Anyone, I'm new to boating so please bear with me. I have a 2004 SeaRay 220 SD which as an integrated swim platform. How does the USCG classify such a boat as far as length? The swim platform is attached but I'm not sure I would consider it buoyant since it has holds to let the water through.
"OVERALL LENGTH (L) means the horizontal distance between the outboard side of the foremost part
of the stem and the outboard side of the aftermost part of the stern, excluding rudders, outboard motor
brackets, and other similar fittings and attachments. The following additional requirements apply:
(a) Buoyant hull structures both fixed and removable are included in the overall length, and
consequently in tonnage. Portions of watertight bulwarks and similar structures that function as a
continuation of the vessel's hull and extend for a length of 10% or more of the overall length (with the
structure included) are considered to be part of the buoyant hull envelope, provided there are no hull
[color =red]openings[/color ] (such as an anchor hawsepipe) that could cause the associated space to flood. Refer to §
69.53 for the definition of watertight.
(b) Attachments that are typically not part of the buoyant hull envelope, and are therefore not included in the overall length, include bowsprits, overhanging decks, swim platforms, stern-wheel supports and
non-watertight bulwarks."
"OVERALL LENGTH (L) means the horizontal distance between the outboard side of the foremost part
of the stem and the outboard side of the aftermost part of the stern, excluding rudders, outboard motor
brackets, and other similar fittings and attachments. The following additional requirements apply:
(a) Buoyant hull structures both fixed and removable are included in the overall length, and
consequently in tonnage. Portions of watertight bulwarks and similar structures that function as a
continuation of the vessel's hull and extend for a length of 10% or more of the overall length (with the
structure included) are considered to be part of the buoyant hull envelope, provided there are no hull
[color =red]openings[/color ] (such as an anchor hawsepipe) that could cause the associated space to flood. Refer to §
69.53 for the definition of watertight.
(b) Attachments that are typically not part of the buoyant hull envelope, and are therefore not included in the overall length, include bowsprits, overhanging decks, swim platforms, stern-wheel supports and
non-watertight bulwarks."