Flare (ship)

Flare hull of the USS Wisconsin.

For the maritime distress signal, see Flare § Maritime distress signal.

Flare is the angle at which a ship's hull plate or planking departs from the vertical in an outward direction with increasing height. A flared hull typically has a deck area larger than its cross-sectional area at the waterline. Most vessels have some degree of flare above the waterline, which is especially true for sea vessels. Advantages of hull flare can include improvements in stability, splash and wash suppression, and dockside utility.

Tumblehome is the inverse of flare, where the hull becomes narrower with increasing height.

See also

• Naval architecture