Nautical Term: Boot-topping

Definition of Boot-topping

Boot-topping refers to the application of special, resistant paints to the portion of a vessel situated between the light and load lines. This painted area is commonly referred to as the boot top. For instance, in the following paragraph, boot-topping is used to describe the application of a specific type of paint to a ship’s hull:

During the dry docking of the vessel, the crew meticulously prepped the hull for painting. They cleaned and sanded the surface, making sure to cover every square inch. Once the hull was prepared, the crew carefully applied a special, resistant paint to the portion of the hull between the light and load lines. This process, known as ‘boot-topping,’ ensured that the vessel’s hull would be well protected against the rigors of the sea.

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