freeboard

[ free-bawrd, -bohrd ]

/ ˈfriˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

Nautical.

the distance between the level of the water and the upper surface of the freeboard deck amidships at the side of a hull: regulated by the agencies of various countries according to the construction of the hull, the type of cargo carried, the area of the world in which it sails, the type of water, and the season of the year.Compare load line.
(on a cargo vessel) the distance between the uppermost deck considered fully watertight and the official load line.
the portion of the side of a hull that is above the water.

Civil Engineering. the height of the watertight portion of a building or other construction above a given level of water in a river, lake, etc.

Origin of freeboard

1670–80; free + board; translation of French franc bord

This weight was actually exceeded by 100 tons, which left a freeboard of only 20 inches when the ship sailed on her first voyage.

The South Pole, Volumes 1 and 2 |Roald Amundsen
But that was of less concern to me than the lack of freeboard.

Down the Yellowstone |Lewis R. Freeman
She was flush-decked, and sat high in the water, with a freeboard of nearly five feet.

The Pit Prop Syndicate |Freeman Wills Crofts
They were rather smarter boats than the pinnace, being nearly as long but with less beam and freeboard, and finer lines.

The Pirate Slaver |Harry Collingwood

Another serious defect in many cruising boats is want of freeboard.

On Yachts and Yacht Handling |Thomas Fleming Day

freeboard

/ (ˈfriːˌbɔːd) /

the space or distance between the deck of a vessel and the waterline