How to read a yacht specification sheet: LOA, beam, draft, displacement, tankage, CE category

A spec sheet is a set of numbers that compare boats. Learn what LOA, beam, draft, displacement, tankage and the CE category tell you, and what they hide.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 2 min read

Key points

LOA includes the bowsprit and swim platform. Marinas often charge by it.
Displacement on a spec sheet is often the empty weight. A loaded cruising boat weighs more.
CE category A, B, C or D states the wind and wave conditions the boat is designed for.

Length

LOA (length overall): the longest distance from the front to the back, usually including anchor roller, bowsprit and swim platform. Marinas often price berths on this figure.
Hull length (LH): the hull alone. It can be a metre shorter than LOA.
LWL (waterline length): the length that touches the water. It sets hull speed and ride quality.

Beam and draft

Beam is the widest point. A berth must fit it with fenders on both sides. Draft is the depth below the waterline. Check the minimum depth at the berth and in your favourite anchorages. Many sailboats list two drafts for shallow and deep keel options. Make sure the one you are looking at matches the boat.

Displacement

Displacement is the weight of the boat. Builders often quote it as light or empty weight, without fuel, water, anchor, tender, provisions and crew. A cruising boat ready to go can weigh 10 to 20% more. Compare the ballast ratio on sailboats (ballast weight divided by displacement). Around 40% is typical of a stiff cruiser.

Tankage

Fuel: divide by consumption per hour for range.
Fresh water: about 20 litres per person per day is a workable allowance on a boat without a watermaker.
Holding tank: relevant for the rules on black water, see Anchoring rules: Posidonia, marine reserves, buoy fields and black water.

CE design category

The Recreational Craft Directive sets four design categories. See CE marking and the Recreational Craft Directive: design categories A to D for the full explanation.

A, Ocean: winds above Force 8 and waves above 4 m significant height.
B, Offshore: winds up to Force 8 and waves up to 4 m.
C, Inshore: winds up to Force 6 and waves up to 2 m.
D, Sheltered waters: winds up to Force 4 and waves up to 0.5 m.

Buyers who plan Balearic crossings usually look for category B or A.