LWL (Length at Waterline)

Length at Waterline (LWL) is the measurement of a vessel's hull from bow to stern taken at the waterline, the point where the hull meets the water surface when floating at design draft. Charter guests encounter LWL in boat specifications and brochures, as it differs from the total length (LOA) and directly influences the vessel's theoretical speed potential and sailing characteristics. LWL is used in nautical calculations for performance prediction and is a key parameter in understanding how a yacht will behave under sail or power in various conditions.