Transporting your boat can seem like a lot to handle, but it all starts with finding your answer to “how is a boat measured?” It’s one of the crucial steps, as you can get accurate shipping quotes and avoid costly mistakes when you have exact measurements of your boat. Since every boat has unique dimensions, knowing them enables you to prepare for a safe and compliant transport.
Knowing how to measure a boat is just as important when you’re buying one as when you’re transporting it. Accurate measurements of the boat’s length, width, and height help you make sure it fits comfortably at your dock, on your trailer, or in your storage space before you make the purchase.
Let’s break down how you can measure your boat correctly before purchasing a boat or booking a hauling service.
Know the Standard Measurement Points & Dimensions
When it comes to transporting your boat, here are some measurements that matter most. These can affect the type of trailer, route, and permits needed for safe transportation.
Length Overall (LOA)
LOA is the first thing that you’ll come to know when you’re learning about how a boat is measured. It refers to the total length of your boat, from the very tip of the bow to the furthest point at the stern.
- It includes anything permanently attached, such as bow pulpits, swim platforms, or anchors that can’t be removed.
- This measurement determines the type of trailer your hauler will use and how your boat fits during transport.
Keep in mind that even a few inches can make a difference in the kind of permits required. If your boat has removable parts, like an extendable platform, it’s best to measure both with and without those accessories.
Beam (Width)
It’s the widest part of your boat, which is measured from side to side at the broadest point. Getting this measurement right is important when you’re figuring out how is a boat measured. That’s because most states have width restrictions for road transport. Remember that radar arches, bimini tops, rub rails, and other accessories often increase the beam.
At Set Sail Boat Transport, we make sure you have the full dimensions of your boat to plan the safest, most compliant route. When you avail our boat transportation services, we’ll handle the details, so you can stay relaxed knowing that your boat is in expert hands from pickup to delivery.
Height and Air Draft
Height is often the most misunderstood measurement in boat shipping. You should know that it’s not just the boat’s height. Once, one of our clients told us that their sailboat’s mast couldn’t be lowered. We then figured out that the possible solution was special routing because the boat’s overall height had increased due to the mast.
Finding your boat’s height will help the transport team choose a trailer that keeps your boat within safe limits.
- You can prevent damage to your delicate boat accessories during the trip.
- It can include the air draft, which measures from the waterline or keel up to the highest non-removable point on the boat.
- It can also involve fixed radar domes, arches, masts, or hardtops. For overland transport, you’ll also need to measure the total height once the boat sits on the trailer.
- The combined height must stay within legal road limits to avoid bridge clearance problems.
Dry Weight
When you learn how a boat is measured, you’ll notice a term called dry weight. It is:
- The base weight, which means the weight without fuel, water, or gear.
- The dry weight helps establish the starting point for transport planning.
- You can find this number in your manufacturer’s specifications or owner’s manual.
Why Are Accurate Boat Measurements Necessary?
Keeps Your Boat Safe on the Road
When you know how a boat’s exact size is measured, you can plan transport safely, avoid clearance issues, and make sure it’s loaded securely for the journey.
Helps You Avoid Costly Mistakes
Accurate measurements save you from damage during transport and prevent you from buying a boat that’s too big for your trailer or storage space.
Makes Dock and Storage Planning Easier
By measuring your boat’s length, width, and height, you’ll know right away whether it will fit at your dock, marina, or in your garage.
Makes Transport Permits and Route Planning Simple
When you provide the right dimensions, it’s easier for transporters to plan routes, get permits, and make sure your boat reaches its destination safely.
Lets You Make the Right Purchase
Knowing the measurements helps you compare options confidently and buy a boat that fits your lifestyle, space, and future transport needs perfectly.