Official Minnesota boating safety course

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Chapter 1: Know Your Boat
Boat Length

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.

Class	Length
Class A	Less than 16 feet
Class 1	16 feet to less than 26 feet
Class 2	26 feet to less than 40 feet
Class 3	40 feet to less than 65 feet

Measuring Boat Length

Measuring outboard length

Measuring inboard length

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Online boating license and certification course last modified: April 22, 2008
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