The Keel reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Keel

A keel is a large beam around which the hull of a ship is built. The keel runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern. The word keel is also sometimes used to refer to a rigid, flat piece of material anchored to the lowest part of the hull and used to give the ship greater control and stability.

See also Leeboard, Bruce foil.

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