Abaft describes a relative position on a vessel that is further aft, or closer to the stern, than a given reference point. It is strictly a relational term used to locate objects, damage, or crew on deck. For example, a fitting located abaft the mainmast sits between the mainmast and the stern.
Heard on the job
The new radar dome needs to be mounted just abaft the funnel to clear the forward sightline.
Insider tip
Never use abaft as a standalone direction; it always requires a reference point, either stated or implied, such as abaft the beam.
Do not mix it up with
- Aft: Aft is an absolute direction towards the stern, while abaft is a relative position behind a specific reference point.