SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-beam-width

What does a boat's 'beam' mean?

Its maximum width.

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  1. Its maximum length
  2. Its height above water
  3. Its maximum width ✔

Why: Beam is the widest part of a boat, measured side to side. You need the beam (and length) to estimate how many people a boat without a capacity plate can carry.

Huh, didn't know that: Beam is a width measurement, not the boat's length, height or freeboard.

The dad joke
Why did the boat smile so wide? It was beaming.
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References

Answer: Its maximum width. Beam is the widest part of a boat, measured side to side. You need the beam (and length) to estimate how many people a boat without a capacity plate can carry.

  1. Oregon State Marine Board Nautical Term Glossary www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/nautical-term-glossary.aspx
    BEAM -The boat's maximum width.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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