In the United States, boats are required to conform to one or more sets of standards. The United States Coast Guard has issued minimal standards influencing the design of fuel and ignition systems and requiring that boats up to 20 feet long be able to float level even when totally swamped.
In addition, all boats made in the United States must have a hull identification number permanently affixed to the boat. Boatbuilders self-certify that their boats meet these requirements and must install capacity and data plates reflecting the certification.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is another agency issuing standards for boatbuilders. These standards, which are more complex and far-reaching than the Coast Guard’s, are voluntary but have been adopted by the vast majority of production boatbuilders in the United States. Surveyors inspecting a boat for sale or for insurance purposes wil l check for compliance to ABYC standards. It is important, therefore, that boat repairs follow ABYC standards in order to avoid depreciating the value of the boat.
The European Community (CE: Conformité Européene) also has its own standards. More and more of the components made in the United States are receiving CE certification, indicated by the CE marking on the part.
When adding or changing components aboard a boat, be sure that the replacement parts are certified for marine use. In the United States, they should carry the Underwriters Laboratory (Marine UL) label. In Canada, Canadian Standards Authority (CSA) does the certification, and a CE mark indicates that a part is certified by the European Union. This is especially important in the case of electrical components. It is tempting to replace a $300 marine starter motor with a $57 unit from an auto parts store. After all, many boat engines are marinized automobile engines, right? That’s true, and the starter will start the engine.
However, a starter from an auto parts store is not certified to be ignition-protected. Using that starter in a bilge potentially filled with gasoline fumes could result in a large boom, and going up with that boom will be any protection from your boat insurance. If the insurance company can prove you used noncertified parts, you will end up having your insurance cancelled and will potentially be at risk for a lawsuit, especially if someone is injured.
The moral of this story is to pay the extra money for genuine marine parts. If you plan on extensive modifications and upgrades to your boat, become familiar with the standards, especially the ones formulated by the ABYC.
In addition, all boats made in the United States must have a hull identification number permanently affixed to the boat. Boatbuilders self-certify that their boats meet these requirements and must install capacity and data plates reflecting the certification.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is another agency issuing standards for boatbuilders. These standards, which are more complex and far-reaching than the Coast Guard’s, are voluntary but have been adopted by the vast majority of production boatbuilders in the United States. Surveyors inspecting a boat for sale or for insurance purposes wil l check for compliance to ABYC standards. It is important, therefore, that boat repairs follow ABYC standards in order to avoid depreciating the value of the boat.
The European Community (CE: Conformité Européene) also has its own standards. More and more of the components made in the United States are receiving CE certification, indicated by the CE marking on the part.
When adding or changing components aboard a boat, be sure that the replacement parts are certified for marine use. In the United States, they should carry the Underwriters Laboratory (Marine UL) label. In Canada, Canadian Standards Authority (CSA) does the certification, and a CE mark indicates that a part is certified by the European Union. This is especially important in the case of electrical components. It is tempting to replace a $300 marine starter motor with a $57 unit from an auto parts store. After all, many boat engines are marinized automobile engines, right? That’s true, and the starter will start the engine.
However, a starter from an auto parts store is not certified to be ignition-protected. Using that starter in a bilge potentially filled with gasoline fumes could result in a large boom, and going up with that boom will be any protection from your boat insurance. If the insurance company can prove you used noncertified parts, you will end up having your insurance cancelled and will potentially be at risk for a lawsuit, especially if someone is injured.
The moral of this story is to pay the extra money for genuine marine parts. If you plan on extensive modifications and upgrades to your boat, become familiar with the standards, especially the ones formulated by the ABYC.
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