USA Coastguard standards

[T.N.Todd]

I currently manufacture Cobra Boats in New Zealand. We are looking at expanding our range and possibly exporting to the USA. We at present build to Lloyds specifications. I have been trying to find information as to how I can get U.S.A Coastguard approval. Who is the best to contact?

[CDBarry]

http://www.uscgboating.org/

[FAST FRED]

For an "uninspected" vesssel there are really no standards except boat loading & engine power .

Most any pleasure boat built to LLoyds will be easy to sell in the US.

For carring over 6 folks for MONEY, (a commercial venture) the USCG requires a subchapter "T "standard. The plans will be inspected and approved , and the construction must be with Fire Retardant resin ONLY , if GRP.

Only other requirement is a collision bulkhead at the bow.

And some small stuff about pumps and fuel tank pipe takeouts (top only).

FAST FRED

[T.N.Todd]

Thank you guys for your replies. I will definately be following up on this venture and will be looking for distributors.

[atahawaii]

United States Coast Guard requirements and guidelines are presented in this site http://www.uscg.mil/hq/msc/
Title 33 and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which the Coast Guard administrates, can be viewed at the following site:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/c...le-search.html
For pleasure boats the American Boat and Yacht Council has a little booklet that can be purchased. This little book is much easier to deal with than all the regulations which it presents. It can be purchased at www.abycinc.org.

[YankeeDelta]

There's a hell of a lot more requirements for a subchapter "T" vessel then you mentioned, and the use of FR resin is not a requirement for Sub "T" boats. Iv'e had a dozen inspected without FR resin. They are not to have open flame cooking, and need a automatic fire extinguisher in the engine compartment. The vessels are for non overnight stay of passengers as well, to get away with not using the FR resin.

[FAST FRED]

"to get away with not using the FR resin.'

Why would anyone wish to 'GET AWAY" from using FR resin????.

The old horrors of blisters from cheapo resin and filthy workspaces from the mid 70's oil shock is long gone, so it is only cost you avoid?

No fear of a flaming death trap?

A cent or two a pound is nothing , if you have ever watched a std resin boat burn to the WL in mere minuets.

Yes, Sub T is an entire booklet , but not very difficult a standard , with little that is not common sense .

USCG manning demands are completly different and usually totally unrealistic for non Military crewed vessels .

In other words where the crew gats Paid , from the cash flow.

FAST FRED

[YankeeDelta]

Blisters from cheapo resin? Thought that was cheapo gelcoat.
Yes, the old FR resin really sucked. It drained from the laminate and produced a very bad glass to resin ratio.
In a practical sense, there is no regulation for FR gelcoat. There's also no regulation as to the finish on the interior of the hull. What "actually" happens is, the builder sprays gelcoat in the mold, they build the boat with FR resin, and when they finish the interior, they gelcoat many portions of it as well.
Gee, where's the flame spread of under or at, as specified in the regulation ?
On another note, when the FR resin does start burning, it gives off a gas that will knock you out in about 10 seconds. Makes more sense to me to avoid open flame cooking/heating, add the extra fire ext. and paint the hull interior with a FR paint.

[FAST FRED]

A hunk of oak has a burn rate of 100, std GRP has a burn rate of 500!

And can not easily be extinguished.

The FR resin only requires a burn rate reduction to 100,
although with the addition of additives (used in creating factory air ductwork) the burn rate can be >15 , but at the cost of a 2% degredation in strength.

This is "Self Extinguishing" and the fire stops if the source is removed.

Yes the fumes of ANY GRP boat are toxic ,
but with FR resin at least you get the chance of saving the vessel,
or at least a much longer time to muster and abondon ship.

Sub T requires a 400% hull laminate safty factor (basically thick enough to NEVER flex) so that extra 2% usually is free.

FAST FRED

[FAST FRED]

A hunk of oak has a burn rate of 100, std GRP has a burn rate of 500!

And can not easily be extinguished.

The FR resin only requires a burn rate reduction to 100,
although with the addition of additives (used in creating factory air ductwork) the burn rate can be >15 , but at the cost of a 2% degredation in strength.

This is "Self Extinguishing" and the fire stops if the source is removed.

Yes the fumes of ANY GRP boat are toxic ,
but with FR resin at least you get the chance of saving the vessel,
or at least a much longer time to muster and abondon ship.

Sub T requires a 400% hull laminate safty factor (basically thick enough to NEVER flex) so that extra 2% usually is free.

FAST FRED

[CDBarry]

In the instant case, we are discussing a boat presumably made in New Zealand. Note that the cabotage rules (the "Jones Act") in general forbids foreign built boats over 5 GRT from operating in the US "coasting trade", which would include small passenger vessels inspected under subchapter T, so the T boat rules are not of any impact here.

Recreational boats can be made anywhere and the importer warrants that they meet the applicable standards of 33 CFR 180 (or thereabouts). It is also common for US rec boats to meet ABYC standards, but not required by law.

[T.N.Todd]

I am only interested in the recreational market at this stage. We presently build boats 23 feet and under and looking at possible 40 foot range in the future. Any assistance would be much appreciated in obtaining as much information on US standards so we may be able to import.

[CDBarry]

Download them from http://www.uscgboating.org/