What does the term "breadth" refer to in maritime context?

In a maritime context, the term "breadth" specifically refers to the widest portion of a vessel, commonly known as the greatest breadth. This measurement is crucial because it affects various aspects of the ship's stability, capacity, and overall design. Understanding this dimension helps in assessing how a vessel will behave in water, its turning radius, and how it interacts with waves and wind.

Consider that the length overall pertains to the entire length from the bow to the stern, while the distance from front to back generally describes the length and not the breadth of a vessel. Draft refers to how deep the vessel sits in the water, which is a completely different measurement relating to how much of the hull is submerged. Thus, the designation of breadth as the greatest breadth is key for considerations of ship stability, design, and operational characteristics.