Re: [Paddlewise] American Boat and Yacht Council guidance H-29 and the end of low rear decks

I agree with Brian.  "Voluntary" means the manufacturer is not compelled to 
do this ... but it is a wasted adjective since the ABYC has no regulatory 
authority.

Here's the rub:  when the underwriters who hold the liability insurance for 
the manufacturer discover that one of their clients is "ignoring" an 
"accepted" industry standard (even a 'voluntary' one), they have cause to 
raise rates or dump the manufacturer.  Their basis?  They will be in a 
weakened position if litigation ensues against the manufacturer when a 
paddler dies because the craft was swamped and sinks or becomes unseaworthy.

As to the exclusion of WW boats:  why not an explicit one also for sea 
kayaks?  We need to heat up ABYC on this.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
--

Brian Curtiss wrote:
> It may say 'voluntary,' but when you have a major manufacturer like 
> Current Designs imposing these standards on their designers, it starts 
> to become a little more than just 'voluntary.'
> 
> On Jun 25, 2008, at 6:36 AM, Joe P. wrote:
>> "These voluntary technical practices and engineering standards are 
>> guides for determining load and powering capacities, and flotation for 
>> canoes and kayaks.
>> These voluntary technical practices and engineering standards apply to 
>> all boats identified as canoes and kayaks.
> 
> 
> Sounds like all sea kayaks would fall into this exception category:
> 
>> EXCEPTIONS:
>> Boats with permanent decking and a provision for sealing openings to 
>> the bodies of the occupant(s). Boats of this type are sometimes 
>> referred to as "white water" craft. "
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