The garboard strake is a term used in boatbuilding to refer to the first plank on a boat's hull. The spelling of this word might seem confusing at first, but it can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced /ˈɡɑːbərd streɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first part of the word, "garboard," is derived from the Middle English word "gerbord," meaning "nearest the keel." The second part, "strake," refers to a continuous run of planking on a boat's hull.
Garboard strake is a nautical term that refers to the bottommost plank or strake, which is laid first and closest to the keel in the hull of a wooden boat. The term "strake" refers to a continuous line of planking, while "garboard" is derived from the Old Norse word "gerbord," which means "sown board." Therefore, the garboard strake is essentially the first plank "sewn" onto the frame of a boat.
The garboard strake is crucial in boat construction as it serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides structural integrity by reinforcing the keel and absorbing the impact and stress exerted on the boat from the water. Secondly, it also helps to create a smooth and streamlined hull shape to minimize drag and ensure better hydrodynamics. Since it forms the foundation of the hull, the garboard strake must be correctly shaped, securely fastened, and watertight to prevent leakage or damage to the boat.
Traditionally, the garboard strake was often made of a single, wider plank due to its critical role in maintaining the boat's integrity. However, in modern boat construction, it may consist of multiple narrower planks, depending on the design and materials used. The garboard strake is usually among the first planks to be attached during the boatbuilding process before the subsequent planks are added, working their way upwards towards the waterline and gunwale.
The word "garboard strake" is a nautical term derived from Old English and Middle English.
- "Garboard" comes from the Old English word "gārbord", which is a combination of "gār" meaning "spear" or "spearhead" and "bord" meaning "board" or "plank". It referred to the first plank in a ship's hull, which was typically shaped like a spearhead and met the keel.
- "Strake" comes from the Middle English word "strec", which means "a plank or plate". It is derived from the Old English word "strēc" meaning "a covering, a plate, or a plank".
Combining these two terms, "garboard strake" refers to the plank or strake next to the keel of a wooden ship's hull.