CE categories

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Hi, there. Either I'm doing it wrong (VERY likely!) or I'm not entering the right criteria. What I'm trying to search for here are posts about boat ratings ie A,B,C etc re their abilities in terms of wind speeds, wave height and so forth. I have seen posts about this on these forums but try as I might, I can't seem to find them. Any ideas please?

 

[stevebrassett]

Try "yacht rcd categories"

 

[Skyva_2]

Possibly:

http://www.rya.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/43D83922-ED3E-4D5D-BBCF-6A14AA352EFA/0/StabilityIntro.pdf

and http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19961353_en_2.htm

 

[Norman_E]

RCD categories appear to be based on fairly crude stability tests. Category A (Ocean) is supposed to certify that the boat is suitable for unlimited ocean voyages. Some mass market manufacturers contrive to get their 30 footers to qualify, even though the boats appear anything but suitable for really heavy conditions, having shallow flat sectioned hulls, fin keels and spade rudders. There are some older boats which may never have been classified which would be much more suitable. I don't know if the Vancouver 27 or 28 (for example) have an RCD classification, but they would be far more suitable for long distance passage making than any of the modern mass market boats of 30-32 feet, even with their "A" ratings.
In my view the whole Recreational Craft Directive is actually there to provide an effective piece of protectionism for Europe, rather than say anything meaningful about yacht safety or suitability.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

OO, ta everyone, some usefull info there.