Hull Terminology

Base Line

A fore and aft datum line from which vertical heights are measured

Forward Perpendicular

A line perpendicular to the baseline, intersecting the forward edge of the stem at the designed water line

Outboard

Away from the center of the ship

Hull

Body of a boat

Draft

Depth of water needed to float a vessel

Sheer

Fore and aft curvature of a deck

Centerline

Imaginary line running from ship's bow to stern

Inboard

Inside the ship; toward the centerline

Beam

Maximum width of a vessel

Length at waterline

length of the ship under the water

Shaft

long, round, heavy forging connecting the engine and propeller or other rotating machinery to its parts

Keel

principal fore and aft member of a ship's frame, which runs along the bottom and connects the stem and the stern. to which the frames of the ship are attached

Rudder

the hinged plate at the back and bottom of a boat, used for steering

Deadrise

Rise or slant up athwartship of the bottom of a ship from the keel to the bilge.

propeller

Rotates and powers a boat forward or backward

length between perpendiculars

The length of a ship measured from the forward perpendicular to the after perpendicular

Camber

The rise or crown of a deck, athwartship. Measured in inches per foot of breadth

Amidships

The vicinity of the middle portion of a ship

Length Overall

Total length of the ship from stem to stern

Aft

Toward the strean

Stern

after end of a ship

Depth

distance from the keel to the freeboard deck at the side

Freeboard

distance from the waterline to the upper deck level

Stem

forging, casting, or rounded plate forming the extreme bow of the ship, extending from the keel to the forecastle deck

Bow

front of a ship