What does "draft" refer to in relation to boats?

The term "draft" specifically refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull, also known as the keel. This measurement is crucial for understanding how deep a boat sits in the water and affects the vessel's ability to navigate in various water conditions. A deeper draft may limit the environment in which a boat can operate, especially in shallow waters, while a shallower draft allows for greater maneuverability in those areas. Understanding draft helps boaters assess the safe navigation routes and helps in docking, especially in areas where depth may be a concern.

The other options outline different aspects of a boat's characteristics—length, weight capacity, and width—but do not define draft, making them relevant to other discussions about boat specifications, rather than its draft.