Key Terms Used in Fishing Vessel Stability Hull - The enclosed portions of the vessel below the highest watertight deck that runs continuously from the bow to the stern.
Inmost fishing vessels, the main deck is the highest watertight deck.
Superstructure or Deckhouse - The enclosed portions of the vessel above highest watertight deck.
Waterline - The position of the water surface along the hull.
Freeboard - The vertical distance between the waterline and the highest watertight deck.
Draft - The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel.
Watertight Envelope - The hull and watertight portions of the superstructure or deckhouses. The entire watertight envelope must remain watertight to ensure the vessel’s stability.
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