Transom (nautical) - Wikipedia

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Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flat part of a boat's squared stern For other uses, see Transom (disambiguation).

A transom is the aft transverse surface of the hull of some boats and ships forming its stern. Adding both strength and width to the stern, a transom may be flat or curved, and vertical, raked aft (known as an overhung or "counter" stern), or raked forward (and "reversed",[1] also known as retroussé).[2] In small boats and yachts, a flat termination of the stern is typically above the waterline, but large commercial vessels often exhibit vertical transoms that dip slightly beneath the water.[3]

On smaller boats such as dinghies, transoms may be used to support a rudder, outboard motor, or other accessory. On some yachts the transom may include a hinged swim platform, and a lazarette for deck items and leisure toys.[4]

Etymology

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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).[2][5]

History

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This section needs expansion with: content on the evolution of the transom over time. You can help by adding to it. (August 2025)

Design

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This section needs expansion with: the advantages and disadvantages of transoms, and the pros and cons of each design. You can help by adding to it. (August 2025)

Gallery

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• Flat transom on a dinghy with rudder mounting points
• The transom of the Spirit of Bermuda, made of Bermuda cedar
• Raked transom with rudder mounting points
• Reverse transom with rudder mounted under the hull
• Transom-mounted outboard motor
• An Irwin 44 sloop with a fold-down reverse transom
• Reverse transom with integral access platform

References

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1. ^ 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.
2. ^ a b "transom". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
3. ^ "transom". Dictionary.com. 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

v t e Parts of a sailing ship

Aftercastle Afterdeck Anchor Anchor windlass Apparent wind indicator Beakhead Bilge Bilgeboard Bitts Bollard Boom brake Bow or prow Bowsprit Cable Capstan Cathead Carpenter's walk Centreboard Chains Cockpit Companionway Crow's nest Daggerboard Deck Figurehead Floor timber Forecastle Frame Gangway Gunwale Head Hold Hull Jackline Jibboom Keel Canting Kelson Leeboard Mast Orlop deck Outrigger Poop deck Port Porthole Propeller Quarter gallery Quarterdeck Rib Rudder Ship's wheel Skeg Stem Starboard Stern or poop Sternpost Strake Taffrail Tiller Top Transom Whipstaff Winch

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