What makes a boat sea-worthy?

Question

As opposed to being suited to rivers or lakes? Obviously size comes in to it (if you want a comfortable journey- I know people have crossed oceans in vessels no larger than beach dinghies!), but what other factors? I know nothing about boats but want to learn!

How can I learn by looking at two boats (sail or motor) whether they are meant for lake circuits or cross channel/ Atlantic voyages?

Now don't laught at me here, but does it have something to do with the large, upside-down fin that many boats have sticking out of their hulls in to the water? Eg, the deeper, the more stable in high waters?

Thanks!

PS, any sources for very, very basic boating anatomy and terminology would be very gratefully recieved!

Answer 1

A sail boat has a keel and a ballast. The % of ballast compared to total weight should be 40. (With newer construction methods they do not always go by this anymore) The factors that make a boat seaworthy are size, shape and construction. Some shapes as with a keel are more seaworthy. Boats are rated as to wether they are blue water boats on their construction(materials and general workmanship) Some boats do not have the reputation that one would want to take them into the Atlantic.

Answer 2

Ok matey (thats terminology, that is!) heres the basics.
A boat is seaworthy when it floats and can move under its own power, motor or sail or oars, yeah?
Thats what is meant by it. Fresh water and sea water have slightly different requirements though.
For example, If you wanted to fish in a lake you could use oars and if you want to cross the channel you may want a sail or enough fuel.
Try your local Royal Yacht Assoc website for more info.
Try and decide what you want from your boat and then aim for something like that.
Dont get all caught up with terminology. Get a bit of training first.
It wont matter which side is port and which is starboard if you fall overboard 'cos the boom has knocked you out.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You are correct in thinking the keel is important, the more boat in the water the more stable and sea worthy it is likely to be. If you are thinking about deep sea sailing I would strongly advise some basic tuition and experience crewing before venturing out on the sea as a skipper. Day crew and coastal crew courses are run by most colleges within 40 miles of the coast, try there to start with.

Answer 4

I learnt by joining the Merchant Navy over fifty years ago and I have since spent most of my life at sea in my own vessels (sail and power). I have been an instructor and charter skipper, marine surveyor and round world voyager. I am still learning in my seventies but as a Master Mariner I do have all the answers you need and some ! If you are interested email me and maybe I'll give you the answers in a course of instruction using the net if you would like to take this subject seriously.

Answer 5

Of course size is important and what you can afford that will get the job done that you want to accomplish. Here are the import things to make it "sea worthy". Does it have all the necessary life support devices required for that particular boat and all the safety equipment also. Good example is the marine radio,e-purb,abandon boat safety equip...etc. Alot has to do with the type and size of the boat you want to get. The Coast Guard Auxiliary can give you all the info you need to make the vessel you choose sea worthy and safe....Happy Boating.........

Answer 6

The only thing that makes a boat sea-worthy is the fact that it floats.

Answer 7

generally boats designed to go into the sea are much more heavy duty to cope with the tides and currents. also all the metal components will be stainless teel or aluminium to prevent rusting . i.e propellors etc.

Answer 8

Size, Deep-V, or draft, lack of leaks and a good method of propulsion.

Answer 9

Being able to float would be an advantage!

Answer 10

The Main thing is Make sure there are NO HOLES....