What does the term "draft" refer to in boating?

The term "draft" in boating specifically refers to the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull (or keel) of a boat. This measurement is crucial as it determines how deep the boat sits in the water, influencing its stability, performance, and navigational capabilities. A deeper draft can provide better stability in choppy waters but restricts the boat's ability to navigate in shallow areas. Understanding the draft of a boat is essential for safe operation, ensuring that it does not run aground in shallow waters.

In this context, other options relate to different aspects of boat operation. The speed of the boat pertains to its movement through the water and does not relate to the physical characteristics of the hull concerning waterline. The amount of fuel onboard refers to how much fuel the boat carries for operation, which is important for range but not directly related to draft. The boat's capacity generally refers to how many people or how much weight it can carry, emphasizing the load limit rather than the hull's relationship to the water.