Transom (nautical)

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Vertical transom and stern of a modern cargo ship Stern of Bro Elisabeth.jpg
Vertical transom and stern of a modern cargo ship

In some boats and ships, a transom is the aft transverse surface of the hull that forms the stern of a vessel. Historically, they are a development from the canoe stern (or "double-ender") wherein which both bow and stern are pointed.

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Transoms add both strength and width to the stern. They may be flat or curved and they may be vertical, raked forward (known as retroussé), or raked aft. [1] In small boats and yachts, this flat termination of the stern is typically above the waterline, but large commercial vessels often exhibit vertical transoms that dip slightly beneath the water. [2] On cruising boats, a counter stern may be truncated to form a "truncated counter stern", in which there is a part of the stern that approximates a transom.

Although that standard stern transom is typically vertical, they may be raked such that there is an overhang above the water, as at the bow. A reverse transom is angled from the waterline forwards. [3]

On smaller boats such as dinghies, transoms may be used to support a rudder, outboard motor, or a wind-generator pole. On cruising yachts, the transome may hinge outwards (when at anchor) to form a swimming-cum-access platform, and to provide a lazarette for deck items and leisure toys. [4]

Etymology

The term was used as far back as Middle English in the 1300s, having come from Latin transversus (transverse) via Old French traversain (set crosswise). [1] [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 "transom". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  2. ↑ "transom". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  3. ↑ Jordan, Richard (19 September 2009). "Stern Styles and Transom Types – Sugar Scoop, Reverse, Wineglass, Heartshaped, Canoe, Double Ended, Ducktail". Jordan Yacht Brokerage. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  4. ↑ "Transom Saver, Outboard Motor Support – Are They Needed?". PartsVu Xchange. 2020-04-30. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  5. ↑ 2007 Collins dictionary
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