Glossary Term
LOA (Length Overall)
LOA stands for Length Overall. It is the maximum length of a yacht measured from its foremost fixed point to its aftmost fixed point. In practical terms, it is the full end-to-end length that the vessel occupies. The exact measurement basis can vary slightly depending on the builder, registry, marina, or document standard, especially where removable fittings or appendages are involved.
LOA is used for berth allocation, yard access, transport planning, and vessel paperwork, and it commonly appears on drawings, certificates, and survey records. It is one of the first dimensions checked when a yacht is entering a marina, booking a lift, or being compared against size limits.
LOA should not be confused with LWL, which measures the hull length at the waterline instead of the yacht’s full physical extent. That distinction matters because berth charges, clearances, and handling arrangements are usually based on LOA, while performance discussions often rely on other dimensions.