how to measure boat length accurately

[magnetman]

I have been thinking of measuring my boat as I am considering having it lengthened.

 

What would be the best way?

 

Giant calipers?

 

I think I would go for two pieces of ply lined up at each end on the towpath then a laser measure between the boards

 

There must be an easier way

[Tim Lewis]

A long tape measure?

[Burgiesburnin]

Can you run a line internally the length of the boat and then measure the line?

[Odana]

It depends if you are measuring it to calculate BCN Challeng points, for sale, or for mooring fee purposes!

[Pete & Helen]

While in a lock (unless you can get at both sides of your boat at your mooring) lay a piece of timber (wider than your beam) across your bow and one across stern at the points you want to measure.

measure the distance on both sides at the ends of the timber, add them together then divide by 2, this will ensure that if the timber isnt quite straight you get the correct distance.

[magnetman]

That's good I like that could use scaffold poles maybe as long as they are dead straight and 15ft long to reach across a wide lock

[RLWP]

I have been thinking of measuring my boat as I am considering having it lengthened.

What would be the best way?

Giant calipers?

I think I would go for two pieces of ply lined up at each end on the towpath then a laser measure between the boards

There must be an easier way

Why does it matter?

 

Richard

[magnetman]

Or could do it from the dinghy for the other side. Thanks for the divide by 2 bit its a great idea

I have paid for 22m mooring even though I have a 17.5m (approx) boat I need to know exactly how much to add.

 

It doesn't 'matter' really I suppose

[thorne lass]

I just break the boat down to sections and add together the increments:

 

Stem post to headboard

headboard to cabin bulkhead

front cabin bulkhead to aft cabin bulkhead

aft deck

 

or whatever. Usually accurate enough!

[RLWP]

Or could do it from the dinghy for the other side. Thanks for the divide by 2 bit its a great ideaI have paid for 22m mooring even though I have a 17.5m (approx) boat I need to know exactly how much to add.

It doesn't 'matter' really I suppose

You are going to add about 4.5 metres and get quotes based on that. The stretcher will worry about the centimetres, I doubt half a metre will make much difference in price

 

Richard

 

I suppose you could put a couple of marks on the water at each end, move the boat away and measure with a tape measure. Use a plum bob to make the marks for greater accuracy

Edited March 3, 2014 by RLWP

[magnetman]

....

 

I suppose you could put a couple of marks on the water at each end, move the boat away and measure with a tape measure. Use a plum bob to make the marks for greater accuracy

 

best idea so far. ta

[Paul's Nulife4-2]

Can you run a line internally the length of the boat and then measure the line?

Thats how iI done mine.worked well for me.

[Grace and Favour]

 

I suppose you could put a couple of marks on the water at each end, move the boat away and measure with a tape measure. Use a plum bob to make the marks for greater accuracy

Just make sure you use waterproof spray paint, otherwise the marks may disolve!

[Androo]

A long tape measure?

Not as daft as it sounds actually. Find a straight stretch of towpath, moor up, hammer in your mooring stakes perpendicular to the boat, bow and stern. Attach your ropes and measure between the two stakes.

 

I realize that, the bow and stern stauntions aren't right on the the ends but it's a reasonable guide.