noun Nautical. the area between the water lines of a ship when fully loaded and when unloaded. a distinctive band of paint covering this area. Also called boot·top [boot-top].

What is a boot topping?

1 : the part of a ship's hull between the light line and the load water line. 2 or less commonly boot top : a paint used on the boot topping to prevent corrosion and fouling.

What is boot top area of ship?

The boottop is defined as the black area between the minimum load waterline and 12 inches above the maximum load waterline. This area can be immersed in seawater and exposed to the topside weather environment.