Glossary Term
Draft
Draft is the vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the hull, keel, or underwater appendage. It shows how deep the yacht extends below the surface and is one of the first dimensions checked for navigation in restricted waters. Depending on the yacht, the controlling point may be the keel, propeller, rudder, stabilizer, or another fixed underwater feature.
Draft governs whether a yacht can safely enter marinas, cross shallow channels, anchor close inshore, or approach certain yards and lifting facilities. Captains use it together with charts, tide data, and survey information when planning passages through areas with limited under-keel clearance.
The number can vary with fuel, fresh water, stores, trim, and operating condition. Some builders publish light draft, loaded draft, and maximum draft separately, so the stated figure only becomes useful when the measurement basis is clear.