A boat's length overall dictates
the equipment the boat must carry to comply with federal and state laws. Length
overall is measured from the tip of the bow in
a straight line to the stern.
Bow sprit,; rudders outboard motors and motor
brackets, handles and other fittings, attachments, and extensions are not included
in the measurement.
Length Classes
Some states have laws that refer to boat lengths as "classes." However,
the U.S. Coast Guard no longer uses these designations to indicate length.