A ribbon is a distinct, continuous band of paint or a raised wooden molding that runs horizontally along the exterior of a ship's hull, usually near the sheer line. It serves primarily to accentuate the vessel's sheer and profile, breaking up the visual mass of the topsides. On traditional vessels, it often marks the transition between different structural zones or paint schemes.
Heard on the job
We need to tape off the sheer strake and paint a gold ribbon to highlight the vessel's lines.