How to Choose the Appropriate Size Flag for Your Boat

Boats come in a variety of sizes and styles. As a result, so do boat flags!

Most mariners can agree that an 8x12” flag would look rather odd on a 50 foot yacht, but determining the correct size flag to purchase for your boat can be challenging – especially if you choose to fly more than one flag.

The yacht ensign, which is the national flag for the country in which the vessel is registered, should be the largest flag on the boat. All other flags on board should be smaller in size. Generally speaking, the yacht ensign should be approximately one inch in width for every foot of boat length. For example, a 33-foot vessel would use a 24x36” yacht ensign with a private boat flag of 12x18”.

To take the guesswork out of determining the correct boat flag size for your vessel, our flag experts put together the below Boat Flag Size Guides for Power Boats and Sailboats. Whether you’re purchasing a U.S. yacht ensign, a pirate flag, a fishing flag or designing your own custom boat flag, the below chart will help you select the appropriate dimensions.

Boat Flag Size Guide for Power Boats

Boat Length	Private Flag	Yacht Ensign
Under 20’	8x12”	12x18”
20’	10x15”	12x18”
25’	10x15”	16x24”
30’	12x18”	16x24”
35’	12x18”	24x36”
40’	14x21”	24x36”
45’	14x21”	24x36”
50’	16x24”	2.5x4’
55’	16x24”	2.5x4’
60’	20x30”	2.5x4’
70’	20x30”	3x5’
80’	24x36”	3x5’
90’	24x36”	4x6’
100’	30x48”	4x6’

Boat Flag Size Guide for Sailboats

Boat Length	Private Flag	Yacht Ensign
20’	10x15”	16x24”
25’	10x15”	16x24”
30’	12x18”	24x36”
35’	14x21”	24x36”
40’	14x21”	24x36”
45’	16x24”	2.5x4’
50’	20x30”	2.5x4’
60’	20x30”	2.5x4’
70’	24x36”	3x5’
80’	24x36”	3x5’
90’	30x48”	4x6’
100’	30x48”	4x6’

Our Experts Can Help You Choose the Right Size Flag for Your Boat

For personalized service and support, give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online. Our boat flag experts will help you select the appropriate size flag for you boat and can even help you place an order by phone.

You can also browse our wide selection of boat flags and place an order online. Choose from U.S. yacht ensigns, fishing flags and pirate flags, or design your custom boat flag.