What is the term for the depth of water needed to float a boat clear of the bottom?

The term for the depth of water needed to float a boat clear of the bottom is known as draft. Draft refers specifically to the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the hull, typically the keel. Understanding this measurement is crucial for safe navigation because it helps boaters determine whether there is sufficient water depth in a given area to prevent grounding the vessel on the seabed or bottom.

Freeboard refers to the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, which is important for safety but does not indicate how deep the water needs to be for a boat to float. Breadth describes the width of the boat at its widest point, while beam is often used interchangeably with breadth in boating terminology. Neither of these measurements pertains to the water depth needed for floatation.

Knowing the draft of your boat is essential for avoiding shallow waters and ensuring safe passage, reinforcing the significance of this terminology in boating operations and navigation.