Glossary · Hull & structure
Chine
Also called: Bouchain, chines, bouchains vifs
A lengthwise edge on the hull, where the bottom meets the side.
The chine is where the bottom of the hull meets its side. It can be rounded or hard, marked by an edge. Modern racing monohulls have hard chines, sometimes several, which widen the hull without adding weight.
When the boat heels, the chine bears on the water: the hull keeps a flat lifting surface, which helps planing and power.
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