LOA

Length Overall — the maximum fore-and-aft hull length, excluding bowsprits and pulpits unless specifically included.

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Related L-terms

Lee shore

Shoreline lying downwind of the boat; a hazard because the wind will steadily push a disab…

Lash

To bind or secure with line or webbing.

Land breeze

A night-time wind caused by land cooling faster than the sea, drawing air from shore out t…

Lubber line

A fixed reference line on a compass card housing that represents the boat's heading, read …

LWL

Length Waterline — the fore-and-aft length of the hull measured at the waterline; a major …

Life raft

A self-inflating, canister- or valise-packed survival craft launched in an abandon-ship si…

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