Definition

1. Noun:
   • A removable centerboard on a small sailboat that can be lowered into the water to serve as a keel. It is a retractable fin used to prevent the boat from being pushed sideways by the wind (aiding lateral resistance) and to improve stability and direction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Before we tack, make sure the daggerboard is fully down.
  • The sailor pulled up the daggerboard as the boat entered the shallow cove.
  • A daggerboard is more common on small dinghies than a fixed keel.

Advanced Usage

• "To raise/lower the daggerboard": The standard action for deploying or stowing it.
  • Lower the daggerboard for upwind sailing to reduce leeway.
• "Daggerboard trunk/case": Refers to the housing or slot in the hull where the daggerboard is stored.
  • Check the daggerboard trunk for any leaks after the race.

Variants and Related Words

• Centerboard (n): A general term for a retractable keel, often pivoting, whereas a daggerboard typically moves vertically.
• Keel (n): The main structural base of a ship; a fixed fin for stability. A daggerboard serves a similar function but is removable.
• Leeboard (n): A pair of boards mounted on the sides of a boat to prevent leeway, used instead of a centerboard or daggerboard.

Synonyms

• Retractable keel: Emphasizes its function and movable nature.
• Center fin: A less technical descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• "To drop the daggerboard": Synonymous with lowering it.
  • Drop the daggerboard as soon as you leave the dock.
• "Daggerboard-up position": Describes the state when it is retracted, often for beaching or downwind sailing.
  • In a daggerboard-up position, the boat has less drag but is harder to steer upwind.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms specifically for "daggerboard," as it is a technical nautical term. Its usage is primarily literal.)

Noun

1. a removable centerboard on a small sailboat that can be lowered into the water to serve as a keel