What is the correct size of ensign for your boat???

[saltwater_gypsy]

I am just about to order a new Ensign for the boat but what is the correct size for 43ft. I have seen ludicrously small Ensigns on large boats and vice versa. Is there an etiquette on this matter? Might as well do it right.

 

[Bejasus]

here in the US the recommendations are for a sailboat, 41'-60' - 2.5' x 4'. Which is what we use.
for a power boat, 31'-45' - 2' x 3'.
hope this helps, not sure about UK recommendations.

 

[pyrojames]

Rule of thumb is an inch length per foot of boat, but tending to larger rather than smaller. I'd go for 48x24 inch. Typically burgees are half that.

 

[dt4134]

Is there an optimum size for really irritating the flag etiquette brigade? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Unless your are Dutch, in which case you reverse the rule.... 1' of ensign for every 1" of boat....

 

[pmyatt]

It certainly won't be the correct answer but, if you are anywhere foreign, just long enough not to touch the water.

 

[Refueler]

[ QUOTE ]
It certainly won't be the correct answer but, if you are anywhere foreign, just long enough not to touch the water.

[/ QUOTE ]

Now that sounds the best answer yet. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Wansworth]

When I had a boat(in Spain) on a forty footer the ensign just skimmed the water..about i.5 mtres on the fly.....whilst even the best spanish boats had the smallest ragged cloth permanently affixed to the backstay..in Spain it is a legal requirement to have a flag .My wife recond I over didit as we live in Galicia were they have their own flag..treated equally bad!

 

[BAtoo]

My ensign just misses the water when boat is upright and is somewhat over 1"/1'; never been into the pocket handkerchiefs.

 

[Koeketiene]

Guapa's 44ft - we have a 1.5 yd ensign (sewn!).
The fact it's sewn makes all the difference /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[charles_reed]

depends on if you're Dutch or not....

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

[ QUOTE ]
The fact it's sewn makes all the difference /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Too right....... wouldn't be seen dead with a printed ensign!!!!!!!!

 

[charles_reed]

Galicia

What a lovely damp area of Spain, and probably the best beer in the country, certainly the best cruising.

 

[charles_reed]

I always fly a 6yd blue ensign on my 22' pocket cruiser. I find it increases the respect you receive from officials such as the Port Police and Douanes.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have a 44 foot boat and just put a yard and a half on it. Looks too small!

 

[shmoo]

[ QUOTE ]

I always fly a 6yd blue ensign on my 22' pocket cruiser. I


[/ QUOTE ]

and what reefing arrangements do you use for it, roller or slab?

 

[Refueler]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The fact it's sewn makes all the difference /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Too right....... wouldn't be seen dead with a printed ensign!!!!!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

They used to supply sewn 1yd'rs for lifeboats on ships - so one ship I was on - there was a spare ... that now flies on my weekender - wife reckons it's too faded and scruffy for main boat - that has a bright scruffy printed one ....

Just need 2 more for the other boats now !!

 

[Cliveshep]

Listen you lot, it's got absolutely nothing to do with the size of boat and everything to do with the age of the boat (and the skipper too)! When you struggle up out of the oily bilge on an old mobo after getting the smoky lump to actually start the bigger the ensign the better cos' it's the first and nearest thing you've got to wipe your mitts on before groping SWMBO!

 

[Wunja]

[ QUOTE ]
Unless your are Dutch, in which case you reverse the rule.... 1' of ensign for every 1" of boat....

[/ QUOTE ]

And what is wrong with that?

 

[absit_omen]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Unless your are Dutch, in which case you reverse the rule.... 1' of ensign for every 1" of boat....

[/ QUOTE ]

And what is wrong with that?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nothing. It shows good Dutch economics. You have the big flag so that you can cut off 25mm from the flag as it frays. Your big flag probably lasts ten times as long as our little flags. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Pity the poor French.