4.2 Design categories
Design categories define the most severe weather conditions in which the boat has been designed to be operated.
Design category is an important safety classification that must be respected. Always ensure that:
The expected wind and sea conditions match the design category of your boat.
You and your crew are able to navigate the boat in the conditions that may arise
The boat is well maintained.
For each category, the conditions are given in the form of maximum wind force and significant wave height.
"Significant wave height" refers to an average height based on the highest one-third of the wave profile, corresponding roughly to the wave height observed by an experienced mariner. Individual waves may be twice as high.
All Buster boats belong to design category C or D.
Your boat's design category is given in Technical specifications in this manual, and on the Builder's plate on the boat.
The boat has been designed for voyages where the following conditions may be experienced:
Wind force of up to and including 6 on the Beaufort scale (approximately 14 m/s).
Significant wave height of no more than 2 m, with a temporary peak wave height of 4 m.
These refer to a range from storms to strong winds, with a risk of unexpected waves and gusts. These conditions may be experienced during voyages on large lakes, estuaries, and, in moderate weather conditions, on coastal waters.
The boat has been designed for voyages where the following conditions may be experienced:
Wind force of up to and including 4 on the Beaufort scale (approximately 8 m/s).
Significant wave height of no more than 0.3 m, with a temporary peak wave height of 0.5 m.
These conditions may be experienced during voyages on sheltered lakes, rivers, and, in good weather, on coastal waters.