Built 'to class'

We often see this phrase, but not what it actually means. Some builders will say, CE-A, others Bureau Veritas, others, to Beaufort 10, etc. So when someone just says....to class, how are we supposed to know what they mean?

 

Welcome to the forum Emil,

It generally means that the vessel has been surveyed and witnessed by a class surveyor during the life of the build.

 

Many racing dinghy classes demand that all boats are the same. The thrust of that rule is that we are stressing competition between sailors when all the boats are the same. This is called, among various descriptions as a "one design class".

 

Each Class has a set of rules, regulations and specifications. The surveyor certifies that they are compliant. To know what it means you need to read the class rules. However, there are also other laws and regulations that apply. For example sewage treatment.

 

OK, thanks everybody. So it seems they have to specify what 'class' they're talking about, so one can see specifics. So what does CE-A mean, or bureau Veritas, etc. One Kanter Marine boat advertises ....to Beaufort 10, for example.

 

There are many classification societies around, but a few of them cover over 90% of commercial vessels. You can find them here: International Association of Classification Societies - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies
Classified vessels will have a current inspection certificate detailing what rules they respect.
There are few classified private yachts under 24m, most certified vessels are intended for commercial use. Even if the designers and builders use the relevant class standards, a boat is only classified if the relevant inspections have been done by the society.

CE-A means that a yacht respects the standards imposed by the RCD for the design category A. Recreational Craft Directive - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_Craft_Directive
Bureau Veritas is a classification society. Bureau Veritas - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_Veritas
Beaufort is a wind force scale. Beaufort scale - Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale

 

But……built to class like Lloyds, ABS or Bureau Veritas….the plans are approved and then the build is inspected at different stages to make sure it’s built per the drawings……CE just means the design meets the standard…there can be spot inspections but nothing says boat ‘x’ is actually built to the design.

 

The survey will say if the ship was built as designed, or will indicate "as built" on modifications.

 

Thanks. So let's say a guy has a preferred class, if having a custom boat built, you could just tell them which to follow. You, I guess you could specify your intended use, and they build accordingly, right?

 

They would build to the design. You would specify your needs to the Naval Architect. Depending on where and how you will use it for, the country of registration will require a specific class.