Which statement best describes freeboard?

Which statement best describes freeboard?

• A. The depth of water from waterline to keel
• B. The height of a vessel's hull from the waterline to the main deck
• C. The thickness of the hull plating
• D. The distance from bow to stern

Answer: (B)

Freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline up to the main deck of the vessel. This measurement shows how much of the hull remains above the water and contributes to buoyant reserve and stability in waves. It isn’t the depth of water under the hull (that’s draft), nor hull thickness, nor the vessel’s length.

Freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline up to the main deck of the vessel. This measurement shows how much of the hull remains above the water and contributes to buoyant reserve and stability in waves. It isn’t the depth of water under the hull (that’s draft), nor hull thickness, nor the vessel’s length.