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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Stern_of_Bro_Elisabeth.jpg/220px-Stern_of_Bro_Elisabeth.jpg)
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 edit
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]
Gallery edit
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Flat transom on a dinghy with mount points for a rudder.
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The Bermuda cedar transom of the Spirit of Bermuda
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Raked transom with rudder mount points.
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Reverse transom with rudder mounted under the hull.
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Transom-mounted outboard motor.
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An Irwin 44 with a fold-down transom.
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Reverse transom with access platform.
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Traditional timber construction with horizontal transom members in pale yellow-green (6) and turquoise (7).
References edit
- ^ a b "transom". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- ^ "transom". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Transom Saver, Outboard Motor Support – Are They Needed?". PartsVu Xchange. 2020-04-30. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
- ^ 2007 Collins dictionary