overmasted

A tall ship is dangerously overmasted in a strong gale.

Definition

1. Adjective (nautical):
   • Having masts that are too long or too heavy: "overmasted" describes a ship whose masts are disproportionately large in relation to the hull, making the vessel unstable or difficult to manage.

Usage Examples

• (The ship had masts that were too long, affecting its balance.)
• (The masts should be appropriately sized for safety.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be overmasted": a technical term in naval architecture referring to a design flaw where the mast height or weight exceeds what the hull can safely support.
  • The shipbuilder realized the frigate was overmasted only after its first voyage. (The mistake became apparent during sea trials.)

Variants and Related Words

• Overmast (verb): to fit a ship with masts that are too large.

  • They overmasted the clipper in an attempt to increase speed, but it made the vessel unstable. (They installed excessively large masts.)

• Mast (noun): a tall upright spar on a ship that supports sails and rigging.

  • The ship's main mast was broken during the storm. (A key structural component.)

Synonyms

• Over-rigged: having more rigging or larger spars than necessary.
• Top-heavy: having an excessive weight or height above the center of gravity, often used for ships.

Related Idioms

• Mast-heavy: a descriptive term for a ship with too much emphasis on mast size.
  • The schooner was criticized as mast-heavy, meaning it was overmasted. (The masts were disproportionate.)

Note

This word is primarily used in historical or technical nautical contexts and is rarely found in modern everyday language. It is often encountered in descriptions of sailing ships from the age of sail.