Nautical Term: Sliding ways

Definition of Sliding ways

Sliding ways refer to the structures situated on each side of the vessel, parallel to the keel. These ways support the crane under the bilgeways. When a vessel is launched, it rests on the bilgeways. The sliding ways create the inclined plane down which the vessel glides. Made of planks laid on blocks of wood, an example of sliding ways in action can be observed during the launching of a large ship.

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