Definition

Noun

  • The height of a vessel’s side above the waterline.

Origin

From the Anglo-Saxon, framebord, meaning frames’ side.

Comments

The amount of freeboard a vessel has is one of the factors that determine its capabilities on the water. A higher freeboard often means better suitability for rougher seas since water won’t wash over the decks in heavy seas. In some vessels, a high freeboard can also indicate a large amount of space within the hull for cargo.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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