Type of boats

Rodz47 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2006

This is a newbie's question in addition to the tread started earlier about different type of boats.
Boats built in Europe are built to certain recognized standards (i.e. Lloyds, DNV or others) and certified by inspectors. Many times their certificates state what range of the boat is certified for, such as "no limits" or "coastal cruising", how many sailors she can carry, etc..
In N.A. we use "blue water cruising" or "coastal". My question is who decides or certifies where the boat can go? and how insurance companies approach this problem? I do not want to discuss equipment that a boat is required to carry but boat construction. Is it required to have such certificate when you apply for insurance?
I apologize if such tread was discussed before.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2006

Many boats can be used in a manner that isn't necessarily appropriate for that type of boat. Sailing around the world has been done in boats as small as 11 feet or so...but I wouldn't recommend it.

AFAIK, boats in the US aren't certified as bluewater cruisers or coastal cruiser or any other sailing specific designations. Insurance companies will generally charge higher premiums for sailors that sail bluewater, and less for ones that stay on inland waters.