Garboard Plank (Noun)
Meaning
The first wale laid next to the keel of a wooden ship.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The hull of the ship was partially complete, with the keel and garboard plank laid end to end along the building berth.
- Shipwrights carefully fitted the garboard plank to the keel, using oakum to caulk the seam.
- A ship's structural integrity begins with the keel, and the first plank laid upon it, known as the garboard plank.
- Traditionally, the garboard plank was made from the best timbers to ensure a strong bond with the keel.
- In the 18th century, shipbuilders often fastened the garboard plank to the keel using hand-forged iron nails.