KEELRAKE Meaning and
Definition
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Keelrake is a nautical term that refers to the action of a ship's keel scraping or striking against the ground, seabed, or any other obstruction while sailing in shallow waters. This occurs when the ship is not sufficiently buoyant or there is inadequate depth for the vessel to navigate safely without contact. The term is derived from the combination of "keel," which is the central structural component of a ship running along the bottom from stem to stern, and "rake," which suggests the act of scraping or contacting.
Keelrake is often associated with undesirable consequences and can pose a significant risk to both the ship and its crew. When a ship keelrakes, it may encounter damage such as structural breaches, cracks, or even detachment from the ship's hull. Moreover, the pressure exerted on the keel during keelraking can lead to structural imbalance, affecting the ship's stability and potentially causing it to capsize or list heavily.
To prevent keelraking, sailors must carefully navigate through shallow waters while considering the ship's draft (depth of the keel below the waterline) and following established maritime charts. By diligently monitoring the water depths and employing navigational aids like depth sounders and charts, sailors can avoid dangerous keelraking situations and ensure the safety and integrity of their vessels.
Common Misspellings for KEELRAKE
- jeelrake
- meelrake
- leelrake
- oeelrake
- ieelrake
- kwelrake
- kselrake
- kdelrake
- krelrake
- k4elrake
- k3elrake
- kewlrake
- keslrake
- kedlrake
- kerlrake
- ke4lrake
- ke3lrake
- keekrake
- keeorake
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