Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but
the purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to
trace their old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to
those which:

[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean
liners or oil tankers!)

and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they
owned 20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).

Any help much appreciated.

TIA

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff wrote:

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

I guess engine/chassis numbers would be rather more important.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

All of the above, plus name. The problem is that not all boats
are registered, and unless fairly recent, may well not have serial
numbers, so can be impossible to identify with certainty.

What is the purpose of your database? Being able to prove age
and history of location (in order, for example, to prove VAT
status), being able to recover stolen vessels, or just vague
general interest?

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Outgoing mail certified virus-free,scanned by Norton AV2002.
"Grunff" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but
the purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to
trace their old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to
those which:

[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean
liners or oil tankers!)

and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they
owned 20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).

Any help much appreciated.

TIA

--
Grunff

Boats have names, unlike cars, so if I were to want to trace a
previously-owned boat, I would want to know 1) power or sail, 2) builder, 3)
type and size, 4) Present and past names of vessel, 5) Present owner's name
and contact details.

--

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Ronald Raygun wrote:

I guess engine/chassis numbers would be rather more important.

This is a general interest database, a little like Friends
Reunited but for cars and boats. It's very unlikely that someone
wanting to trace a car they owned 20 years ago would have a
record of the VIN (chassis number), which is why it's omitted.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Dennis Pogson wrote:

Boats have names, unlike cars, so if I were to want to trace a
previously-owned boat, I would want to know 1) power or sail, 2) builder, 3)
type and size, 4) Present and past names of vessel, 5) Present owner's name
and contact details.

Thanks, that's very useful. A couple of Qs:

Type - is there a list of boat 'types', or would that list be so
diverse as to be useless?

Size - AM I right that boat size is always in feet?

Thanks.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff writes:

Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to allow
users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.


The database will hold information that allows the identification of
the car/boat.


So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year of
manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's life.


Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help. I need
to build up a list of important parameters than can be used to
identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.


I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but the
purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to trace their
old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to those which:


[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean liners or
oil tankers!)


and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they owned
20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).


Any help much appreciated.

Any sailing boat which has ever been raced (and quite a lot which
haven't) are likely to have a sail marking and a sail number. They are
likely to keep the same sail number for the whole of their lives (with
some rare exceptions - I believe in a few mass production dinghies the
sail number is the serial number of the _sail_, not an identifying
number of the _boat_). Note that there are very many classes, and each
class will issue numbers independently, so knowing the sail number is
not enough - you need to know the class as well (which is often but
not always indicated by a marking or logo on the sail). So you'd need
to record 'class' and 'sail number'. The sail number is alphanumeric,
not just digits - international classes will have the number prefixed
by some letters indicating the country of issue.

Most boats have a builders mark or plate somewhere; often this will
include a date or serial number. However, not all do.

Boats, unlike cars, are frequently repainted during their lifetimes,
so colour is not a good identifier.

Some boats are registered. However, the normal registry for small
private boats in the United Kingdom, the Small Ships Register, does
not as I understand it issue numbers for the lifetime of the vessel,
so the SSR number of a boat may change over its life.

The radio callsign and MMSI ('Marine Mobile Service Identifier')
number should not change provided the boat continues to be licensed to
carry a radio - but not all boats are.

Over all length, beam (width) and displacement (weight) are unlikely
to change in the lifetime of a boat, although, of course, some do get
modified.

Sorry this isn't more helpful!

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; If you're doing this for fun, do what seems fun. If you're
;; doing it for money, stop now.
;; Rainer Deyke

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

1) Category (sail, motor, motorsailer, trawler, etc,)
2) Brand
3) Model/Year
4) Registration or documentation number
5) Insurance claims
6) Number of previous owners



"Grunff" wrote in message ...
Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but
the purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to
trace their old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to
those which:

[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean
liners or oil tankers!)

and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they
owned 20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).

Any help much appreciated.

TIA

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

You may need more than your 6 criteria.

1^st is it a powerboat with or without accommodation (this covers water
ski boats etc), or is it a sailboat with accommodation (yacht) or
without Dinghy. (Yes I would be curious to know if my Mirror sail No 530
is still around 43 years after it was built).

The next two criteria is builder/manufacturer and their model. Some
boats were built by more than one yard (505 dinghy was built by Parker
boats, Ronda boats and others). However a Moody 41 or a Moody any thing
else will only be built by Moody

Size can be in feet or meters

The style of Rig maybe a good criterion to have (Bermudan Sloop, Cutter,
Schooner, Ketch etc)

A general description in yachts for the one off’s either under the old
Ton rating system or the more modern R.O.R.C. (Royal Ocean Racing Club)
classes

The current owner (although how you keep that up to date?)

Any Registration info

Names of vessel present and Past

That’s the absolute minimum



Grunff wrote:

Dennis Pogson wrote:

Boats have names, unlike cars, so if I were to want to trace a
previously-owned boat, I would want to know 1) power or sail, 2)
builder, 3)
type and size, 4) Present and past names of vessel, 5) Present
owner's name
and contact details.


Thanks, that's very useful. A couple of Qs:

Type - is there a list of boat 'types', or would that list be so
diverse as to be useless?

Size - AM I right that boat size is always in feet?

Thanks.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

"Grunff" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.



The following link may give you some ideas as to what information is held
for registered boats:

http://www.itu.int/cgi-bin/htsh/mars...earch.sh#start

but there is no requirement for pleasure boats to be registered at all, and
many aren't. Even though they may have been at some time, the registration
may have been allowed to lapse. The country of registry may also change.
Modern boats usually have a hull identification number (HIN), but older ones
usually don't. Some carry sail numbers, but many don't and there is no
requirement for one.

The bottom line is that there isn't really any reliable way to trace a boat,
other than by luck - possibly through newsgroups such as this, or through
owner groups e.g. http://jeanneau.tripod.com/index.htm

Possibly this is why so many boats get stolen.

Pete.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Simon Brooke wrote:

Sorry this isn't more helpful!

Was very helpful, many thanks.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Simple Simon wrote:
1) Category (sail, motor, motorsailer, trawler, etc,)

Is there a list of these categories? For instance, for cars I
have a list of makes and models. Is it realistic to try and
generate such a list, or are there just too many?


2) Brand

Same question as above.

Thanks.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

The current owner (although how you keep that up to date?)

What about changing it to "Last Known Owner" with a date?

/Martin

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Richard Smith wrote:
You may need more than your 6 criteria.

That was just plucked out of air, very flexible.


1^st is it a powerboat with or without accommodation (this covers water
ski boats etc), or is it a sailboat with accommodation (yacht) or
without Dinghy. (Yes I would be curious to know if my Mirror sail No 530
is still around 43 years after it was built).

So we have power/not and accomodation/not.


The next two criteria is builder/manufacturer and their model. Some
boats were built by more than one yard (505 dinghy was built by Parker
boats, Ronda boats and others). However a Moody 41 or a Moody any thing
else will only be built by Moody

It's beginning to sound like providing set selections for things
like builder and model will be impossible. They may have to be
free text fields.



Size can be in feet or meters

Ok, thanks.


The style of Rig maybe a good criterion to have (Bermudan Sloop, Cutter,
Schooner, Ketch etc)

Is providing a list of styles to choose from feasible, or are
there too many?


The current owner (although how you keep that up to date?)

The idea is that the database relies on users to enter + update
info, thereby building up a complete history of the boat's life.


Any Registration info

Like a freetext registration field?


That’s the absolute minimum

Very useful, thanks.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Obtaining a complete list of all boats would be difficult.
I have little knowledge about recreational motor boats
other than to loath them and the people who blunder
around in them. I don't think they even belong on the water.

As for sailboats, there's a pretty complete list at the following
link. Sailboats are the only thing that counts here in a sailing
group.

http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html

S.Simon


"Grunff" wrote in message ...
Simple Simon wrote:
1) Category (sail, motor, motorsailer, trawler, etc,)

Is there a list of these categories? For instance, for cars I
have a list of makes and models. Is it realistic to try and
generate such a list, or are there just too many?


2) Brand

Same question as above.

Thanks.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Grunff writes:

Dennis Pogson wrote:

Boats have names, unlike cars, so if I were to want to trace a
previously-owned boat, I would want to know 1) power or sail, 2) builder, 3)
type and size, 4) Present and past names of vessel, 5) Present owner's name
and contact details.

Thanks, that's very useful. A couple of Qs:

Type - is there a list of boat 'types', or would that list be so
diverse as to be useless?

There are partial lists. For sailing dinghies (and otehr boats which
might reasonably participate in dinghy-style racing), the portsmouth
yardstick list would be a good starting point. However, many boats
won't be on this list.

Size - AM I right that boat size is always in feet?

No. Metric measurements are quite common, even among older British
designed and built boats, and conversely some French designed and
built boatsare measured in feet!

Furthermore length is not unproblematic, as although the length of the
hull is unlikely to change over the life of a boat, things like
rudders, bowsprits etc are included in the measurement under some
circumstances but not under others.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; If you're doing this for fun, do what seems fun. If you're
;; doing it for money, stop now.
;; Rainer Deyke

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff wrote:

It's beginning to sound like providing set selections for things
like builder and model will be impossible. They may have to be
free text fields.

Bad idea - too prone to error, typos, and varying interpretations on how a
name should be entered (like full name, acronym, abbreviated). The net
result is a potential for variations which would make searching more
awkward, since the searcher would have to try and second-guess the
variations and typos.


--
Wally
www.makearatherlonglinkthattakesyounowhere.com
Things are always clearer in the cold, post-upload light.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

On Wed, 17 Sep 2003 11:02:48 +0100, Grunff wrote:

Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.
snip

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

If you look at the boat criteria offered at Yach World.com
(http://yachtworld.com/core/uk/listin...earch_form.jsp)

You may find a list of Types that distinguishes between one and
another, as well as the Builder and Hull type.

As far as appropriate length goes, I like the ability to translate
back and forth between feet and meters.

HTH - just dreaming of lurking boats

-k

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Wally wrote:

Bad idea - too prone to error, typos, and varying interpretations on how a
name should be entered (like full name, acronym, abbreviated). The net
result is a potential for variations which would make searching more
awkward, since the searcher would have to try and second-guess the
variations and typos.

Yes, obviously it's not desireable - a pick list is much better
- but the question I'm trying to answer is: is generating such a
pick list for the main boat attributes realistic?

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

I agree, but there are so many manufacturers and models that to
compile a drop down list will be almost impossible.

I would suggest a very flexible search engine instead.


On Wed, 17 Sep 2003 13:52:29 GMT, "Wally" wrote:

Grunff wrote:

It's beginning to sound like providing set selections for things
like builder and model will be impossible. They may have to be
free text fields.

Bad idea - too prone to error, typos, and varying interpretations on how a
name should be entered (like full name, acronym, abbreviated). The net
result is a potential for variations which would make searching more
awkward, since the searcher would have to try and second-guess the
variations and typos.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff wrote:

Yes, obviously it's not desireable - a pick list is much better
- but the question I'm trying to answer is: is generating such a
pick list for the main boat attributes realistic?

I should think so - there are/were a finite number of makers and models of
boat, so it's largely a question of research. You can cover the difficult
ones with categories like "one-off", "prototype", etc. Have a means for
users to submit makers and models that you haven't heard of, do some
Googling to verify/correct, and add them to the pick-list.


--
Wally
www.makearatherlonglinkthattakesyounowhere.com
Things are always clearer in the cold, post-upload light.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

For a start it would be interesting to know exactly what you country you are
in. Yes, it is a big world out there.. Cos each country is going to have
different marking and registration systems.

DP
"Grunff" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but
the purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to
trace their old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to
those which:

[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean
liners or oil tankers!)

and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they
owned 20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).

Any help much appreciated.

TIA

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Damn, It was a cross post form rec sailing. We can assume you are a pom
then?

DP
"d parker" wrote in message
. au...
For a start it would be interesting to know exactly what you country you
are
in. Yes, it is a big world out there.. Cos each country is going to have
different marking and registration systems.

DP
"Grunff" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I'm currently working on a database for a client which aims to
allow users to trace cars + boats they have owned in the past.

The database will hold information that allows the
identification of the car/boat.

So for a car, it holds the make/model/colour/registration/year
of manufacture and where the car was at different times in it's
life.

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help.
I need to build up a list of important parameters than can be
used to identify a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

I know the term 'boat' covers a much wider range than 'car', but
the purpose of the database is to allow private individuals to
trace their old boats, so the range of boats will be limited to
those which:

[a] Are likely to be owned by private individuals (no ocean
liners or oil tankers!)

and

[b] The owners are likely to want to trace. I don't suppose many
people whould be particularly interested in a small dingy they
owned 20 years ago (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know).

Any help much appreciated.

TIA

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

"d parker" lifted the trapdoor, peered
around and wrote:

Damn, It was a cross post form rec sailing. We can assume you are a pom
then?

Ahem!

Some of us know how to use our news readers :)

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

d parker wrote:
Damn, It was a cross post form rec sailing. We can assume you are a pom
then?

Yup, safe assumption, but the database will (at least initially)
cater for UK and US. You're quite right, I should've stated this
at outset.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

steveb wrote:

Some of us know how to use our news readers :)

I'm sorry - what exactly is the problem with my crosspost?

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff lifted the trapdoor, peered around and wrote:

I'm sorry - what exactly is the problem with my crosspost?

You need to ask?

Actually, at least a part of the problem isn't the cross-post (which is
confusing enough) but the fact that ppl responding haven't the wit to
restrict the replies to the ng they are replying in

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

steveb wrote:

I'm sorry - what exactly is the problem with my crosspost?

You need to ask?

What?? There is *nothing* wrong with crossposting under certain
circumstances. I'll spare you the long list of URLs detailing
how and when crossposting is appropriate; I'm sure you can
google for them yourself. If you have trouble finding them,
please let me know.


Actually, at least a part of the problem isn't the cross-post (which is
confusing enough) but the fact that ppl responding haven't the wit to
restrict the replies to the ng they are replying in

I can't help that - and when I'm replying to their replies, I
have no way of knowing which group they're reading/replying to,
so have to post my reply to both groups.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff writes:

The style of Rig maybe a good criterion to have (Bermudan Sloop,
Cutter, Schooner, Ketch etc)


Is providing a list of styles to choose from feasible, or are there
too many?

It should be possible to produce a list of rigs, or strictly a
matrix.

A rig classified generally by the number of masts and arrangement of
sails can be

una, sloop or cutter (all single masted),
ketch, yawl or schooner (all two masted - although schooners can
have more)

Classified by type of mainsail it can be

Bermudan
Gaff
Gunter - rare except in very small boats
Junk - rare
Lug - rare
Sprit - rare

Note that a 'una rig' is the same thing as a 'catboat rig' or 'cat
rig', and there are 'catboat ketches' which have no staysails on
either mast, but they're rare. You are very unlikely indeed to find a
junk or lug sloop or cutter, although neither is strictly
impossible. Other than that if you make a matrix of the first six
against the second six you'll account for 99.9% of all sailing boats,
with 90+% being bermudan and probably 90+% being sloops.

Finally there are very rare oddball rigs, like biplane rigs, kite
rigs, solid wing sails and other esoterica, which you would be
sensible to ignore.

I still think you're best off with sail number and class for most
sailing boats.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; An enamorata is for life, not just for weekends.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

"Wally" writes:

Grunff wrote:

It's beginning to sound like providing set selections for things
like builder and model will be impossible. They may have to be
free text fields.

Bad idea - too prone to error, typos, and varying interpretations on how a
name should be entered (like full name, acronym, abbreviated). The net
result is a potential for variations which would make searching more
awkward, since the searcher would have to try and second-guess the
variations and typos.

Afreed, but in many cases it may be necessary to have a menu with
'other' in it and a type in field for the 'other's.

www.makearatherlonglinkthattakesyounowhere.com

Love the domain name!

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; An enamorata is for life, not just for weekends.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Simon Brooke wrote:

Classified by type of mainsail it can be

Bermudan
Gaff
Gunter - rare except in very small boats
Junk - rare
Lug - rare
Sprit - rare

Note that a 'una rig' is the same thing as a 'catboat rig' or 'cat
rig', and there are 'catboat ketches' which have no staysails on
either mast, but they're rare. You are very unlikely indeed to find a
junk or lug sloop or cutter, although neither is strictly
impossible. Other than that if you make a matrix of the first six
against the second six you'll account for 99.9% of all sailing boats,
with 90+% being bermudan and probably 90+% being sloops.

And that's just boats with sails!!


I still think you're best off with sail number and class for most
sailing boats.

Yes, your reasoning is becoming very clear to me ;-)

Thanks for the detailed explanation, your time is much
appreciated. There is so much I don't know.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff lifted the trapdoor, peered around and wrote:

What?? There is *nothing* wrong with crossposting under certain
circumstances. I'll spare you the long list of URLs detailing
how and when crossposting is appropriate; I'm sure you can
google for them yourself. If you have trouble finding them,
please let me know.

I am fully aware of the circumstances under which cross-posting *may* be
considered appropriate.

However, it remains confusing and generally unhelpful.

No amount of *helpful* links will alter this

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

steveb wrote:

What?? There is *nothing* wrong with crossposting under certain
circumstances. I'll spare you the long list of URLs detailing
how and when crossposting is appropriate; I'm sure you can
google for them yourself. If you have trouble finding them,
please let me know.


I am fully aware of the circumstances under which cross-posting *may* be
considered appropriate.

And yet you somehow believe that this isn't one of them?

I'm trying to gather boat related information for both the UK
and the US. I looked at all the boat related groups available,
and picked u.r.s and a.s as the two most appropriate groups to
do this in.


However, it remains confusing and generally unhelpful.

Should I have multiposted??

I really don't understand your argument/grievance, and genuinely
want to. According to your logic, what should I have done?


No amount of *helpful* links will alter this

I said I'd spare you them and I did ;-)

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff lifted the trapdoor, peered around and wrote:

And yet you somehow believe that this isn't one of them?

Listen, I have no beef with you.

I am well aware that your post probably fits the category you mention.

However, just because you *can* do something, doesn't automatically mean it
is sensible to do it.

Cross posting causes confusion almost everytime it happens. Mainly because
of the way replies are handled. Some appear some don't, before you know it
whole threads are meaningless.

If you want to ask a question in a small number of groups, it is much
better to post to the individual groups.

just my 2c ... I have no more to say on the matter

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

steveb wrote:

If you want to ask a question in a small number of groups, it is much
better to post to the individual groups.

I totally disagree with you I'm afraid. What you're referring to
is called multiposting, and is far more destructive and
confusing than crossposting.

Look, I'm not arguing for the sake of it - I like to think that
I use Usenet in a careful and considerate way, and I genuinely
believe that I did things the most appropriate way in
crossposting my question.

I know I said I wouldn't post any links, but rather than repeat
an explanation of why multiposting is bad, I will post just one
relevant link. Read it if you're interested, otherwise ignore it.

URL:http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/usenet/xpost.html

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

"Simon Brooke" wrote in message
. uk...
"Wally" writes:

Grunff wrote:

It's beginning to sound like providing set selections for things
like builder and model will be impossible. They may have to be
free text fields.

Bad idea - too prone to error, typos, and varying interpretations on how
a
name should be entered (like full name, acronym, abbreviated). The net
result is a potential for variations which would make searching more
awkward, since the searcher would have to try and second-guess the
variations and typos.

Afreed, but in many cases it may be necessary to have a menu with
'other' in it and a type in field for the 'other's.

www.makearatherlonglinkthattakesyounowhere.com

Love the domain name!


You could of course use: http://tinyurl.com/npzq instead - but it still
takes you nowhere!

Pete.

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Yeah, I am guilty of responding, while assuming it was a post to an
international site as opposed to the UK site as well. Hence my reply to my
own post.

DP
"steveb" wrote in message
...
"d parker" lifted the trapdoor,
peered
around and wrote:

Damn, It was a cross post form rec sailing. We can assume you are a pom
then?

Ahem!

Some of us know how to use our news readers :)

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

Grunff wrote:

Sadly, I know nothing about boats. So I'm asking for your help. I need
to build up a list of important parameters than can be used to identify
a boat. Not too many, maybe 6 at the most.

Thank you all very much for your helpful responses, it's been
most enlightening.

--
Grunff

Identifying a boat - what are the main parameters?
 

In article , Grunff
writes
Dennis Pogson wrote:

Boats have names, unlike cars, so if I were to want to trace a
previously-owned boat, I would want to know 1) power or sail, 2) builder, 3)
type and size, 4) Present and past names of vessel, 5) Present owner's name
and contact details.

Thanks, that's very useful. A couple of Qs:

Type - is there a list of boat 'types', or would that list be so
diverse as to be useless?

Nearly all sailboats belong to a particular Class, even if they are
unique prototypes. A prototype is just a class which failed to thrive.

There are dinghy classes (eg National Twelve, Albacore) and keelboat
classes (eg Hunter 22, Dehler 39). And multihull (catamaran and
trimaran) classes. Sometimes the Class name includes the manufacturer's
name, sometimes the designers name (Wharram 22, Humphreys 34), sometimes
it is a traditional class name (Bembridge Redwing), sometimes it is a
race class measurement system (IMS, CHS, IOR, 12 Metre)

There are at least several hundred each of dinghy and keelboat classes.
Many class associations (like car owners clubs) maintain a list of boats
and current owners. You could go to www.rya.org.uk (which mostly covers
dinghies and small keelboats) and click on the 'Class Associations'
button, and then contact each association and ask if they want to join
your database.

And there are various other umbrella organisations, such as RORC, Old
Gaffers Association, etc.



Size - AM I right that boat size is always in feet?

Or metres. Occasionally in square metres.

Thanks.


--
Mark Dunlop