2008 Hunter 25 CE Calssification

[Sailavie1]

My 2008 H25 came with a brochure from Hunter Marine that indicates a CE Classification of “C”. The specifications currently listed on the Marlow-Hunter site show this model as Class “D”. Would anyone know if the classification of this boat was originally “C” then changed to “D” or vice versa? The description of each classification is as follows:
Category C – Inshore Voyages on coastal waters, large lakes, bays estuaries, or rivers, where wind force of up to force 6 on the Beaufort scale and significant wave heights of up to 2 meters may be experienced.
Category D – Sheltered waters. Designed for voyages on sheltered inland waterways, including lakes, rivers and canals, where wind force 4 and significant wave height of 0.5 meters may be experienced.
Thanks
Andre

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I thought it was a class C to satisfy the european market criteria. Not sure why it is showing a D rating. However, class D would be more appropiate.

Crazy dave condon

 

[Jackdaw]

My understanding is that a manufacture tests for a particular level, and if it passes they claim that. Marlowe may have wanted to back down from the C level for any number of reasons. They may have also changed the boat in some way that warranted that, but I doubt it.

It can also happen the other way. The first year my Beneteau First 260 was available, it was tested at C and passed, so Class C. The next year they tested it at B and it passed there, so from then on (till now) it is a Class B boat.

 

[Bosman]

As a note, TES 24 available in Canada is offered in both CE C and B categories. The main difference between the two (so I was told) is the diameters of stays, hardware used and type of roller installed. There are also some minor differences in hardware between the two.

 

[Jackdaw]

As a note, TES 24 available in Canada is offered in both CE C and B categories. The main difference between the two (so I was told) is the diameters of stays, hardware used and type of roller installed. There are also some minor differences in hardware between the two.

Bosman, I thought this subject might get your attention! ;-)

That's very interesting what they told you about the b and c ratings. Can you get more details from them? My reading of the ISO spec shows the difference solely based on stability/hullform factors, with nothing at all about rigging size or strength.

FYI for all, the ISO rating spec is here:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/955501/ISO 12217-2.pdf

 

[Bosman]

Jackdaw, you were correct I will take a closer looks at the pdf as it appears to be a rather long read. I did not realise there are so many aspects involved. While I can understand change in the diameter of stays (significantly more movement of the boat on the waves), its mounting hardware and other elements supporting the spar, I highly doubt increase in the internal ballast other than bulb keel installation as on photo below (TES 720). Or perhaps it was the keel for the CE B classification? I will have to find that info which I do not have here with me at work. I apologise for getting off topic here.

What surprises me for many smaller boats in North America is the lack of stability curves. As a potential buyer I would like to know what to expect from a boat, ie, is it going to be fairly soft until stiffens at certain angle of heel, or is a boat going to be fairly stiff right from the start? This would be fairly important for newcomers or new sailors and give them an idea on how to handle a boat they have.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Designe will vary for the trailerable sailboats as one main criteria is for trailerability. If you have a standard keel boat, not only is it very difficult to get on and off a trailer but long ramps which to launch from are very few. In addition when towing, there are the issues of getting the boat onto the trailer and of course windage. At the same time, there is less cost in production for trailerables. Then there is the aspect for creature comforts. They were not meant to be ocean going boats either.

 

[Jackdaw]

What surprises me for many smaller boats in North America is the lack of stability curves. As a potential buyer I would like to know what to expect from a boat, ie, is it going to be fairly soft until stiffens at certain angle of heel, or is a boat going to be fairly stiff right from the start? This would be fairly important for newcomers or new sailors and give them an idea on how to handle a boat they have.

If you look at the ISO document, you will see there are 8 'suites' of tests that can be used to determine the classification. For a A or B rating, you MUST use the suite that uses the calculated stability index and AVS (Angle of Vanishing Stability) data. This test is optional on C and D ratings, and most smaller builders of C and D boats will use the suites that use a simple physical test.

Remember this test is only needed in the EU, and if a boat has no pretense of being sold there, they will not make the effort.

Most modern designers use modeling software that can calculate these tables automatically, along with theoretical boatspeed tables (polars). As for why they are not shared (assuming they exist) is that most entry-level sailors would not know how to interpret them, thus the need for the A-B-C-D classification in the first place. And for most, stepping on a boat will validate what your eye told you about a boats stiffness.

PS - I think this on topic!

 

[Bosman]

Here is the information I mentioned I will get. With regards to the construction differences between C and B categories for TES 24:
- C - only boat does not have some of the internal structural reinforcements
- C - only boat has smaller diameter stays and some deck hardware is different

- B/C boat has reinforced hull by means of structural changes made during the production process
- B/C boat has larger diameter stays and different deck hardware
- B/C boat has category B for crew of 4. If total number of crew is higher than 4, then boat automatically dials back to C category
- there is no difference in internal ballast weight between the boats