Originally the lowest baulk of timber forming the principal fore and aft strength member from which the rest of the vessel is built up. Today the term is used to describe the centre line set of girders running for and aft in a steel ship to give her longitudinal strength.
Libhekiselele kwelona qolo lisezantsi lemithi eyenza umphambili omkhulu kunye namandla elungu langasemva apho inxalenye yenqanawa yenzelwa khona. Namhlanje eli gama lisetyenziselwa ukuchaza umgca osembindini weseti yezixhasi ezibalekela ngaphambili nangasemva kwinqanawa yenstimbi ukuyinika amandla athe xhaxhe.