"Legal" definition (what the builder can call it) of LOA is the length measured over the centerline on the deck from the foremost point on the hull (not the deck) exclusive of any pulpits or bumpkins, to the aftmost point on the stern exclusive of any motor brackets or other appendages (for instance davits). If the boat is old enough that any swim platform is bolted on, it is NOT included. In 1989 builders starting integrating swim platforms into the hull mold...those ARE included because they're part of the hull.
Harbormasters are not bound by the legal definition of LOA...they need to know how many feet of dock space your boat will occupy...they can't rent to anyone else if you're using it. So they CAN include your bow pulpit, anchor roller--and the anchor...your bolted-on swim platform, any outboard hanging off the stern and/or any dinghy hanging on davits...every inch of space your boat will occupy.
