Beam refers to which dimension of a vessel?

Beam refers to which dimension of a vessel?

• A. The distance from bow to stern
• B. The width of the vessel at its widest point
• C. The height above the waterline
• D. The length of the hull

Answer: (B)

Beam is the width of the vessel, measured from one side to the other at its widest point. It’s a transverse dimension, not the length from bow to stern or the height above the water. The distance from bow to stern describes length, while the height above the waterline corresponds to freeboard. Knowing the beam helps you understand stability and interior space—the wider a vessel, the greater its initial righting moment, though there are trade-offs with handling and performance.

Beam is the width of the vessel, measured from one side to the other at its widest point. It’s a transverse dimension, not the length from bow to stern or the height above the water. The distance from bow to stern describes length, while the height above the waterline corresponds to freeboard. Knowing the beam helps you understand stability and interior space—the wider a vessel, the greater its initial righting moment, though there are trade-offs with handling and performance.