Anatomy
Manga
Definición
La anchura del barco en su punto más ancho. También se usa como dirección: «viento por el través» significa que viene de un costado.
Manga in practice
Beam is quoted with length and draught as a yacht's main dimensions. It affects stability, interior space and how much a marina berth will cost, since some marinas charge by width as well as length.
As a direction, the beam is the line running across the boat at its widest point. Directions like 'on the port beam' come from this use.
Common questions
- Does a wider beam make a boat more stable?
- It increases initial (form) stability, so the boat feels stiffer. Ultimate stability at large angles of heel depends more on the keel and ballast.
- What does 'beam on to the sea' mean?
- The boat is lying side-on to the waves. It is uncomfortable and, in breaking seas, dangerous because a wave can roll the boat.