Re-measuring of boats after alterations

[Ken]

I understand we need to have our boats re weighed if we want to take out correctors, but how the heck can you get away with altering the boats construction by changing/replacing the side decks, and or re-decking the whole boat without having it re-measured ? something must be wrong here.
The measurement form/rules have so many measurements which must be met whilst the boat is under construction, but if we decide at a later date to re work/replace some of these areas there seems to be nothing in place to have it re-measured ? or even reweighed.
Or have I got it wrong. You guys in the know should be able to answer this one.

[Bob Bourne]

Hi Ken,

I guess Rules 4.5 and 5.5 are relevant here.
(The Owners responsibility for the boat to comply, and any alterations shall comply to the current Rules, and not those in force when the boat was originally built).
Any major alterations I think need (at the least) checking over by a measurer, but it is the owners responsibility for the boat to comply. Minor repairs and alterations are, I’d say, alright provided they comply. I’ll leave it to others to define what ‘minor’ means…….!

All this should mean that if your boat is checked over at a major event and is found to be ‘out’, then it’s your fault and not someone else, or a conspiracy against you, cooked up by your competitors. Oops….

Bob

[Ken]

Good reply Bob, I agree and I think it should be checked by a measurer. We need to be a bit careful with this rule. Boats could have a certificate from the original build, but could be reworked and with all the best intentions to comply, but the boat might not actually measure. Not very good if you end up buying a second hand boat thinking it does comply. I at least think major rework should be recorded on the certificate. At least the new owner will know the boat has had work undertaken. I would have thought new side decks, re-decking etc constitute major rework. If nothing else the boat should undertake re-weighing and a quick visual by a measurer. Regards Ken.

[Bob Bourne]

Ken,

I couldn’t agree more.
With any major work such as a re-decking for instance, it’s quite easy to distort the original shape, especially if a bulkhead is added or replaced/moved. So if you have any doubts about the results it would be good policy to get it checked, and I also agree that it would be good to have a note on the Measurement Cert., as proof. But there again, it only refers to one point in time. Later on who knows what’s gone on.
The fall – back position in the Rules is that it the owners responsibility that his boat measures at all times when racing.
Thinking about that, we all bear a responsibility to talk things over if we see something ‘suspect’ (no one wants his boat to be binned), and ultimately we are all on the same side in wanting to sail fair.

Cheers, Bob.

[davecooper]

Hey, it isn’t the measurer’s job to police the class rules! The measurer’s job is to measure boats. The measurement form goes to the National Authority (that’s the RYA for us), and if they like what they see they issue a certificate. After that, it’s the owner’s responsibility to keep his/her boat legal – the class rules are completely clear on that.
Dave

[Bob Bourne]

Hello Dave,

that’s quite right, ultimately it’s the owners responsibility.
I was just thinking that we could be helping each other out with our compliance re. the rules, by talking things over if we see something ‘debateable’ on a boat. We are our own ‘referees’ in a lot of ways in sailing, so it’s a good thing, and a measurers views on it would be very welcome when deciding whether a boat should be re-measured or not.
This would be really helpful to the newer members with little experience with the Class Rules, which to can be very confusing.
Please, if anyone sees something dodgy on my boat, for goodness sake let me know, I don’t want to get binned from a event and have to apologise to everyone, drop the races I’ve done, and then spend valuable time putting it right.!

Cheers, Bob.

[davecooper]

Well I don’t actually agree! There’s stuff going on all the time that isn’t class legal, but I wouldn’t say anything (and I think that goes for most sailors) because I don’t think it’s affecting the result. Here’s a for instance: rule 16.5 says you can only use electronics for timing and to indicate current compass heading, so anyone taking a phone or a gopro afloat would be doomed in a protest! Plenty of gopros out there but no-one’s going noticeably faster as a result, so no prob as far as I’m concerned .
Dave

[Ken]

Dave, Interesting reply from a class measurer.
Thanks Bob, I now have a full understanding of the rules associated with re-measuring and the undertaking Major Work. For me the thread is closed.
Now where can I buy a Go Faster Phone.

[davecooper]

Oh, probably your current phone will do it, Ken, if it’s an android phone with gps – all you need to do is download a gps speedometer app and you can use it as a speedpuck – see the results of sail trim in real time!
(Hopefully everyone will object to that!)
Dave

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