To obtain displacement in tons per foot of draft, draw a line from the measurement for the length of the barge (see note) to the measurement for the width of the barge. The number obtained is then multiplied by the desired draft of the barge to obtain the capacity at that draft.

Light (empty) draft of most barges is approximately 1’6”. This amount should be subtracted from the desired draft of the vessel before multiplying by the displacement figure, otherwise, the capacity arrived at will include the weight of the barge.

NOTE: For double-raked barges, subtract the length of one rake from the total length of the barge and use the resultant figure to determine displacement. For single-raked barges, subtract one-half the length of the rake from the total length of the barge and use this resultant figure to determine displacement.