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On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 14:35:20 GMT, (Mic) wrote:

Much discussion deleted:

My point was the the generalization of average winds applies to very
little when considering how strong something has to be.

Good point, but to then figure that it has to be bullit proof is it
reasonable for it to be built to withstand what max force? Where do
you draw the line? That is my point.

Some years ago I was part of the team that designed and built several
oil production barges for use in the Java Sea. The design criteria for
the anchoring system was the "hundred year wave", i.e., the highest
recorded wave in the past 100 years.

Granted that was a design for a commercial vessel but when it comes to
boats I can't see much difference in pleasure boats and commercial
vessels. The highest wind I have personally encountered was in a
"Sumatra" which is a line squall common to the Malacca Straits region,
where winds exceeded 60 MPH.

As far as bimini design it might be noted that when the Sumatra hit
(at night) I had about 10 minutes warning during which the wind went
from approximately 7 MPH to 60+. I doubt that a PVC bimini wuold have
stayed with the boat -- at least in its original form.

Cheers,

Anon
)