J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Actual boat length

Ok - from some Naval Architect postings elsewhere:

"LOD means Length on Deck. In traditional terms it is typically measured on the centerline of the boat at the point where the deck meets the stem and the face of the transom. LOA means length over all and traditionally is also referred to as Length between Perpendiculars. In traditional terms it is typically measured on the centerline of the boat at the point where the deck meets the stem and the furthest point of the transom. Boats with traditional transoms should have an equal LOA and LOD but boats with reversed transom rakes will often have longer LOA than LOD.

There are a number of gray zones here. Some designers measure LOA to be the measurement at the top of the toe rail, and would include outboard rudders in the LOA. What should never be included in LOA are such items as bow and stern rails, bowsprits or boomkins but that does not stop unethical brokers and boat builders from doing it."

However, there seems to be a use, particularly those who charge for storage to include anything projecting at the extremes.