How to Determine the Beam of a Boat
Boats are no small investment, and they deserve careful upkeep. But maintaining your boat often requires knowing it inside and out--not just its name, but also its mechanics, its measurements, and so on. Knowing the beam of your boat, in particular, is essential for selecting an appropriately-sized boat cover.
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Instructions
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1
Locate the widest part of your boat, also known as the "beam." For most boats, the beam can be found in the center of the vessel, at mid-ship, although you can find several boats whose beam remains constant from mid-ship to stern. If you find yourself in doubt about where to find the boat's widest point, a bird's eye view may help you to eyeball the location of the beam.
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2
Clear the way for your measurement. Remove any obstacles or objects which would block the tape measure from reaching all the way across the body of the boat. If the objects in question are immovable or built into the boat itself--windshields, rails, etc.--you'll need to measure the beam in three separate parts: the width of the obstacle, and the distance from the obstacle to either side of the boat.
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3
Hook the business-end of your tape measure to one side of your boat. Make sure to include the rub rail--the vinyl or aluminum lining which serves to protect your boat from docks, pilings and other boats. If the rub rail ever has to be replaced, you may have to remeasure your beam.
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4
Stretch the tape measure straight across the body of the boat, so that either end of the tape measure is perpendicular to the sides of the boat. Stretch the tape measure taut, in order to keep the tape measure as level as possible for its entire extended length. You may have to measure the beam in several sections, if your measurement is obstructed by windshields or otherwise.
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5
Take and record your final measurement. If you are measuring your boat for the purposes of buying a boat cover, you will also need to repeat Steps 1 through 4 in order measure your boat's centerline length--the distance from bow to stern. When buying a boat cover, select a cover with a maximum beam width larger than your boat.
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Tips & Warnings
Know your measurement both in inches and centimeters: certain boat cover manufacturers may prefer one type of measurement over the other. For future reference, 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
