What Are LOA and LWL?
Two different ‘lengths’ for a boat: the overall length that drives charges, and the waterline length that drives performance.
A boat has two different lengths, and they serve two very different purposes. LOA (Length Overall) is the vessel’s full length from end to end, including the bowsprit and platform. LWL (Waterline Length) is the length where the hull meets the water.
The table below shows both and what each is used for.
LOA - LWL
Measurement | Meaning | Used for |
|---|---|---|
LOA | Overall length (including bowsprit/platform) | Marina, haul-out and insurance fees |
LWL | Waterline length | Performance; on displacement boats, hull speed increases with this |
LH | Hull length | Registration, some listings |
They serve two different purposes: marina berthing and insurance are calculated by LOA, while on displacement boats the theoretical speed limit increases with LWL. The secret behind modern designs that are ‘small on paper, long at the waterline’ is speed.
To avoid any fee surprises, make sure all three lengths are written in your boat file: LOA (charges), LH (registration), LWL (performance). On the marina contract, the declared figure is LOA; if you have added a platform or bowsprit, do not forget to update the declaration.