Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) Categories

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Most planing hulled boats from UK manufacturers seem to be plated Cat B under the RCD for offshore use upto 4m significant wave ht and upto F8 wind. My current Ferretti is plated Cat A for ocean use over 4m significant wave ht and over F8
The Ferretti is chunkily built but I would'nt feel safer in it in gale force conditions than in any other well built boat from Fairline or Princess or whoever. So does anyone know what structural or stability characteristics would allow Ferretti to plate their boats Cat A or is this just a case of the UK manufacturers being more cautious?

 

[jimg]

My understanding that the directive is actually very detailed about the construction and safety features of the boat and if all the requirements are met then it can be classified as suitable for particular sea conditions.?

 

[Divemaster1]

Think it also have something to do with the fitting out ... Pumps (incl emergency), Swan Necks above waterlevel, Non-return valves on all hull thrugh fittings, height of railing etc. Not just construction and stability.

Our 20 something year old (Italian built) 45 footer was inspected and certified every three years (last one in 2003, so due again) to CAT A.... but she is built like a ....... brickhouse and draws 1,45 M on V hull and another 20 cm with props and rudders ... not the lightest one, but very sturdy at sea...

 

[Nautical]

Not quite what it seems. Italian's made a cock up when submitting their paperwork for compliance and passing it into law. Some smart arse left out certain elements that refer to qualification into RCD B so typical of our Italian friends did some jiggery pokery and passed another law mitigating some of the directive parts which allows with a few minor changes nearly everything to qualify for RCD A if you want. The difference between Italian RCD B & A is negligable. If you want ocean going built in Italy you have to enter into the realms of RINA or Lloyds certification.

 

[TonyJones]

As a builder, if you can persuade a Notified Body to certify your 21ft open boat as Cat A, you can label it as such. Now, which country are we talking about?