[tjr3c]

http://www.ays.com/certification.htm

http://www.thehullcompany.com/newyachts.htm

Jeff and Whoosh,
I do understand what you are trying to say. I have visited the website you refer to. It appears to be a bad translation of something that is peripherially related to our discussion and goes on and on , page after page. I simply do not agree with your position and the run -on web-site did not help. It almost seems to be someones private analysis of what they think CE means. It looks like a legislative draft, not meant for prime time. It is a pity that you put all your eggs in that deplorable basket. You seem to be saying that the International CE rating system is a sham rating system. I understand that you disagree with their ratings (unless they apply to boats you like). I refuse to accept that you two guys somehow have become your own international rating Association with no credentials and no formal testing of the boats you so hate to admit- are good boats. Your credibility evaporates when you assert that Hallberg- Rassy, Gib’Sea, Island Packet, Catalina are not seaworthy. That is essentially what you are saying when you discount the CE-A rating. Many boat manufacturers are proud of the CE rating along with the other Certifications that are available, such as ABYC and NMMA. Catalina of couse, has been certified by all of the above. Apparently the only certification Catalina has not achieved, is the personal opinion of Jeff and Whoosh. I understand that you opine that the 350 is a fat, interior designed boat. It also passes international and national muster as an ocean rated vehicle. Catalina manages to do it without misleading the public too. I will allow Jeff to retract his earlier statement that all Hunters over 30’ were CE -A rated. I went to Hunter’s website and found that the Hunter 306 was CE -B rated. Jeff quickly adjusted saying that the Hunter 306 is really under 30 feet. I can’t subscribe to the Jeff/Whoosh system of rating boats on personal opinion and manufacturer lies, (like the Hunter 306). Instead, I prefer to rely on National and International agencies like the CE rating, ABYC, and NMMA. You can continue to operate under the “Ostrich Manuever” if you like. Bury your heads in the sand, and pretend that national and international boat rating standards don’t exist, and that the only rating system worthy of belief, is the Jeff/Whoosh system of personal opinion, personal bias, and total ignorance of international and national ratings. I ain’t buying what you are selling. It just doesn’t hold water. In light of recent discussions and discoveries, let me ask you the follwing question. Based on what we now know about national and international ratings, manufacturer hype, and advertising, which boat would you rather take across the Atlantic, a Catlaina 350 (with its CE-A rating) or a Hunter 306 (with its CE-B rating)? Would you also choose the Hunter 306 over an Island Packet and a Hallberg -Rassy? If so, you are hoplessly close-minded and in need of brain transplants. As I understand it, Hunter and Jeff claimed that all Hunters over 30’ were CE-A rated, only to find that Hunter falsely advertises that the 306 is really not 30’ 6”, but actually closer to 29’. When I buy a boat, I want to know that its dimensions are as advertised. Obviously 306 means something to buyers. I wonder how many buyers actually thought they were getting a 30’ 6” boat that was CE-A rated. You can poo-poo the CE rating but at least it is something that a buyer has to set basic parameters. Otherwise, all prospective boaters will have to contact you two experts. I doubt that would work and I doubt that your advice (based on the propaganda espoused thus far) would be reliable. Check out the websites at the top of this posting to gain further information about rating systems.