ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Outrigger

Have you ever seen a boat with a long stick coming out from the side? That stick is called an outrigger!

An outrigger is a special tool that helps boats stay steady and balanced in the water. It's like having an extra leg to hold the boat up.

Imagine you're walking across a beam. If you keep your arms out to the side, it helps you balance and not fall off. That's what an outrigger does for boats.

Some boats, like canoes and kayaks, use small outriggers that are attached to the sides of the boat. These outriggers are usually made of lightweight materials like bamboo or carbon fiber, so they don't weigh the boat down.

Other boats, like big sailing ships, use really long outriggers called booms. Booms can be as long as the boat itself, and they're used to hold up the sails and keep the ship steady in rough seas.

So next time you see a boat with a long stick on the side, remember that it's an outrigger, helping the boat stay balanced and stay afloat in the water.