what is a class a yacht

Ita Yachts Canada

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Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D

Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D:

Since 1998, Europe (EEC) classifies yachts according to 4 categories A or B or C or D and this is a law. In order to sell a boat in the large territory of the EEC, it must be classified with a plate that mentions its classification and it must be clearly visible inside the boat, usually near the helm.

At first glance, it sounds very good when you hear class A, but what is it really, what are the differences, is it necessary to acquire a class A…

The brokers at ItaYachtsCanada have written an article on this subject in the past ( click here ), but here are the important characteristics to know about the subject.

The classification allows you to know in which kind of sea intensity you can safely venture, that is to say, taking into account the wind and the wave height in reference to the Beaufort index.

(At the end of this text, there is an explanation of the classes according to the Beaufort index).

Let’s say we focus on class A and B, on the major differences.

First of all, the differences are not very visible to the naked eye or it takes a trained eye to see them.

Depending on the type of water you plan to sail and if the weather guides you on each trip, a B class is also a very good choice.

Of course, you must have all the required safety equipment on board.

Ideally, a boater should always sail in rather peaceful conditions, taking into account the weather first. We always say that boating is fun, so stay away from difficult sailing situations. (Ideally, always with a Beaufort index of 6 and less, ideally a Beaufort index of 4 and less).

Many manufacturers have retained the parameters of the B class to build their boats, mainly for reasons of production costs and that boaters in general do not care much about these characteristics.

The problem is how to differentiate between the vast range of B class boats, how to distinguish those that are closer to an A class (B +) from those that are built as (B -).

How to find your way around, especially for a layman…

It is important to know that some manufacturers build their boats with an A approach, but without respecting all the mandatory specifications to be classified A.

Here are some guidelines to quickly see if the manufacturer has done things right.

– Inspect the portholes and closing mechanisms (Plastic or Metal)

– The presence of numerous drains to evacuate water (at the fly and cockpit), it is essential to be able to evacuate any water accumulation quickly.

– Height of the freeboard.

– Engine access hatch, well insulated and secured for water leaks.

– Bilge pumps (number, size and capacity)

– Mechanism to pump water from the engine room massively (e.g. possibility to use the engine water pumps with a joystick)

– The center of gravity of the boat is well balanced (rather low).

Hull joints, a very low center of gravity, excellent weight distribution, electrical system (24 V), are also part of the certification criteria especially for A boats, but difficult to assess for a yachtsman. It is possible, but in a summary way.

The CE classification allows to differentiate yachts according to certain criteria present, we are talking mainly about structural strength, integrity of essential parts of the hull, reliability of propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all other features installed on board to help ensure the essential services of the yacht.

Therefore, it is important to understand that a Class A yacht is built to a much higher standard than a Class B. This is not reflected in the luxurious appearance of the boat.

What you have to remember is that the major enemy for a boat, besides a fire, is water infiltration on board which can destabilize the behavior of the boat, cause a stop of the engines, major electrical problems, in short which can quickly put the boat out of use and/or out of control.

A classification body such as RINA (see list at the end of this text) has been checking the activities of builders and classifying yachts for over 20 years.

If the boat is sold in the European Community, the classification is mandatory and must be visible near the cockpit. This same classification is not present when the boat is intended for North America or very rarely.

Do not hesitate to contact a professional broker, he will be able to guide you according to your needs, your criteria and especially the places of navigation.

As the CE classification is not always displayed when the boat is destined for the North American market, here are some references on this subject based on the most recent data available (subject to change without notice):

P.S. Let’s mention that as a general rule yachts over 80 ft are Class A, but according to the rules in place, the classification is no longer mandatory or mentioned beyond 79 ft.

Class A (yachts over 50 ft):

BEST KNOWN MODELS :

Ferretti 500, 550, 670 and up

Pershing : 7X and up

Azimut 62, 64, 66, 68 Fly and up

Azimut S8 and up

Azimut Magellano : the whole range

Sunseeker Sport yacht 65, Yacht 88 and up

Princess yacht 80 and up (TBC)

Marquis Yachts (no longer in production)

Montecarlo MCY 66 and up

Searay L650

Class B (yachts over 50 ft):

Sunnseeker 52 fly, 55 fly , 66 fly, 68 fly, Sport Yacht 74, 76 Yacht

Azimut 50 fly, 55 fly, 60 fly, S6 and all Atlantis

Princess : all yachts under 70 ft

Princess Y72, Y78 and less

Ferretti 580 fly

All Absolute

All Fairline

All Beneteau & Jeanneau & Monte Carlo 52

All Searay except L650.

All Cruisers Yachts

For more information, here is an article published by the brokers at ItaYachtsCanada, click here .

There is also the dry weight which can help determine a quality yacht.

Don’t hesitate to compare yachts of the same size based on dry weight, you may be surprised.

For example, a 52′ yacht that weighs 30,000 lbs empty compared to another one that weighs 60,000 lbs empty, ask yourself some questions.

But be careful, it is more and more difficult to get the manufacturers’ empty weights. They have understood the importance of being rather vague on the subject or of making comparisons more difficult. Indeed, we are talking about LIGHT WEIGHT, which is difficult to measure.

The manufacturer who has confidence in thier boat will have no difficulty in giving a total warranty of at least 12 months, 24 and even 36 months. Please note the difference here between the manufacturer’s warranty and the dealer’s warranty .

Many European manufacturers sell their boats to dealers in America without a warranty. This means that the dealer assumes the full 12-month warranty out of his profit from the sale. The engine manufacturer, on the other hand, honors its own warranty such as Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, MAN, MTU, Yanmar. For other major components, it will be up to you to take the necessary steps to have the warranty honored, such as for the generator, the air conditioning, the thrusters, etc…

Therefore, acquiring a boat requires a much more specialized expertise than that of a car! Contact ITA Yachts Canada Inc. to speak with a professional and independent broker with experience in the following markets (Canada, United States and Europe whether the boat is new or used).

MORE INFORMATION.

Here is some more information about the classification, what the law in Europe says about it.

Here are some links to help you understand the Beaufort index in direct relation with the classification of yachts sold on the territory of the EEC:

Click here for the TRANSPORT CANADA website

Click here for an article on Wikipedia (more descriptive with photo).

According to the EEC rules, here is the description:

The classification of vessels marked “CE

CE marked vessels are classified into four design categories according to their ability to cope with sea conditions characterized by wind speed and significant wave height. Depending on the type of navigation practiced, the boater must choose a vessel whose design category authorizes such practice.

– Design Category A: Recreational vessels designed for winds that can exceed force 8 (on the Beaufort scale) and for waves that can exceed a significant height of 4 meters, excluding exceptional conditions such as storms, severe storms, tornadoes and extreme sea conditions or huge waves (these conditions exclude force 10 and following).

– Design Category B: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 8 and for waves up to and including 4 meters in significant height.

– Design Category C: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 6 and for waves up to and including two meters in significant height.

– Design Category D: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 4 and for waves up to and including 0.30 meters, with occasional waves up to and including 0.50 meters.

Vessels in each of these design categories shall be designed and constructed to withstand the parameters of each of these categories, with respect to buoyancy, stability and other relevant requirements, and to have good maneuverability characteristics.

The known classification bodies for the EEC:

RINA (Registro Italiano Navale),

BV (Bureau Veritas),

DNV (Det Norske Veritas),

Germanischer Lloyd,

LR (Lloyd’s Register).

Ita Yachts Canada provides the information in this article in good faith but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the status of the data. It is the responsibility of the reader to instruct their agents or experts to verify and validate the information in this article.

Published by Guy Bolduc

View all posts by Guy Bolduc

Category A “Ocean” Certification – What Does It Mean?

MJM made it a primary objective that all MJMs would be certified at the highest level of safety possible… which meant those models under 40 feet are ISO CE Certified Category B Offshore, while the 40z and 50z are Certified ISO CE Certified Category A Ocean. There are no other boats of their type, of any size, achieving this high level of offshore safety. In fact, in the worldwide database of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), we have only identified two other models under 40-feet with this certification, both being heavy displacement trawlers. The former achieves this with a low vertical center of gravity and the latter with massive tonnage. What does ISO Certification mean and how should it affect one’s peace of mind on the water? Let’s take a look at the subject.

When the European Union started in 1998, a Recreational Craft Directive was developed to set design/building standards for recreational boats up to 24 meters (79 feet). New and used boats sold in Europe, including boats built in the U.S. or anywhere else being exported to Europe, had to be certified as complying with one of four design categories for seaworthiness. These categories are based on factors such as the wave height and wind speed a given design is capable of handling, plus hull scantlings/strength and stability.

In essence, the further offshore a vessel is expected to venture, the greater the requirements for the vessel’s construction strength, stability, reserve buoyancy, resistance to flooding, deck drainage, crew safety, and other seaworthiness criteria have to be. Let’s take a look at the four categories.

Category A — Ocean – This is the category with the toughest standards and covers vessels 40’ and over designed to be self-sufficient for extended voyages. It is defined as the “category of boats considered suitable for seas of up to 23 feet (7 meters) significant wave height and winds of Beaufort Force 9 (41-47 knots) or less, but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes.”

Category B — Offshore – These boats are designed to go offshore with the ability to handle winds up to gale force 8 of 40 knots, and seas up to 13 feet (3.96 meters).

The difference between Category A & B is shown in the above graphic, where Mass is tons and AVS is the Angle of Vanishing Stability when the boat goes upside down. Category A boats need to be to the right of and above the blue line and a Category B boats to the right and above the red line.

Category C — Inshore – These boats may venture away from the protected harbors, but within striking distance of home… operating in coastal waters or large bays and lakes with winds up to 27 knots with and significant seas 8 feet (2.44 meters) high.

Category D — Inland or sheltered coastal waters – These are your typical day boats, operating in protected harbors, small lakes and rivers with winds to Force 4 (up to 16 knots) and significant wave heights to 4 feet (1.22 meters).

Now This Is Important

While a builder may claim that a boat is designed to a certain standard, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it ends up being built to it, unless inspected and certified by an IMCI (International Marine Certification Institute) surveyor, AND the builder can show you this plaque affixed to a bulkhead.

Because the number of people in the boat can reduce stability, the plaque shows the max number of people for Category A conditions, which on the 40z is 16. That’s not a USCG limit for liability purposes at all times. That’s just for Category A conditions.

Good story here. When Bob Johnstone was told that the 50z could carry only 2 more people under Category A than the 40z (18 versus 16), he was concerned about losing a 50z sale to a 40z owner who was moving up, because he wanted to be able to take 20 or so friends on the ICW to eat at Coconuts Restaurant near Bahia Mar… and might be concerned about the liability. “No worries,” said the IMCI surveyor, “We can provide the 50z with a ‘B’ rating as well as an ‘A’ rating, showing he can carry 30 people…and if he’s just going down the ICW or close to shore, you can post a ‘C’ rating, too, showing a capacity for 50 people.” Bob thought was going a bit too far and was happy to settle with the following plaque for the 50z.

Impact on Design and Manufacturing?

MJM Yachts is dedicated to producing the safest, strongest and most durable yachts possible. For this reason, while those under 40 feet can only be rated “B,” each of our powerboats is designed and built to exceed small craft structural requirements for ISO Category A Ocean. ISO requirements for strength are based on a design’s top speed and the expected impact to be absorbed by hull bottom and sides, as well as decks, bulkheads, structural grid, and any part of the vessel’s structure. The laminate schedule and materials are then specified to meet such stringent requirements.

ISO standards for polyester or vinylester resin and the 50:50 glass-to-resin ratio are lower than those achieved on MJMs, built by Boston Boatworks. An MJM is built using a wet prepreg epoxy, Kevlar, Eglass and Corecell with a glass-to-resin ratio of 62:38. Epoxy is significantly more expensive, but 25% stronger, unlikely to crack with use, and is water-resistant… which is why epoxy is used to coat the bottom of boats suffering from osmotic blistering. The MJM is built right from the start!

That’s Not All…

ISO CE certification also takes into account engine emissions. In a world where greenhouse emissions are taking their toll on our environment, this is an important point. Meeting strict ISO CE emissions standards is comparable to meeting similar U.S. CARB requirements.

Additionally, sound levels will come into play. Boats are limited to 75 decibels for a single engine and 78 decibels for twin, triple or quad installations from a distance of 25 meters.

Highest Standards for MJM Yachts

MJM meets and exceeds all applicable standards, because ISO CE standards are more stringent than those of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), or National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) which mirror ABYC.

Boats sold in the U.S. do not have to be ISO CE certified… which costs upwards of $20,000 per model. USCG regulations require safety items such as PFDs and flares, carrying capacity for boats under 26 feet (7.93 meters), and level flotation if swamped for boats 20 feet (6.1 meters) and under. ABYC has distributed American versions of ISO CE Standards and Recommendations…but, they are strictly voluntary. Most critically, there are no ABYC design categories to differentiate between boats of different capabilities suitable to differing sea and wind conditions.

NMMA certification in the U.S. requires only about 70% of the ABYC recommended standards. While most U.S. builders follow the ABYC standards, and indeed many exceed those required by the NMMA, they are not mandatory as is the case in Europe with ISO CE mark standards and don’t involve the cost and post-build survey inspection of ISO.

The MJM Category A Ocean certification ensures MJM owners are boating on a stronger, more stable yacht, designed and built to exceed the highest standards in the world. It means having the peace of mind that comes with knowing that should you find yourself in weather and sea conditions outside your prior boating experience, you will be in one of the safest powerboats in the world. At sea, that comfort is the most important form of comfort a yacht can have.

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Pamlico Yachtworks Department: Accounting Position: CFO

Pamlico Yachtworks seeks CFO well-versed in all aspects of financial management ranging from simple accounting to broad investment and banking operations.

Key attributes for candidates:

High-plant-touch orientation
High technical financial, accounting and tax expertise, along with
Exceptional “affability/teaming” attributes, in
Complex, mid-tier manufacturing environments

Employee Duties & Responsibilities

monthly/periodic financial reports and analyses.
projections and budgets
reconciliation with requisite supporting information for accurate presentation of the financial reports.
Oversees the accounting function (accounting, accounts payable and payroll) and billing and collections functions of the organization.
forecasting cash flows and operating results
presenting financial and other information to the leadership team and the Board of Directors.

Requirements and skills

Proven experience as CFO, finance officer or relevant role
In depth knowledge of corporate financial law and risk management practices
Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods
Proficient in the use of MS Office, MS Excel, QuickBooks, ERP and financial management software
CPA is a strong advantage
BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance or relevant field; MSc/MBA is a plus

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Yacht owners guide to Classification Societies

Classification societies (also known as ‘class’ societies) make an important contribution to maritime safety. Their engineers and surveyors, who are experts in the technical aspects of yacht construction and maintenance, have two distinct but related roles.

The first is to research, establish and apply standards for the design, building and maintenance of trading ships and yachts. Known as the ‘rules’ of the society, these standards are highly detailed and technical and cover the strength and integrity of the yacht’s hull, engines and key safety systems, but not aesthetic or operational elements.

The experts’ second role is to perform much of the ‘statutory’ inspection work – required by international conventions – for smaller nations that maintain a registry for flagging yachts, but do not have sufficient expertise of their own.

Occasionally, flag states may insist on a yacht being classed by an approved society, irrespective of size or use

The two roles can overlap. If a flag state’s technical requirements are sufficiently similar to a society’s rules, that society could undertake limited classification and statutory compliance responsibilities during a vessel’s construction, which saves re-inventing the wheel. Further, under the rules of the society, the flag state administration may have to be informed if a yacht falls foul of the rules, which, in turn, may invalidate the flag state’s equipment and safety certificates.

Societies often offer additional consultancy services, going beyond basic classification, during building and refits. It is also possible to have even fairly modest yachts built according to class rules, which are usually higher than those imposed by law and can boost resale value.

Compulsory classifications

Classification is voluntary, unless a flag state requires it, typically by virtue of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

SOLAS demands that certain yachts be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the various requirements of a recognised society, or with the equivalent flag state requirements. This applies to yachts that undertake international passages on any sort of commercial basis, and which carry more than 12 guests, are of at least 500 gross tonnes, or both.

Occasionally, flag states may insist on a yacht being classed by an approved society, irrespective of size or use. In any event, classification is often needed to reassure any banks that hold security on the yacht and would otherwise have no way of ensuring that the asset is not depreciating excessively.

SOLAS demands that certain yachts be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the various requirements of a recognised society

Also, owners of larger yachts may also find it hard to obtain insurance at reasonable rates without classification. For the insurers’ peace of mind, policies commonly insist on the yacht being classed, and maintained ‘in class’, by a society agreed on by the underwriters, with all the experts’ recommendations being carried out as directed. If this is agreed to in the policy but then not adhered to, insurers could walk away without paying a penny in the event of a claim.

In fact, the societies were a product of the fledgling insurance industry. When this new sector was developing at the tables of Mr Lloyd’s coffee house in 18th-century London, it became apparent that the insurers’ knowledge of the ships they insured was less than perfect. As construction methods varied, the vessels were classed according to build quality and condition. The idea worked, and Lloyd’s Register was born. Insurance premiums could at last accurately reflect the risks, with higher build specifications and better maintenance being rewarded with lower premiums. Soon societies were being established around the world.

Today’s classification societies

There are now dozens of organisations worldwide providing classification services but only 13 make up the proudly self-regulating International Association of Classification Societies. Members are independent and non-profit-making and provide services to nearly all the world’s commercial and leisure tonnage. IACS itself also has the capacity to develop rules in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization.

Classification process

The initial process of classification involves assessments of drawing-board designs and attendance throughout construction or conversion. Once a survey has confirmed that these rules have been met, a certificate of classification is issued. This summarises the standards met, the broad intended use of the vessel and whether she should be used only in sheltered waters.

Crucially, the certificate is not an express guarantee of safety or seaworthiness, but merely evidence that the yacht meets certain standards.

Being maintained in class is achieved through regular surveys, which, to simplify matters, are carried out regardless of the yacht’s circumstances. Surveys performed to renew the classification, known as ‘special’ surveys, take place every five years, which can be extended by up to three months if necessary. The examinations can be surprisingly scientific in nature, with various tests conducted to assess the thickness of the hull, possible fractures and other forms of deterioration, as well as the condition of all the principal items of machinery and equipment.

The certificate is not an express guarantee of safety or seaworthiness

An intermediate survey is then carried out three months either side of the third anniversary. On top of this, annual surveys, which need not be so thorough, are conducted three months either side of the anniversary date.

Of course, yachts are often subject to modifications, as the owner’s whims and new regulations dictate. They may also be subject to heavy-weather damage, accidents and neglect. For these reasons, they are also be subject to ad hoc surveys.

Where any survey raises concerns, class can be suspended or withdrawn, depending on the nature of the problem. If it is rectifiable, the surveyor usually makes recommendations, known as ‘conditions of class’. Maintenance of the yacht in class then becomes conditional on the work being carried out.

A yacht may be suspended from class if the owner does not request a survey following an accident causing damage or following repairs or alterations, and will be suspended automatically if any of the regular surveys are overlooked. Class will then be withdrawn altogether following a six-month suspension.

Details of suspensions and withdrawals, and the yachts concerned, are published on the internet for all to see, including insurers.

Legal recourse

Class surveyors have made serious mistakes in the past which have led to large claims. Societies are seen as having deep pockets and their liability cannot be limited by international convention in the same way that an owner’s can.

Where a society provides consultancy services going beyond its conventional remit, it would almost certainly be responsible for its mistakes, subject to the contract terms. However, the courts take a tender view of mistakes made when providing traditional classification services.

Claims against a class society may be an uphill struggle, for the following reasons:

The primary legal responsibility for seaworthiness normally remains with the owner
Societies may specify where a yacht may operate, but they do not specify how she should be operated
The society may have expressly excluded liability where a contractual relationship exists
Surveys tend to involve selected sampling, rather than stem-to-stern inspections, and
A similarly high level of expertise is required to challenge their views. English courts have ruled out societies’ liability towards parties other than the owner. In 1985 a yacht called Morning Watch was sold with a valid classification certificate, but was so corroded that she was unseaworthy and worth considerably less than the buyer had paid. The buyer was unsuccessful in suing the society as the survey had not been requested by, or carried out for, the buyer, even though it had been undertaken with a purchase in mind. Societies could still be liable directly to an owner, however.

Although legal recourses against societies are limited, they have much to contribute to safety and can help maintain a yacht’s value

By contrast, some European courts take a less favourable view, with societies being found liable to third parties, although ‘gross negligence’ must have been displayed.

Where societies undertake work on behalf of flag states, they often benefit from their master’s state immunity. However, European Union legislation provides quality requirements where societies are working in this capacity, and this legislation does entertain the possibility of societies being made liable for gross negligence, but nothing less. Where an owner had failed to disclose something which a society would otherwise be anxious to survey, it is unlikely that the society would be exposed to any liability.

Although legal recourses against societies are limited, they have much to contribute to safety and can help maintain a yacht’s value. Classification should not, therefore, be seen as a pedantic exercise, performed just to keep insurers happy. The process brings to bear an independent and high level of expertise which should reassure present and prospective owners alike.

Benjamin Maltby is an English barrister with consultants MatrixLloyd, providing impartial guidance on all aspects of large yacht purchase, building, ownership and operation.

Originally published: May 2010 .