What does the term hull refer to?

The term "hull" specifically refers to the body of a vessel. It encompasses the entire structure of the boat or ship that sits in the water, including the framework, sides, bottom, and any other integral components that provide buoyancy and structural integrity. The hull is critical for the vessel's performance, affecting how it moves through water and interacts with the aquatic environment.

Understanding the function of the hull is important for boat safety and operation, as it directly influences stability, handling, and overall seaworthiness. While other aspects of a vessel, like its length or weight, are important for different reasons, they do not define the hull itself, which is fundamentally the shape and structure that supports the watercraft.