Keel

"...its not just a keel, a hull, a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs...but what a ship is...is freedom"

- Jack Sparrow to Elizabeth Swann



The keel is the main and beginning part of the ship. It is essentially a large wooden beam carved in the shape of the bottom of the ship. The hull planks are build from it as a base, and around it. The keel can alter the center of gravity on the ship. Damage to the keel in combat means almost certain sinking.