slipways

Boat launching slopes

Slipways are ramps sloping from shore into water, used for launching or landing boats.

A vessel is built or repaired on a slipway, then slides down into the water when ready.

Smaller slipways at marinas let boaters back trailers into the water to launch recreational craft: We waited our turn at the slipway.

construction

shipyard

Vessel construction site

shipbuildingConstructing maritime vessels
shipwrightVessel construction craftsman
assemblyConstructing from components

fabrication · welding · plating · bulkhead · scaffolding · block · outfitting · hull · framework · staging

maintenance

drydock

Drained basin for hull work

haul-outMarine mammals ashore
repairRestore to working order
inspectionFormal assessment of condition

cleaning · antifouling · overhaul · refit · cradle · winch · careening · trailer · ramp · storage

launching

vessel

Receptacle for contents

hullOuter covering or frame
launchSet into motion
sidewaysToward one side

christening · maiden · greased · sliding · gravity · rails · tide · high-water · bow · keel

structure

inclined

Tending toward, tilted

rampSloped connecting surface
gradientRate of change across space
slopeAngled terrain or steepness

concrete · rails · tracks · grooved · tidal · foreshore · apron · approach · gangway · access

Categories

harbordock, docks, pier, piers, wharf
portsport, seaport, harbor, seaports, harbors
european shipbuildingViking longships, galleons, cogs, British warships, German U-boats
Maritime Heritagelighthouses, shipwrecks, coastal forts, lifeboat stations, piers
port facilitiesdocks, piers, wharves, quays, jetties
shipyardsshipyard, shipyards, dry dock, drydock, dockyards

Opposites

vessel launch/retrieval method

slipwaysdry docks

Drainable basins for vessel repair

water access direction

slipwaysquays

Waterfront mooring structures

wharves · piers · jetties · docks · davits

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G