Figure 2-14.--Bulbous-bow configuration.
very much upon the strength and tightness of the
The end joint formed by adjoining plates in a strake
connections between the individual pieces. In today's
is called a butt. The joint between the edges of two
modern naval vessels, joints are welded flush together
adjoining strakes is called a seam. Seams are also
to form a smooth surface.
welded flush. Butts and seams are illustrated in figure
2-16.
BILGE KEELS
In general, seams and butts are located so that they
Bilge keels are fitted in practically all ships at the
do not interfere with longitudinals, bulkheads, decks,
turn of the bilge. Bilge keels extend 50 to 75 percent of
and other structural members. Since the hull structure is
the length of the hull. Bilge keels consist of two plates
composed of a great many individual pieces, the
forming a "V" shape welded to the hull, and on large
strength and tightness of the ship as a whole depend
2-24