CE CATEGORIES EXPLAINED

CATEGORY A: OCEAN

This rating covers largely self-sufficient boats designed for extended voyages with winds of over Beaufort Force 8 (over 40 knots), and significant wave heights above 13 feet, but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes.

CATEGORY B: OFFSHORE

This rating includes boats operating offshore with winds to 40 knots and significant seas to 13 feet.

CATEGORY C – INSHORE

This rating is for boats operating in coastal waters and large bays and lakes with winds to Force 6, up to 27 knots, and significant seas 7 feet high.

CATEGORY D – INLAND OR SHELTERED COASTAL WATERS

This rating is for boats in small lakes and rivers with winds to Force 4 and significant wave heights to 18 inches.