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.

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“Compliment” and “complement” had a shared meaning a long time ago, but today they are no longer interchangeable.

Also called drop keel.

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

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