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Boat Weight – Understanding the Difference Between Displacement and Ballast
By Admin
December 29, 2025
Many boat owners are unsure what boat weight really means, and there’s often confusion about the difference between displacement and ballast. One of the most common questions is:
“Is ballast included in a boat’s displacement?”
The answer is YES and here’s why.
What Is Displacement?
Displacement is the weight of the water a boat pushes aside when it floats.
This number is always equal to the total weight of the boat at that moment.
Example:
If a boat weighs 10,000 lbs, it displaces 10,000 lbs of water.
Displacement includes:
Hull- Engine(s)
- Ballast
- Fuel
- Water
- Batteries
- Gear
- Crew & equipment
Displacement = complete boat weight while floating.
Common Misunderstanding
Some people believe displacement does not include ballast.
This is incorrect.
Ballast is part of the boat’s structure.- Because of that, ballast is part of the boat’s total weight.
- Therefore, ballast is included in displacement.
Dry Weight vs Loaded Weight vs Displacement
Term
Includes Ballast?
Includes Fuel / Water / Gear?
MeaningBoat Weight (Dry Weight) | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | Weight of the boat without liquids or gear
Boat Weight (Loaded Weight) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Actual weight for towing or hauling
Displacement | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Total weight of the boat floating in the water
⭐ Bottom Line
Displacement = full weight of the boat, including ballast.- Boat weight ALWAYS includes ballast.
- The only time ballast isn’t counted is when a manufacturer lists a “dry weight,” which excludes liquids and gear but still includes ballast.
