Measure the width across the top of the boat's stern, its back end. Mark the center of the stern. Tape the end of the twine to the center of the stern. Stretch the twine forward and tape it to the point of the bow.
See full version: How to Determine the Beam of a Boat
Measure the width across the top of the boat's stern, its back end. Mark the center of the stern. Tape the end of the twine to the center of the stern. Stretch the twine forward and tape it to the point of the bow.
The widest part of a boat's width is its beam. Measuring the beam is a two-step process, because you must find your boat's centerline and make the measurement perpendicular to the centerline. All you need is a ball of twine, a carpenter's square, some duct tape and a measuring tape. For federal documentation, rather than state registration, have a marine surveyor make all measurements, including your boat's beam.
Visually estimate the widest part of the boat. Pull the tape measure across the gunwales -- the tops of the boat's two sides -- and move it ahead and to the rear of that point, to refine your estimate. Hold the carpenter's square to the twine that marks the centerline and square the tape, so that it's at a right angle to the centerline. Read the tape; the measurement is the boat's beam.
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. [links]
W83<br />When going over 102 in wide-need a permit. In Pa that means a a route approved by the highway department,a flag vehicle in front of your vehicle, flags, travel during daylight only,wide load signs,time for approval before you get a permit.<br /> Be happy, enjoy life. Batavier more
There is the law - and then there is the reality. <br /><br />The cops never stop you for hauling a boat that is too wide. But, if you have an accident, then you definately would be cited if a permit were required and you didn't have one.
102 inches (8'-6") is the maximum legal width for a vehicle and that includes the width of anything being hauled unless you have the proper permits. Check your state laws for other restrictions or buy a state trooper a cup of coffee and have him explain the rules.
In Canada if you have farm plates on your vehicle and trailer you can tow just about anything you want, as long as you are able to convince the cops that your boat is used for farm business. maybe put the John Deere logo on it and give her a coat of green paint.
Larger L/B indicates a slimmer hull. This usually implies less wave-making resistance, and thus more efficient high-speed performance, but also suggests reduced load-carrying ability for a given length.
2 to 4 - Small to mid-size planing powerboats.
4 to 6 - Fairly long and lean for a monohull. Some large, efficient long-range cruisers fall in this range, along with many racing monohulls. here
As a widebeam you are going to find that there are less available moorings for you to use than if you were on a narrowboat. Again, meaning you need to plan ahead when cruising. Most marinas are made with narrowboats in mind you see 🙂 more
With all the extra space a widebeam boat brings, you can also see some inefficiency in interior design. When someone is not forced into such a tight space like a narrowboat, they often stop coming up with those ingenious space saving designs. Make sure this is not the case for any widebeam you buy. Yes, there is more space, but it is still not as much as a regular house and could benefit from efficient use of space. more
When living on a widebeam, you feel much more like you are living on land. Storage on a regular canal boat is often very limited, but a widebeam not so much. You can have full size cupboards, pantries and whatever else takes your fancy storage wise.
I would say this should be the default canal boat for everyone 🙂 You can buy them in all kinds of lengths and styles to suit whatever need you have. They can navigate the canal network with ease. For most people, look at a narrowboat first.