Category:Sloop

Sloop, n.Etym: [d. sloep, of uncertain origin. Cf. Shallop.] (naut.)

Defn: a vessel having one mast and fore-and-aft rig, consisting of a Boom-and-gaff mainsail, jibs, staysail, and gaff topsail. The typical Sloop has a fixed bowsprit, topmast, and standing rigging, while Those of a cutter are capable of being readily shifted. The sloop Usually carries a centerboard, and depends for stability upon breadth Of beam rather than depth of keel. The two types have rapidly Approximated since 1880. One radical distinction is that a slop may Carry a centerboard. See cutter, and illustration in appendix. Sloop Of war, formerly, a vessel of war rigged either as a ship, brig, or Schooner, and mounting from ten to thirty-two guns; now, any war Vessel larger than a gunboat, and carrying guns on one deck only.