Insailing andboating, a vessel'sfreeboardis the distance from thewaterline to the upperdeck level, measured at the lowest point ofsheer where water can enter theboat orship.[1] In commercial vessels, the latter criterion measured relative to theship's load line, regardless of deck arrangements, is the mandated and regulated meaning.[2]
In yachts, a low freeboard is often found onracing boats, for increased speed (by reducing weight and therefore drag). A higher freeboard will give more room in thecabin, but will increase weight and drag, compromising speed. A higher freeboard, such as used onocean liners, also helps weather waves and so reduce the likelihood of being washed over by full water waves. A low-freeboard vessel is susceptible to taking in water in rough seas. Freighter ships andwarships use high freeboard designs to increase internal volume, which also allows them to satisfyInternational Maritime Organization (IMO) damage stability regulations, due to increasedreserve buoyancy.
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