Nautical Term: Buttock lines

Definition of Buttock lines

Buttock lines, refer to the curves generated when taking a vertical longitudinal section of the after part of a ship’s hull, parallel to the keel. This line represents the outside contour of the ship’s after body, a critical factor in determining the ship’s stability and hydrodynamic performance.

For example, during the design process of a new cargo ship, the naval architects would carefully analyze the buttock lines, optimizing the shape for maximum cargo capacity and hydrodynamic efficiency.

Explore other nautical terms:

Head back to the Nautical Dictionary

Take a Tour With Us!

Recommended Reading