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Home > Learn to Fish & Boat > Boating > Choose Your Boat > Classes of Boats
Boats are identified in classes by length. Federal and state laws require certain equipment aboard boats depending on the class or length of the boat. Learn about different classes of boats and how to measure vessel size.
Boats are divided into four length classes:
The length of a fishing vessel is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern. This does not include outboard motors, brackets, rudders, bow attachments, wake board towers or swim platforms and ladders that are not a molded part of the hull. Watch the video below for more information.
Always check the capacity plate, which is usually found near the operator’s position or on the vessel’s transom. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and maximum number of people that the vessel can carry safely. Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s warning decal.
You are thinking of buying a new boat. Congratulations, there is a boat for every budget, and there are dozens of types to choose from. If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider an all-purpose-fishing boat, aluminum fishing boat, bowrider or pontoon boat for ease of use. Watch the following video to see the differences among these options.
Check this boat comparison tool from Discover Boating to compare all types of fishing boats.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
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