1. the minimum forward speed of a vessel necessary to maintain steering control
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The captain maintained steerageways to keep the ship maneuverable in the narrow channel.
• Without steerageways, the vessel would drift helplessly with the current.
• The tugboat needed to maintain steerageways while positioning alongside the cargo ship.
• In calm waters, even minimal steerageways allowed the helmsman to control the boat’s direction.
• The sailing instructor emphasized the importance of maintaining steerageways during docking maneuvers.