Shaft alley on the USS Blueback (SS-581)

Definition

Noun

  • The tunnel or space through which the propeller shaft goes.

Origin

19th century.

Comments

This space can vary in length and size depending on the vessel and the placement of the engines in relation to the propeller shaft. Vessels with multiple screws can obviously have more than one shaft alley.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.