A boat for 'high latitudes' needs to be STRONG to be able to survive
the routine heavy weather that is characteristic of the high
latitudes.

Also, for the high Canadian Maritimes (northern Nwfld and Labrador +
Nunavik, etc.) and similar areas the boat should probably have high
freeboard to lessen the chance of a polar bear from easily 'hopping
aboard' when you are anchored ... especially in summer when there is
no ice, the bears are concentrated on the beaches/shorelines and the
bears are 'hungry' and havent eaten much for several months (STRONG
companionway/hatches, etc). :-O