APRON

APRON (centre étrave, Fr.) in ship-building, a piece of curved timber fixed behind the lower part of the stem, immediately above the foremost end of the keel. See plate I. fig. H. in the PIECES of the HULL.

Plate I

The APRON conforms exactly to the shape of the stem, so that when the convexity of the former is applied to the concavity of the latter, it forms one solid piece, which serves to fortify the stem, and give it a firmer connexion with the keel.

As the apron is composed of two pieces scarsed together, and used to support the scarf of the stem, it is necessary that the scarf thereof should be at some distance from that of the stem. It is formed of the same thickness with the heel of the stem; but its thickness is equal throughout. Sometimes the piece immediately under the apron forms a curve, of which the horizontal part covers the dead-wood, whilst the vertical part corresponds with the inside of the stem, to which it is sayed, making the commencement of the apron.

APRON (platine de lumiere, Fr.) is also a square piece of lead fastened over the touch-hole of the cannon, to keep the charge dry at sea, or in rainy weather.

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