Kjöl

Kjöl is the Icelandic term for the keel, the principal structural element that runs along the bottom of a ship's hull. The keel serves as the backbone of the vessel, providing structural rigidity, resisting bending, and offering a mounting point for frames, ballast, and other components. It also influences the ship's stability and directional performance in waves and wind.

Keel designs vary. A full keel extends along a large portion of the hull, contributing to stability and straight-line tracking but increasing drag. A fin keel is shorter but deeper, reducing drag and improving maneuverability, especially on modern sailboats. Some vessels use twin keels or a combination of ballast and centerboard for operation in shallow waters or to enhance upwind performance.

Maintenance and inspection are important. The keel is a critical structural member; damage, corrosion, or grounding can affect hull integrity and require professional assessment, repair, or reinforcement. On some vessels, the ballast is integrated into the keel to lower the center of gravity.

In Icelandic usage, kjöl is also encountered in figurative language to denote the central support or backbone of a system, organization, or argument, reflecting the metaphor of stability associated with the keel.