2.4 What is design category?
Design category is an important element of safe boating! It defines the weather and nautical conditions in which it is safe to operate your boat.
Not respecting the design category limitations of your boat can put you and your passengers at risk.
Do not exceed the maximum permitted engine power or number of persons on board.
Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions correspond to the design category of your boat.
Always make sure your boat and your operating skills match the weather and water conditions where you are going to operate.
Design category conditions are specified using maximum wind speed and maximum significant wave height as measurement. A significant wave height refers to the average height of the highest one third of all waves, visually estimated.
For example, design category C conditions are typically encountered in exposed inland waters, estuaries and coastal areas in moderate weather conditions. Design category B conditions are more severe — typically encountered offshore, but also in coastal areas and larger inland waters where sheltered areas are not readily available.
| Description | Category A | Category B | Category C | Category D | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind force | Beaufort force exceeding 8 | Beaufort force 8 or less | Beaufort force 6 or less | Beaufort force 4 or less | ||||
| Significant wave height | >4 m | >13 ft | ≤4 m | ≤13 ft | ≤2 m | ≤6.6 ft | ≤0.3 m | ≤1 ft |
Your boat’s design category is indicated on the builder’s plate. You can also check it from the Technical specification in this manual.
For category B conditions, you can have the maximum number of passengers indicated on the builder’s plate on board.