Sailboat Specifications Decoded
When browsing yacht listings, you'll encounter dozens of specifications. This guide explains what each spec means, why it matters, and how to use them when comparing yachts.
The Big Four Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
The total length of the hull from bow to stern, excluding fittings like pulpits.
Why it matters: LOA determines marina fees (often charged per meter), harbor accessibility, and general size perception.
Beam
The widest point of the hull, measured at the widest cross-section.
Why it matters: Beam affects interior volume, stability, and initial righting moment. Wider boats have more interior space but may be less comfortable in rough seas.
Draft
The vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel.
Why it matters: Draft determines which waters you can navigate. A 2m draft excludes you from many Mediterranean anchorages and shallow coastal areas.
Displacement
The total weight of water displaced by the hull — effectively, the weight of the boat.
Why it matters: Heavier boats tend to be more stable and comfortable but slower. Light boats are faster but can be less comfortable offshore.
Performance Ratios
Ballast Ratio
Ballast weight ÷ displacement × 100. Higher = more stability.
Good ranges: 30-35% (cruising), 35-45% (performance)
Displacement-Length Ratio (D/L)
Indicates whether a boat is "heavy" or "light" for its length.
- Below 200: Light displacement (fast, less comfortable)
- 200-300: Moderate displacement (good all-around)
- Above 300: Heavy displacement (comfortable, seaworthy)
Sail Area-Displacement Ratio (SA/D)
Indicates sail power relative to weight.
- Below 15: Under-canvassed (motor-sailer territory)
- 15-18: Moderate (cruiser)
- Above 18: Well-canvassed (performance)
Using Specs to Compare Yachts
Our comparison tool lets you put two yachts side by side with all specifications visible at once. Try comparing:
- Oceanis 40.1 vs Sun Odyssey 410 — two popular 40-foot cruisers
Practical Application
When comparing yachts, don't look at specs in isolation. A 40-footer with a 2.1m draft might be perfect for Atlantic crossings but useless for Bahamas cruising. Always match specs to your intended use.
Browse all yacht specifications →
All specification data sourced from our database of 243 models across 42 manufacturers.