What Size Boat Slip Do I Need for My Yacht?
By Tal Fox Amit · Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read
How to match your vessel to the right dock, length, beam, draft, and the clearances that actually matter.
Picking the right slip comes down to four numbers: your vessel's length overall (LOA), beam, draft, and the dock's available depth and clearances. Get these right and docking is effortless; get them wrong and you risk a tight, stressful fit, or running aground.
Length (LOA)
Always use your true LOA, including pulpits, swim platforms, and davits, not just the hull length. A good slip should comfortably exceed your LOA so you have room for lines and fenders. Dockage is also priced by LOA, so know your real number.
Beam & finger space
Your beam determines how much side clearance you need. Side-tie docks are forgiving; slips between pilings need enough width for your beam plus fenders. Tell us your beam and we confirm the fit before you book.
Draft & water depth
Your draft must clear the dock's controlling depth at low tide, with margin to spare. South Florida tides are modest but real, we list each dock's depth so deep-draft sailboats and large powerboats can filter accordingly.
Let the quote do the math
Every FoxStays listing checks your vessel against the dock's real dimensions and flags any fit issues before you request to book. Enter your LOA, beam, and draft and you'll instantly see whether it fits, and what it costs.
Tal Fox Amit
FoxStays Docks · Jun 19, 2026
