Which term describes the structural body of a vessel?

The term that describes the structural body of a vessel is "hull." The hull is the fundamental framework of a boat or ship, encompassing the entire body that provides buoyancy, stability, and structural integrity. Its shape and design directly affect the vessel's performance, speed, and handling characteristics on the water.

In contrast, freeboard refers to the vertical distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, indicating how much of the vessel is above water. The keel is the structural element that runs along the bottom of the hull, providing balance and stability, and is not the entirety of the vessel’s body. The bow, on the other hand, denotes the front part of the vessel. Each of these terms has its specific role in the context of a vessel's design and functionality, but none encompass the entire structural body like the hull does.