LOA, beam, draft, air draft
How to measure your boat for storage
The length on your registration is often not the length a marina charges. Yards measure the space the boat takes, from the tip of the pulpit to the end of the swim platform or engine.
The four numbers yards ask for
- LOA
- Length overall: the farthest point forward to the farthest point aft, including pulpits, bow sprits, swim platforms and outboards
- Beam
- The widest point, including rub rails
- Draft
- From waterline to the lowest point: keel, drive or prop
- Air draft
- From waterline (or trailer road height) to the highest point: mast, arch, radar, tower
Common surprises
Swim platforms and outboards
Often add 1 to 3 ft. Most yards charge for them.
Slip length
For slips, many marinas charge the longer of LOA and slip length.
Height for indoor storage
On a trailer, a cruiser with an arch may be over 12 ft. Check the door.
Questions
Should I round up?
Yes, to the next foot. A yard measures when the boat arrives, and a short estimate can push you out of a reserved spot.
Tell us about your boat. We find the spot.
Storage type, LOA, region and season. We check what is open near you and reply by email with options and prices.