Ship vs. Fantail: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
A ship is a large watercraft designed for ocean or sea travel, whereas a fantail is the overhanging stern section of a ship, often a deck area.
Key Differences
A ship is a large vessel designed for transportation across water, typically used for cargo, passengers, or military purposes. Ships come in various sizes and types, each suited for different functions, such as tankers, container ships, and warships. On the other hand, a fantail refers specifically to the rounded or overhanging stern section of a ship. The fantail can serve as a deck area for recreational or operational purposes. It is a part of the ship's design that can influence its stability and handling.
Ships have complex structures comprising multiple sections, including the bow, midship, and stern. The fantail is a distinctive feature located at the stern, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the vessel.
While the ship encompasses the entire watercraft, including all its compartments and systems, the fantail is just one component of the ship, though significant for certain operational tasks like mooring lines handling or housing auxiliary equipment.
In maritime terminology, a ship is a broad term encompassing various types of vessels, whereas a fantail is a specific architectural feature within the ship. The distinction between the two highlights the multifaceted nature of nautical engineering and design.
The ship's size, type, and purpose can vary widely, impacting its speed, cargo capacity, and range. Conversely, the design and usage of the fantail are more specific, often tailored to the ship's overall design and operational needs.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Large watercraft for sea travel
Overhanging stern section of a ship
Function
Transportation of cargo/passengers
Deck area for recreational/operational purposes
Structure
Comprises multiple sections
Specific part of the stern
Purpose
Varies (cargo, military, passenger)
Influences stability, handling, and operational tasks
Usage
General term for water vessels
Part of a ship's architectural design
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Ship and Fantail Definitions
Ship
Large vessel for transporting goods.
The cargo ship arrived at the port loaded with containers.
Fantail
Deck section for operational tasks.
The ropes were coiled neatly on the fantail.
Ship
Passenger transportation vessel.
They boarded the cruise ship for a week-long vacation.
Fantail
Area for recreational activities.
They held the party on the fantail.
Ship
Commercial fishing vessel.
The fishing ship returned with a huge catch.
Fantail
Overhanging stern section.
The crew gathered on the fantail to enjoy the sunset.
Ship
Research vessel.
The research ship studied marine life in the Arctic.
Fantail
Section influencing ship stability.
The modifications to the fantail improved the ship's handling.
Ship
A vessel of considerable size for deep-water navigation.
Fantail
Any of a breed of domestic pigeons having a rounded, fan-shaped tail.
Ship
A sailing vessel having three or more square-rigged masts.
Fantail
Any of several birds of the genus Rhipidura of eastern Asia and Australia, having a long, fan-shaped tail.
Ship
An aircraft or spacecraft.
Fantail
Any of a breed of goldfish having a wide, fanlike double tail fin.
Ship
The crew of one of these vessels.
Fantail
A fanlike tail or end.
Ship
One's fortune
When my ship comes in, I'll move to a larger house.
Fantail
(Nautical) The stern overhang of a ship.
Ship
To place or receive on board a ship
Shipped the cargo in the hold.
Fantail
Any of several birds, of the genus Rhipidura, from Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Ship
To cause to be transported; send.
Fantail
Any of several domestic varieties of pigeon having a fan-shaped tail.
Ship
(nautical) A water-borne vessel generally larger than a boat.
Fantail
Any of several goldfish having a large fan-shaped tail.
Ship
A vessel which travels through any medium other than across land, such as an airship or spaceship.
Fantail
(nautical) An overhanging deck at the stern of a ship.
Ship
A spaceship (the type of pattern in a cellular automaton).
Fantail
A small windmill mounted at right angles to the sails, at the rear of the windmill, used to turn the cap automatically to bring it into the wind.
Ship
A sailing vessel with three or more square-rigged masts.
Fantail
A brimmed hat with just the back of the brim turned up.
Ship
A dish or utensil (originally fashioned like the hull of a ship) used to hold incense.
Fantail
A variety of the domestic pigeon, so called from the shape of the tail.
Ship
(cartomancy) The third card of the Lenormand deck.
Fantail
An overhang consisting of the fan-shaped part of the deck extending aft of the sternpost of a ship
Ship
(dated) An aircraft.
Fantail
Design feature of a ship.
The ship's fantail was beautifully curved.
Ship
(fandom) A fictional romantic relationship between two characters, either real or themselves fictional, especially one explored in fan fiction.
Ship
(transitive) To send by water-borne transport.
Ship
(transitive) To send (a parcel or container) to a recipient (by any means of transport).
To ship freight by railroad
Ship
(ambitransitive) To release a product (not necessarily physical) to vendors or customers; to launch.
Our next issue ships early next year.
It compiles? Ship it!
Ship
(ambitransitive) To engage to serve on board a vessel.
To ship seamen
I shipped on a man-of-war.
Ship
(intransitive) To embark on a ship.
Ship
To put or secure in its place.
To ship the tiller or rudder
Ship
(transitive) To take in (water) over the sides of a vessel.
We were shipping so much water I was sure we would capsize.
Ship
Leave, depart, scram.
Ship
To pass (from one person to another).
Can you ship me the ketchup?
Ship
To go all in.
Ship
(sports) To trade or send a player to another team.
Twins ship Delmon Young to Tigers.
Ship
(rugby) To bungle a kick and give the opposing team possession.
Ship
(fandom) To support or approve of a fictional romantic relationship between two characters, typically in fan fiction or other fandom contexts.
I ship Kirk and Spock in “Star Trek”.
I ship Peggy and Angie in “Marvel's Agent Carter”.
Ship
Pay; reward.
In withholding or abridging of the ship or the hire or the wages of servants.
Ship
Any large seagoing vessel.
Like a stately ship . . . With all her bravery on, and tackle trim,Sails filled, and streamers waving.
Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State!
Ship
Specifically, a vessel furnished with a bowsprit and three masts (a mainmast, a foremast, and a mizzenmast), each of which is composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast, and square-rigged on all masts. See Illustation in Appendix.
Ship
A dish or utensil (originally fashioned like the hull of a ship) used to hold incense.
Ship
To put on board of a ship, or vessel of any kind, for transportation; to send by water.
The timber was . . . shipped in the bay of Attalia, from whence it was by sea transported to Pelusium.
Ship
By extension, in commercial usage, to commit to any conveyance for transportation to a distance; as, to ship freight by railroad.
Ship
Hence, to send away; to get rid of.
Ship
To engage or secure for service on board of a ship; as, to ship seamen.
Ship
To receive on board ship; as, to ship a sea.
Ship
To put in its place; as, to ship the tiller or rudder.
Ship
To engage to serve on board of a vessel; as, to ship on a man-of-war.
Ship
To embark on a ship.
Ship
A vessel that carries passengers or freight
Ship
Transport commercially
Ship
Hire for work on a ship
Ship
Go on board
Ship
Travel by ship
Ship
Place on board a ship;
Ship the cargo in the hold of the vessel
Ship
Naval warfare vessel.
The warship was deployed to the Mediterranean.
FAQs
What is a fantail on a ship?
A fantail is the overhanging section at the stern of a ship, often serving as a deck area for various activities.
What types of ships are there?
There are many types, including cargo ships, cruise ships, warships, and research vessels.
How is the fantail important to ship stability?
The design and weight distribution of the fantail can influence the ship's stability and handling.
What is the purpose of a fantail?
The fantail serves as a multifunctional area, often used for recreational activities, handling mooring lines, or housing auxiliary equipment.
Can a ship have multiple decks?
Yes, ships often have multiple decks to accommodate passengers, cargo, and operational needs.
How does a ship differ from a boat?
Ships are generally larger than boats, designed for deep water navigation and carrying heavier loads.
What materials are ships made of?
Modern ships are typically constructed from steel or aluminum, though some smaller vessels may use fiberglass or wood.
Do naval ships have fantails?
Yes, many naval ships have fantails used for various operational purposes.
What is the historical significance of fantails?
Historically, fantails were significant in ship design for aesthetic and functional purposes.
What is a ship?
A ship is a large watercraft designed for traveling on water, often used for transporting cargo, passengers, or for military purposes.
Are fantails found on all ships?
Not all ships have a distinct fantail, but many larger vessels do, particularly those with recreational or operational deck space.
Do modern ships still use the term fantail?
Yes, the term is still used in modern nautical terminology.
Can passengers access the fantail?
On many passenger and cruise ships, the fantail is accessible to passengers for leisure activities.
How does the design of a fantail affect a ship?
The design can affect aerodynamics, stability, and the usability of the deck space.
Can a fantail be used for launching equipment?
Yes, fantails can be used to launch small boats, equipment, or for other operational tasks.
What is the difference between a fantail and a poop deck?
A fantail is the overhanging stern section, while a poop deck is a raised deck at the rear of a ship.
Is the fantail specific to any type of ship?
No, fantails can be found on various types of ships, including cargo, passenger, and naval vessels.
What activities are conducted on the fantail?
Activities on the fantail can include social gatherings, fishing, or operational tasks like handling ropes and equipment.
Is the fantail part of the hull?
Yes, the fantail is an integral part of the ship's hull, specifically the stern section.
Can the fantail be enclosed?
Some ships have enclosed fantails, while others are open decks.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
