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LOA (Length Overall)

The total length of a vessel measured from the foremost to the aftmost point of its structure.

Length Overall (LOA) is the total length of a vessel measured from the foremost point to the aftmost point of its permanent structure — including bowsprits, anchor platforms, pulpits, and swim platforms. LOA is the number used for slip reservations, marina pricing, and regulatory classifications.

LOA is distinct from Length at Waterline (LWL), which is the length actually in contact with the water, and from the nominal "hull length" often used in manufacturer marketing. A vessel marketed as a "42" may have an LOA closer to 46 once bowsprit and swim platform are included.

Most marinas charge dockage by LOA, not hull length, so it's the number to know when budgeting transient dockage or negotiating a slip.

Examples

  • A yacht sold as a 45 with a 4-foot bowsprit and a 3-foot swim platform has an LOA of 52 feet.
  • Marina slips are usually rated by LOA, so a "50-foot slip" holds vessels up to 50 feet of total length.

Related Terms

Beam—The widest measurement across a vessel's hull, perpendicular to its length.Draft—The vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a vessel's hull or keel.Slip—An assigned docking space at a marina, rented by the month, season, or year.Marina—A commercial facility providing docking, fueling, maintenance, and support services for recreational boats.

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