Boat Empty Weight - what equipment considered part of an "empty" boat

[SilentSoaring]

HI!

When looking at the specs of a particular design, what is usually the equipment that is included under the Empty Boat Weight of that design (Sailboat)? is it just the hull and the mast with standing and running rigging? are Sails included? What about Winches, Windlass, Anchors, Dinette, head, shower, grey/black water tanks etc...

I would be happy to understand better these numbers in better detail, so I can calculate the required payload capacity correctly and choose the right boat,

Thanks and best regards.

[SailingHarmonie]

Originally Posted by SilentSoaring

HI!

When looking at the specs of a particular design, what is usually the equipment that is included under the Empty Boat Weight of that design (Sailboat)? is it just the hull and the mast with standing and running rigging? are Sails included? What about Winches, Windlass, Anchors, Dinette, head, shower, grey/black water tanks etc...

I would be happy to understand better these numbers in better detail, so I can calculate the required payload capacity correctly and choose the right boat,

Thanks and best regards.

There is no way to be sure on builder’s numbers. They are famously inconsistent. Most will quote a “lightship” number, just to make the boat read better on the spec sheet. Lightship weight should be empty of supplies, and provisions, empty tanks, but otherwise ready to sail. That still gives the marketing department a light of wiggle room to shave off weight and look better that a close competitor.

[SilentSoaring]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

There is no way to be sure on builder’s numbers. They are famously inconsistent. Most will quote a “lightship” number, just to make the boat read better on the spec sheet. Lightship weight should be empty of supplies, and provisions, empty tanks, but otherwise ready to sail. That still gives the marketing department a light of wiggle room to shave off weight and look better that a close competitor.

Thank you. I think you are correct about the difference between builders/different designers. So in my case I guess the best would be to ask the builder/designer directly.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

There is no way to be sure on builder’s numbers. They are famously inconsistent. Most will quote a “lightship” number, just to make the boat read better on the spec sheet. Lightship weight should be empty of supplies, and provisions, empty tanks, but otherwise ready to sail. That still gives the marketing department a light of wiggle room to shave off weight and look better that a close competitor.

According to Matthew B. Marsh, NA:
➥ https://marine.marsh-design.com/content/displacement

“Displacement light-ship (mLCC), or empty boat displacement mass, or dry weight

The weight of the boat when she leaves the build shed, before there's any personal gear brought aboard and before any fuel or water are put in the tanks.

Although it's important to determine mLCC when designing and building a boat, it'll never be sailed this light. Performance ratios calculated using the dry weight are worse than useless; nevertheless, some marketing materials list only this weight and numbers based on it in an attempt to trick the buyer into thinking the boat is faster and sportier than it really is.

Light load displacement mass (mMOC)

The weight of the boat with (usually) half-full tanks, a standard complement of essential gear, and a small crew. This is the absolute lightest weight the boat is ever likely to be sailed at, and performance ratios based on mMOC can be deceptively racy.

[SilentSoaring]

Originally Posted by GordMay

According to Matthew B. Marsh, NA:
➥ https://marine.marsh-design.com/content/displacement

“Displacement light-ship (mLCC), or empty boat displacement mass, or dry weight

The weight of the boat when she leaves the build shed, before there's any personal gear brought aboard and before any fuel or water are put in the tanks.

Although it's important to determine mLCC when designing and building a boat, it'll never be sailed this light. Performance ratios calculated using the dry weight are worse than useless; nevertheless, some marketing materials list only this weight and numbers based on it in an attempt to trick the buyer into thinking the boat is faster and sportier than it really is.

Light load displacement mass (mMOC)

The weight of the boat with (usually) half-full tanks, a standard complement of essential gear, and a small crew. This is the absolute lightest weight the boat is ever likely to be sailed at, and performance ratios based on mMOC can be deceptively racy.

Thank you very much GordMay.