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The hull is the main body or frame of a ship or boat, excluding its masts, sails, and rigging. It serves as the watertight boundary that provides the buoyant volume necessary for the vessel to float. The hull must be strong enough to withstand various loads from normal service and rough seas, with a reserve of strength for unexpected stresses.1234

Historically, wood was the primary shipbuilding material, but modern ships predominantly use steel. Aluminum alloys are also used for certain components and smaller vessels. The structural configuration of the hull, including how materials are arranged and connected (e.g., through welding or riveting), is crucial for its integrity and efficiency. The hull's design must balance strength with minimum weight and cost.342

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