Explain Sailboat Specifications

[bfhaynes]

I wanted an explanation of Sailboat specifications. I understand LOD, LWL, and headroom etc... I would like an explanation of Beam. How is the Beam measurment defined.

[Eric Sponberg]

Beam is the maximum breadth (width) of a boat.

Eric

[Cliff Pope]

Well, theoretically you could have significant variations between beam on waterline, beam on deck, and beam between rubbing strakes.

[RHough]

Originally Posted by Cliff Pope

Well, theoretically you could have significant variations between beam on waterline, beam on deck, and beam between rubbing strakes.

Beam is generic, like length.

If you want specifics you modify beam or length with words like waterline (waterline beam, waterline length).

Is there a real question here?

Common usage is maximum width of the hull. (not including fenders, rubrails etc.)

[tspeer]

ITTC symbols

sailboat dimensions and design ratios


LOA = Length Overall - overall tip-to-tip length of the boat
LWL = Length Waterline - length of waterline of the boat
DWL = Design Waterline -theoretical waterline length of boat as opposed to LWL, which is actual waterline length
BMX = Beam Maximum - width of the boat at the widest point
BWL = Beam Waterline - widest beam of boat at the waterline
I = Height of the foretriangle measured from the top of the highest sheave to the sheerline
I2 = Height of staysail halyard above deck
J = Base of the foretriangle measured from the front of the mast to the intersection of the forestay and deck
J2 = Base of staysail triangle
P = Luff length of the mainsail
E = Foot length of the mainsail
LP = Shortest distance from headstay to the clew of the jib
(from Harken site)