Cheatlines

Cheatlines are painted stripes that run along the hull of a ship, typically near the waterline or across the upper portion of the hull. The term is most closely associated with maritime painting and ship design, where the stripe serves both aesthetic and practical purposes.

Historically, cheatlines gained prominence on passenger liners and warships in the early to mid-20th century. They were often applied in contrasting colors or metallic tones to emphasize the vessel’s length and profile, contributing to a streamlined, elegant appearance. In some cases the cheatline also served a functional role, marking deck levels or aligning with rows of portholes or windows, and could help conceal uneven edges in the paint or minor hull repairs.

Design and construction-wise, cheatlines are typically continuous, carefully curved lines that follow the hull’s contour. They may be applied as a painted stripe or as a separately manufactured tape or decal, chosen to withstand marine conditions and maintain visual sharpness at sea. The color and width of a cheatline vary with the overall livery of the ship and the era of construction, ranging from subtle accent lines to bold, branding-defining elements.

In modern practice, cheatlines are most commonly encountered on historic restorations, museum ships, or new-builds intended to evoke classic maritime styling. Beyond ships, the term is occasionally used more loosely to describe guideline lines used in design and drafting, but the naval usage remains the primary sense. See also hull paint schemes, boot topping, and waterline.