Stern-sheets, that part of a boat which is contained between the stern and the aftmost, or hindmost, seat of the rowers. It is generally furnished with benches, to accommodate the passengers. See the article Boat.
Stern-way, the movement by which a ship retreats, or falls backward, with her stern foremost.
STEWARD, maitre-valet, an officer in a ship of war, appointed by the purser, to distribute the different species of provisions to the officers and crew; for which purpose he is furnished with a mate, and proper assistants.
STIFF, the quality by which a ship is enabled to carry a sufficient quantity of sail, without hazard of oversetting. See the articles Ballast and Trim.
STINK-POT, pot à feu, an earthen jar, or shell, charged with powder, grenadoes, and other materials of an offensive and suffocating smell. It is frequently used by privateers, in the western ocean, in the attack of an enemy, whom he designs to board; for which purpose it is furnished with a lighted fuse, at the opening or touch-hole. See Boarding.
STIRRUPS. See the article Horse.
STOCKS, a frame erected on the shore of a river, or harbour, whereon to build shipping. It generally consists of a number of wooden blocks, ranged parallel to each other, at convenient distances, and with a gradual declivity towards the water. See Lanching.
STOPPERS, bosses, certain short pieces of rope, which are usually knotted at one, or both ends, according to the purpose for which they are calculated. They are either used to suspend any weighty body, or to retain a cable, shroud, &c. in a fixed position.
Thus, the anchors, when first hoisted up from the ground, are hung to the cat-head, by a stopper attached to the latter, which passing through the anchor-ring, is afterwards fastened to the timber-head, n, fig. 10. plate [IV]. and the same rope serves to fasten it on the bow at sea; or to suspend it by the ring when it is to be sunk from the ship to the bottom.
The stoppers of the cables have a large knot, and a laniard, at one end, and are fastened to a ring-bolt in the deck, by the other. They are attached to the cable, by the laniard, which is fastened securely round both by several turns passed behind the knot, or about the neck of the stopper; by which means the cable is restrained from running out of the ship, when she rides at anchor. See also Bits and Ring-rope.