centerboard

[ sen-ter-bawrd, -bohrd ]

/ ˈsɛn tərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

a pivoted fin keel that can be swung upward and aft within a watertight trunk when not in use.

Nearby words

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; center + board

Also called drop keel.

French Pete put his head up on the other side of the centerboard, his eyes heavy with sleep, and made them welcome.
The Cruise of the Dazzler|Jack London
When he looked again there was but one, a figure sprawled along the keel, clinging to the centerboard.
Cap'n Eri|Joseph Crosby Lincoln
The middle one of these three planks was omitted at the centerboard case to form a slot.
The Migrations of an American Boat Type|Howard I. Chapelle
You were right in insisting on shallow draught and a centerboard.
Johnstone of the Border|Harold Bindloss

The Rowan, drawing little water when her centerboard was up, would shortly be afloat.
Johnstone of the Border|Harold Bindloss