When it comes to visualizing length, some measurements can be tricky to imagine—especially something oddly specific, like 59 feet long. While not as common as round numbers like 50 or 60 feet, there are still plenty of real-world objects and structures that measure close to this length.
Whether you’re trying to understand dimensions for construction, compare vehicle sizes, or just satisfy your curiosity, knowing what things are about 59 feet long gives you a clear perspective. In this article, we’ll explore nine interesting examples, from transportation to nature, that measure around this length.
9 Things That Are About 59 Feet Long
1. Mid-Sized Yachts
Many luxury yachts fall into the 55–60 foot category, making them nearly identical to 59 feet in length. A yacht of this size typically includes:
- Multiple sleeping cabins
- A galley (kitchen)
- A spacious deck for lounging
This size is large enough for extended voyages but still small enough for private owners to handle without a professional crew.
2. Semi-Truck with Trailer
The average semi-truck and trailer combination in the U.S. is about 70–80 feet, but shorter trailers (around 40–45 feet) paired with the cab can measure close to 59 feet.
This comparison is useful when imagining the scale of a truck driving down the highway—it’s nearly the same as standing beside a 59-foot-long structure.
3. Humpback Whales
In the animal kingdom, size comparisons get fascinating. Humpback whales typically measure 40–60 feet in length, putting many of them right around the 59-foot mark.
Seeing such a massive creature in the ocean really puts the length into perspective—it’s the same as nearly six stories of a building laid flat!
4. Mature Blue Whale Calves
While adult blue whales can grow over 90 feet long, their calves are born around 23 feet and grow rapidly. By the time they are several months old, they can measure close to 59 feet long.
This shows just how enormous the largest animal on Earth truly is—even its young are longer than a school bus.
5. Large Pine Trees
Many mature pine species, such as loblolly pines or white pines, reach 50–80 feet in residential areas. It’s common to see one around 59 feet tall, which makes a great real-world vertical comparison.
Imagine lying that tree horizontally—it would stretch almost the same as a 59-foot-long object.
6. Sport Fishing Boats
Sport fishing boats designed for ocean trips often fall into the 55–65 foot range. A 59-foot sport fisher provides:
- Room for multiple anglers
- Sleeping quarters
- Storage for gear and catch
These boats balance power and comfort while offering enough length for serious fishing expeditions.
7. Telephone Poles (Tall Varieties)
While the most common utility poles are 30–40 feet tall, taller ones can range 50–60 feet. These are often used along highways or in industrial areas.
That means when you see a particularly tall telephone pole, it’s close to 59 feet high, which is nearly the same as a 5-story building.
8. Large Sailboat Masts
Many sailboats in the 50–60 foot range come with masts of similar length. A 59-foot mast rises impressively high, towering over buildings and providing the sail area needed for long voyages.
For sailors, this comparison makes it easy to visualize just how tall the rigging stands above the waterline.
9. Medium-Sized Commercial Aircraft (Wingspan)
Some commercial aircraft, such as regional jets or older models, have wingspans that fall around 59 feet. For example, certain small commuter planes measure between 55–65 feet wide.
That makes the wings of the aircraft roughly equivalent to the length of a 59-foot object, spanning across a runway like a floating giant.
Why Knowing 59 Feet Matters
Understanding measurements like 59 feet long can be valuable in several ways:
- Construction & Planning – Visualizing spaces for homes, yards, or buildings.
- Transportation Awareness – Recognizing the size of vehicles and trailers.
- Nature Comparisons – Appreciating the scale of large animals or trees.
- Everyday Perspective – Converting a hard-to-imagine number into real-world examples.
FAQ About 59 Feet Long
1. How long is 59 feet in meters?
59 feet equals approximately 17.98 meters.
2. How many yards is 59 feet?
There are 3 feet in a yard, so 59 feet is about 19.67 yards.
3. What things are around 59 feet long?
- A standard tractor-trailer truck with trailer (about 53–59 ft).
- A small commercial fishing boat.
- Some large trees, like mature oak or pine, which can grow to this height.
4. How many stories tall is 59 feet?
Since one building story is usually around 10 feet, 59 feet would be about 5–6 stories tall.
5. How many inches are in 59 feet?
59 feet × 12 inches = 708 inches.
6. How far is 59 feet compared to common sports fields?
- A basketball court is 94 feet, so 59 feet is about two-thirds the length of a court.
- In football, 59 feet equals about 20 yards.
7. How many steps is 59 feet?
The average walking stride is 2.5 feet. That means 59 feet equals about 24 steps.
8. Is 59 feet longer than a bus?
Yes, most school buses are about 35–40 feet, so 59 feet is significantly longer.
Conclusion
At first, 59 feet long might sound like a random or abstract number, but when you compare it to yachts, whales, pine trees, or even airplane wingspans, it becomes much easier to picture.
From the ocean to the highway, examples of 59-foot-long objects are all around us. Next time you see a tall telephone pole or a massive fishing boat, you’ll have a clear sense of just how far 59 feet really stretches.