Yacht Charter Glossary
LOA (Length Overall)
Also known as: Length Overall · Overall Length
Full explanation
When a yacht is described as '40 metres,' the figure refers to LOA.
Every charter price, marina fee, and regulatory threshold uses LOA.
It is the defining specification of a yacht as a commercial object. LOA vs LWL (Length at Waterline): LOA includes bowsprit, swim platform, anchor pulpit.
LWL excludes overhanging structures and is shorter, sometimes by 2–4 metres on larger yachts.
LWL matters for sailing performance calculations; LOA matters for commerce. LOA-based price scaling in Greek charter 2026 (motor yachts, mid-tier): 24m: ~€60k/week base; 30m: ~€95k/week; 35m: ~€140k/week; 40m: ~€220k/week; 50m: ~€420k/week.
Price scales superlinearly because every additional metre adds crew, fuel, and complexity. LOA and marina fees: Greek marinas charge by LOA, typically €5–€18 per metre per night in summer.
A 40m yacht at €12/m pays €480/night in marina.
Anchoring is free in most Greek waters except a few protected bays.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
LOA is the headline number for any yacht - but it's not the whole story. A 40m yacht with 8m beam has more interior volume than a 45m yacht with 6.5m beam. UHNW buyers should look at LOA, beam, draft, and GT (gross tonnage) together for a complete picture of what 'size' actually means aboard.
Worked examples
40m yacht spec breakdown
LOA: 40.20m. LWL: 36.50m. Beam: 8.40m. Draft: 2.30m. Gross tonnage: 350 GT. Cabins: 5 (1 master, 4 doubles). Sleeps: 10 guests + 8 crew.
Frequently asked
About loa (length overall)
Why is LOA different from waterline length?
LOA includes overhanging structures - bowsprit, swim platform, anchor pulpit. LWL is the length actually displacing water. The difference can be 2–4m on bigger yachts.
Does LOA include the radar arch on top of the flybridge?
No - LOA is a horizontal measurement at hull level. Air draft (the vertical equivalent, height of the highest fixed point above the waterline) is a separate spec that matters for bridge clearances.
Is LOA the same as 'length of yacht'?
Yes for charter/commerce purposes. In casual conversation 'a 40-metre yacht' always means 40m LOA.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
Beam
Beam is the maximum width of a yacht's hull, measured at the widest point. Wider beam means more interior vo…
Draft
Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a yacht's hull (typically the …
Superyacht
A superyacht is any private yacht of 24 metres (78 feet) or longer. Above 50 metres the term 'megayacht' is …
Motor Yacht
A motor yacht is a yacht propelled entirely by engines, with no sailing capability. Motor yachts dominate th…
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