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Transom (nautical)
Flat part of a boat's squared stern / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]