{{Short description|Flat part of a boat's squared stern}} {{other uses|Transom (disambiguation)}} [[Image:Stern of Bro Elisabeth.jpg|thumb|Vertical transom and stern of a modern cargo ship]]
A '''transom''' is the aft transverse surface of the hull of some boats and ships forming its stern. Adding both strength and width to the stern, a transom may be flat or curved, and vertical, raked aft (known as an overhung or "counter" stern), or raked forward (and "reversed",<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Richard |title=Stern Styles and Transom Types – Sugar Scoop, Reverse, Wineglass, Heartshaped, Canoe, Double Ended, Ducktail |url=https://www.jordanyachts.com/135#more-135 |website=Jordan Yacht Brokerage |access-date=2 November 2019 |ref=jordan |date=19 September 2009}}</ref> also known as ''retroussé'').<ref name=webster>{{cite web |title=transom |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transom |website=Merriam-Webster |access-date=2 November 2019 |language=en}}</ref> In small boats and yachts, a flat termination of the stern is typically above the waterline, but large commercial vessels often exhibit vertical transoms that dip slightly beneath the water.<ref>{{cite web |title=transom |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/transom |website=Dictionary.com |access-date=2 November 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
On smaller boats such as dinghies, transoms may be used to support a rudder, outboard motor, or other accessory. On some yachts the transom may include a hinged swim platform, and a lazarette for deck items and leisure toys.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-30|title=Transom Saver, Outboard Motor Support – Are They Needed?|url=https://www.partsvu.com/blog/transom_saver_motor_support_are_they_needed/|access-date=2022-01-20|website=PartsVu Xchange|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Etymology== The term was used as far back as Middle English in the 1300s, having come from Latin ''transversus'' (transverse) via Old French ''traversain'' (set crosswise).<ref name=webster/><ref> 2007 Collins dictionary</ref>
==History== {{expand section|content on the evolution of the transom over time|date=August 2025}}
==Design== thumb|Traditional timber construction with horizontal transom members in pale yellow-green (6) and turquoise (7) {{expand section|the advantages and disadvantages of transoms, and the pros and cons of each design|date=August 2025}} {{-}}
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Sea Scooter transom.jpg|Flat transom on a dinghy with rudder mounting points File:The Bermuda cedar (Juniperus bermudiana) transom of Spirit of Bermuda, 2016.jpg|The transom of the Spirit of Bermuda, made of Bermuda cedar File:Coble on shore at Boulmer (2) - geograph.org.uk - 1381157.jpg|Raked transom with rudder mounting points File:CS 30 Sailboat Kelsea 0297.jpg|Reverse transom with rudder mounted under the hull Image:Merc 50 hp.jpg|Transom-mounted outboard motor File:Irwin 44.jpg|An Irwin 44 sloop with a fold-down reverse transom Image:Offshore Racing Sailboat.jpg|Reverse transom with integral access platform </gallery>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Sailing ship elements}}
Category:Sailboat components Category:Watercraft components Category:Ships Category:Watercraft