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jackjb53 · 29-01-2018, 12:15

In doing some research on my boat, I learned that it has a CE rating of AB. I know the European Union requires all boats sold there to be rated according to their suitability for certain endeavors. Those ratings are A, B, C, etc. But why would a boat be rated AB? If an A rating is for more severe usage than a B, wouldn't an A rating be enough? A friend of mine suggested that it may be that the rating changes with load, i.e. if loaded to normal waterline the boat is capable of A conditions, but if loaded till the waterline is submerged, the boat is now only suitable for B conditions? Does anybody know the actual reason? I tried googling but all I got was the explanation of each individual rating, not why a boat might receive a dual rating?

CarstenWL · 29-01-2018, 12:26

... 'normally' the letters are followed by a number (saying how many persons are allowed for the different 'sea areas').

Here is an example for a Jeanneau 64: A12 / B13 / C18 / D20

Regards,

Carsten

**boatman61** · 29-01-2018, 12:28

The A means she is suitable for Ocean with normal designated crew numbers and the B is for Offshore only if more than the recommended number of crew are on board.
So if the number is normally say 6 for Ocean.. 8 would make it only Offshore capable.

Drift Woods · 29-01-2018, 13:36

I just Googled it and came up with this from the Beneteau website. It's ratings for the EU

Category A – Ocean:*covers largely self-sufficient boats designed for extended voyages with winds of over Beaufort Force 8 (over 40 knots), and significant wave heights above 13 feet, but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes.Category B – Offshore:* includes boats operating offshore with winds to 40 knots and significant seas to 13 feet.Category C – Inshore:*is for boats operating in coastal waters and large bays and lakes with winds to Force 6, up to 27 knots, and significant seas 7 feet high.Category D – Inland or sheltered coastal waters:*is for boats in small lakes and rivers with winds to Force 4 and significant wave heights to 18 inches

**StuM** · 29-01-2018, 14:39

As others have said. The rating is all about how the maximum number of people on board in different conditions. There is no such thing as an "AB" rating, regardless of what marketing drone came up with it.

An "A" rated boat will also be B,C and D rated, each with different number of POB.
A "B" rated boat will be C, D rated similarly.
A "C" .....

In all cases, the maximum POB will decrease as the conditions "get worse".

jackjb53 · 30-01-2018, 05:18

Thanks to everyone for your responses. It clarifies my own thinking.

deblen · 30-01-2018, 09:11

Oh great!! No more posts about whose boat is "bluewater" then.
Just look on the sticker. If you don't have a CE sticker,stay within 25 nm of shore.

Len

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...um+-+Emails%29

meirriba · 30-01-2018, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarstenWL

... 'normally' the letters are followed by a number (saying how many persons are allowed for the different 'sea areas').

Here is an example for a Jeanneau 64: A12 / B13 / C18 / D20

Regards,

Carsten

This is the correct answer.
Usually the B is followed by a higher number than A as it allows more persons on board in a less extreme environment.

Orion Jim · 30-01-2018, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by deblen

Oh great!! No more posts about whose boat is "bluewater" then.
Just look on the sticker. If you don't have a CE sticker,stay within 25 nm of shore.

Len

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...um+-+Emails%29

The "CE" designations have only been in force since 1996. There are lots of mature cruisers who are not going to be happy

**boatman61** · 30-01-2018, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

The "CE" designations have only been in force since 1996. There are lots of mature cruisers who are not going to be happy

In the UK only since 1st August 2005.. had I arrived one day earlier I would have been exempt from the process.

Jdege · 30-01-2018, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarstenWL

... 'normally' the letters are followed by a number (saying how many persons are allowed for the different 'sea areas').

Here is an example for a Jeanneau 64: A12 / B13 / C18 / D20

Regards,

Carsten

I would think that the rating would be more about the weight than the number of passengers.

That is, if I decided to travel with my grandfather's anvil collection, I might be riding low enough in the water to want to avoid the high seas, even with a modest crew...

**boatman61** · 30-01-2018, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdege

I would think that the rating would be more about the weight than the number of passengers.

That is, if I decided to travel with my grandfather's anvil collection, I might be riding low enough in the water to want to avoid the high seas, even with a modest crew...

Logic is Not a Brussels strong point..

Rapanui · 31-01-2018, 02:24

Also on the CE plate is the maximum allowable charge load so the calculation for the A, B etc rating includes weight of persons, their stuff, provisions, water along with, fuel, bunk space. So the more anvils you take, the fewer the people! No such rating can ever cover the idiosyncracies of anvil lovers, but it does provide an indication of the boat's capability, but not its desirabilty. Ours is A8, cannot imagine what that would be like offshore on 38ft cat.