centerboard

[ sen-ter-bawrd, -bohrd ]

/ ˈsɛn tərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

a pivoted fin keel that can be swung upward and aft within a watertight trunk when not in use.

Also called drop keel.

Compare daggerboard.

Origin of centerboard

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; center + board

French Pete put his head up on the other side of the centerboard, his eyes heavy with sleep, and made them welcome.

The Cruise of the Dazzler |Jack London
When he looked again there was but one, a figure sprawled along the keel, clinging to the centerboard.

Cap'n Eri |Joseph Crosby Lincoln
The middle one of these three planks was omitted at the centerboard case to form a slot.

The Migrations of an American Boat Type |Howard I. Chapelle
You were right in insisting on shallow draught and a centerboard.

Johnstone of the Border |Harold Bindloss

The Rowan, drawing little water when her centerboard was up, would shortly be afloat.

Johnstone of the Border |Harold Bindloss