Module 1 - Nautical Terms
Hull and Below the Waterline
The hull is the body of the boat. The waterline is where the hull meets the water surface. The draught is the depth of the hull below the waterline — critical for knowing what depth of water you need.
A sailing yacht's keel may be a long keel, fin keel or another arrangement. It provides lateral resistance and often carries ballast for stability. The rudder is an underwater steering surface, commonly near the stern, controlled through a tiller or wheel.
- Hull — the body/shell of the boat
- Waterline — where the hull meets the water
- Draught — depth of hull below waterline
- Keel — structural backbone; provides stability
- Rudder — steering surface at the stern
- Freeboard — height of deck above waterline
- LOA — Length Overall of the vessel
Optional quick check
Section 3 of 8
Which measurement must be compared with available depth before entering shallow water?
Continue studying Nautical Terms
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