Beam: Definition (Boat)
The beam of a boat refers to the greatest width of a boat when measured between its two sides. Sailors use the beam measurement to determine a sailboat’s capsize ratio for offshore suitability, while marinas use it to assign appropriately sized dock slips. The beam measurement may also be used when calculating handicaps for yacht regattas .
Things to know about the beam of a boat:
- Wider beams typically result in a more stable boat.
- This stability is sacrificed for recovering from a capsize scenario (a boat with a wider beam will be harder to recover if it flips).
- A boat with a wider beam will tend to heel (tilt when sailing or facing pressure from the wind) less easily.
The beam is what some might consider the opposite of the Length Overall (LOA), which refers to the length of the boat from the bow (the front) to the stern (the back) of the boat.
Beam Measurement Variations
While the simplest term of “beam” refers to the boat measured at the widest point, there are a few important distinctions that may be used in specific circumstances such as shipbuilding or racing, such as:
- Beam (max): the overall widest measurement of the boat from side-to-side.
- Beam (hull): the measurement of the beam, as measured at the hull.
- Beam (waterline): the measurement of the beam at the waterline.
Similar and Related Terms
Since the term “beam” covers a fairly basic aspect of boats, it should come as no surprise that other nautical terms incorporate the use of the term “beam” as well. These are:
- Beam reach: When you are sailing at a roughly 90 degree angle to the wind.
- Beam sea: When waves are hitting the boat on its side or beam.
Conclusion
The word “beam” is one of many that are specific to boats and boating. New boaters and sailors often remark that it’s difficult to feel confident when learning to sail with so much new vocabulary thrown into the mix, but with time and experience, you will likely find that using terms such as “helm“, “helm’s a-lee“, “jibe ho“, and “beam” become second nature.
Listing your boat with Yachtlify provides several unique benefits, including:
- List once, post on multiple platforms (Yachtlify.com, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and others).
- Schedule showings and sea trials with our calendar and reminders.
- View listing engagement analytics across platforms.
- eSign, state forms, and Coast Guard forms to manage closing documentation in once place.