Q: How is displacement determined?
A: Displacement is a rough measure of a boat’s weight, but technically it is the amount of water the boat moves aside (or displaces) when it is in the water. A boat that displaces 14,000 lbs. is moving 1750 gallons or 14,000 lbs. of water out of the way! Generally larger boats are rated according to their displacement, and that number is often inscribed in the hull and stated on registration or other paperwork.