boat lengths.

[duckco]

I was just given a 16.5' bay boat. But my Cruz says it's a 17' so we went round and round turns out he was right. So why do they make em a certain length then add a few inches on paper but it's really not 16.5' like my tape says. Anyone have any comments

[Big pond]

A boat is measured along the bottom

[Duck Butter]

men have been rounding up on lengths for years

[Salty]

The only true measurement of a hull is taken "centerline". It's usually less than measuring the gunnel.

[wishin i was fishin]

i always heard it is the hull cenerline (underside), bow to transom.