What term describes the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel?

The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel is known as draft. This measurement is crucial for various reasons, including determining how much water a vessel needs to float safely and understanding its stability and maneuverability.

Draft is especially important for navigation, as it affects whether a vessel can safely enter certain waterways or docks where the water depth may be limited. The deeper the draft, the more difficult it may be for a vessel to navigate shallow waters.

Displacement refers to the weight of the water displaced by the vessel's hull and is relevant for understanding buoyancy. Beam is the width of the vessel at its widest point, which affects stability and space on the deck. Freeboard describes the vertical distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, indicating how much of the hull is above water, which is important for safety in rough seas. Each of these terms is significant in maritime terminology, but draft specifically measures how deeply the vessel is submerged.