Newbie - Question regarding Boat description

[EVBliss]

Hi all, Hope I'm doing this correctly...we recently purchased a 1997 Wellcraft Excel 23. It is 26ft according to the description, so what does the 23 in the name refer to? Load Waterline?
thanks
s

[Bt Doctur]

length in feet

[Billm]

26’ feet might be referring to “length overall” which would include the bow pulpit. Little or no value to you but marinas love to use that number if they charge by the foot. The true length is the last four digits of the hull identification number.

Swim platforms - It used to be that swim platforms were bolt on appendages and not part of the boat’s length. Around 1990, the boat manufacturers began to extend the hull sides around the swim platform so they could begin the deceptive practice of including that in the boat’s length. So a 25’ boat instantly became a 28’ boat. I think that has added to the confusion over the years.

[goodday]

I think mine 2600 says it’s 27.6 but that counting bow pulpit which kinda an add on, cpl year later same boat they deleted it, I do like it as with a windlass it’s makes a nice anchor snug