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Scale Man

Since we offer so many great fishing scales for clubs and tournaments we thought it might be interesting to our readers to share a story. You may have already heard about it but there was a record catch that was made recently on the North Carolina coast. Neil Manning of Ashburn, Virginia, reeled in a 138-pound fish Nov. 16 while fishing off Hatteras. The fish measured 85 inches from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork in the tail. At one time you could see all the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing records on a site we had linked here but it is no longer valid.

Some of the fish you’ll see listed in the North Carolina records link above include: Albacore, Amberjack, Barracuda, Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Cobia, Croaker, Dolphin, Drum, Flounder, Grouper, Hogfish, Kingfish, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Perch, Pigfish, Pinfish, Sailfish, Scamp, Blue Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Lemon Shark, Tiger Shark, Snapper, Spadefish, Spearfish, Swordfish, Tarpon, Triggerfish, Trout, Tuna and Wahoo.

Getting back to the original point of the post, the previous state record for white marlin was 118 pounds, 8 ounces, caught off the coast of North Carolina’s Oregon Inlet in 1976. In case you’re curious, the all time record world wide for white marlin was done in Brazil and weighed over 180 pounds.

digital hanging scale for weighing fish caught in ocean

Most of our scale systems that we sell on a regular basis to fishing clubs and tournaments are lower capacity models designed for weighing small mouth bass for example. Our standard capacity is usually around 50 pounds and the scale has an actual platform that is usually around 12″ x 12″. However, in order to weigh some of the larger saltwater fish that are mentioned in the article above, we would typically recommend some type of digital hanging scale. We have a variety to choose from and likewise several price points are available as well. You can contact us M-F 8-4:30 at (919) 776-7737