Definition of C-Worthy

[dogon dory]

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

[CAVU]

Probably not what you had in mind-but I have always felt that "seaworthy" has a lot more to do with the skipper than the boat. When things go south it is usually "pilot error."

[KenMcC]

Great subject, but one that can't be covered by a single definition. The Titanic was certainly seaworthy, but the skipper was not worthy of the seas in which he was sailing.

A C-Dory is certainly seaworthy, under the conditions that a reasonable and prudent skipper would take her out in the open seas.

Each ship or boat is designed to meet a particular set of needs, and every boat is a compromise of one kind or another. In some cases, seaworthiness is compromised for speed, in others, speed is compromised for stability, and so forth.

There are degrees of seaworthiness, from huge ocean-going vessels to Coast Guard surf boats to C-Dory Cruisers. The worthiness of the skipper determines whether the boat will be taken beyond its capabilities. And that can often be challenged by unexpected conditions.

No arguments, just no simple single line definition.

A one-liner that might meet your needs is "A vessel that will remain afloat and upright, with all its occupants safe, under any condition that ever has been or ever will be presented by the sea".

Ken

[Captains Cat]

[flagold]

I tend to look at boats as I do at aircraft and seaworthy is simply fit to meet the conditions for the given trip (capt., crew, and boat).

[thataway]

A cork or a barrel is exteremely "Seaworthy".

I would add to the defination, "keep the occupants in safety under the worst conditions to be encounted on a voyage".

The C Dory line, are much like corks. They continue to float on top of the water, instead of burying as many boats do. But, they could capsize or be flooded in extreme conditions of breaking waves. They are of limited range.

Very definately the skill of the skipper will have an influence on the outcome of any voyage, but even the most skilled boater would have a very tough time in an open bow rider, or aluminum fishing skiff with 8 to 10 foot breaking seas at frequent intervals, and 50 knots of wind.

[rogerbum]

[dogon dory]

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

[1TUBERIDER]

Hi Brats

I believe we can all identify an unseaworthy vessel. If can show signs of neglect, lack of care or just bad design. Cdory vessels can also be unseaworthy if not maintained.

A seaworthy vessel will be reliable. You have done your maintenance and checked systems. Reducing the chances of being dead in the water is part of being seaworthy.

A seaworthy vessel still has limits. The coast guard 25 ft safe boat has operating limits of seas under 6 ft, winds under 25 knts and the vessel you assist under 28 ft. Even the larger CG vessels have operating limits and it is a no go if conditions exceed the limits.

So seaworthy vessels should have limits. Skippers skills can override the limits but the limits should be recognized. Conditions change and the next thing you know is that you might be in more than you want to be.

Don't forget about your crew. They also have limits. As skipper I make sure their comfort is my main concern and I will abort a mission to take care of my crew.

Living in a small coastal community I have seen plenty of unseaworthy vessels and folks still take them out. They just go because the fish are biting. I have assisted many distressed vessels. I enjoy helping others. but if I assist someone in an unseaworthy vessel, we talk about it on the long tow back plus I will have them inspected when I dock them.

I see seaworthy vessels in all sizes 14ft and up. They just all have different limits.

Safe boating

1tuberider

[Jack in Alaska]

I totally agree with Roger.
My experience is that I have never been scared on my boat. Concerned and extra careful for sure but not scared. My wife and a few passengers have been but I believe they were more uncomfortable than scared. They always go out again with me.
I never leave shore w/o full fuel tanks, in rough weather, if the forecast is not good or if there is ANYTHING questionable as to working condition.
Unexpected weather has come up while out but keeping a cool head, having the previous knowledge to deal with it and having a CD which in my opinion is an extremely safe and good performing boat is a wonderful thing to have.

Jack in Alaska but wintering in Az.(>:

[Capn Jack]

My wife put a framing on the wall of my den to remind me;

A Superior Sailor Is Best Defined As One
Who Uses His Superior Judgement To Keep
Out Of Situations Requiring The Use Of His
Superior Skills.

In her words, "Boating should be fun, not terrifying".

[Not For Hire]

I am not sure of the phrase's origin but I have always liked the term "well found vessel." As in "I saw the prettiest little boat at the docks the other day, she was blue and white and a well found vessel." I think the phrase implies some seaworthiness, some upkeep, some suitability for the area, some proper outfitting, etc.

Calling my boat a well found vessel is good for free coffee, at least.

Regards,

Mark

[matt_unique]

[ccflyer]

Flagold makes an interesting comparison - what makes an airplane "airworthy"?

The simple answer is whether you can use the "vehicle" - boat or plane - under normal conditions, without greatly risking life or limb. But unlike with boats, airplanes further refine the definition for apporpriate use such as their ability to deal with adverse conditions like iceing.

[tpbrady]

When I was flying small planes, the phrase went something like this:

"A crash is an event that occurs when a pilot runs out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas all at the same time."

I would define a sinking as when the boat and skipper become unseaworthy at the same time. I suspect as in airplanes, it's never a single event that makes both the skipper and boat unseaworthy at the same time, but a chain of events that results in a boat on the bottom.

The last sinking I was involved in certainly showed this:

a. The hull was a salmon skiff used for more than 20 years on the beaches of the Cook Inlet.
b. It was modified with a windshield and other parts not to mention two 115 HP four strokes.
c. The hull had never been inspected closely
d. The bilge pump didn't work and they knew it.

A boat that weathered 4-6 seas to get to where they were anchored sank on calm night in 25 feet of water because the bilge pump didn't work while the skipper was sleeping in a tent on the beach.

It could have been a cracked weld or a bad drain plug or maybe even the rain through the night. All they know is the boat was on the bottom when they woke up.