STERN-BOARD. This term is familiarly known to seamen as tacking by misadventure in stays; or purposely, as a seamanlike measure, to effect the object. Thus a ship in a narrow channel is allowed to fly up head to wind until her stem nearly touches a weather danger; the head-yards are then quickly braced abox, and the helm shifted. Thus she makes stern-way until all the sails are full, when she is again skilfully brought to the wind before touching the danger under her lee. Generally speaking, however, it refers to bad seamanship.
STERN-CHASERS. The guns which fire directly aft.
STERN-DAVITS. Pieces of iron or timber projecting from the stern, with sheaves or blocks at their outer ends, for hoisting boats up to.
STERN-FAST. A rope used to confine the stern of a vessel to a wharf, &c.
STERN-FRAME. That strong and ornamental union based on the stern-post, transom, and fashion-pieces.
STERN-KNEE. Synonymous with [stern-son] (which see).
STERN-LADDER. Made of ropes with wooden steps, for getting in and out of the boats astern.
STERNMOST. Implies anything in the rear, or farthest astern, as opposed to headmost.
STERN-PORTS. The ports made between the stern-timbers.
STERN-POST. The opposite to the stem; scarphed into the keel, and suspending the rudder. In steam-ships, where a screw is fitted, it works between this and an after stern-post which carries the rudder.