Official Mississippi boating safety course

Chapter 1: Know Your Boat
Length of a Vessel

A vessel's length overall dictates the equipment the vessel must have to comply with federal and state laws. Length overall is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the vessel. Bow sprits; 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 vessel 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 Vessel Length

Measuring outboard length

Measuring inboard length

Mississippi Department of
Marine Resources

Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Course Material

Boating Terms

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Online boating license and certification course last modified: July 2, 2008
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