"Adrian Smith" wrote in message
...
"peter" wrote in message
ups.com...
Graham Frankland wrote:
a good 10-20 year old Hallberg Rassey, Contest, Rival, Westerly, Moody
etc. may have a few blisters but will still be stronger than many brand
new popular EU production line boats are today.

Oh no, here we go again :-)
Nobody mention the 'B' word...

Are we saying that modern EU production line boats are not as strong as
the ones made in 'the good old days' when things was done proper:-)
I'm new here, but if the 'B' word is Beneteau. How strong and what is the
durability of their hulls?
Adrian Smith

Yes and No. What's "done proper" as you put it, depends on the viewpoint
and proposed use. Not everyone (me included) can afford whatever our
lottery dream boat is, be it a HR, Rival Bowman, Pacific Seacraft or
whatever but, for some reason, we always seem to use them as a benchmark
when comparing "affordable" boats costing 75% less.

Under the EC Rules, boats are categorised for a purpose but, don't imagine
that because a boat may meet the stability/righting criteria for "A" Ocean
use, it's build quality is suitable for repeated heavy weather sailing or,
its design is suitable for extended offshore passages.

OTOH for the vast majority on a limited budget who mainly day or weekend
sail in coastal waters and have a two week summer holiday on board with the
kids, they're fine.

Graham.