What does freeboard measure on a vessel?

Freeboard measures the distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the vessel's deck or gunwale. This measurement is crucial for assessing the amount of the boat that is above water, which contributes to its safety and stability while afloat. A higher freeboard means that the vessel is less likely to take on water from waves or other environmental factors, enhancing its seaworthiness. Freeboard is an important consideration for both safety and design, as it impacts how well a boat can handle rough conditions and prevents water from entering the vessel.

The other options do not define freeboard accurately; they refer to different dimensions and characteristics of the vessel: the length of the hull is essential for understanding overall size and speed; the width of the vessel relates to stability and capacity; and the height of the cleat pertains to the equipment used for securing lines rather than the vessel's buoyancy and water management.