steerageway
/ˈstɪrɪdʒˌweɪ/
noun
- The minimum speed at which a ship or boat can be steered effectively.
- The ferry slowed to just above steerageway as it approached the crowded harbor.
- The captain ordered more power to the engines to maintain steerageway in the strong current.
- Without enough steerageway, the sailboat drifted helplessly toward the rocks.