steerageway

The minimum rate of motion required for a ship or boat to be maneuvered by the helm.

Nautical, that degree of forward movement or headway of a ship which renders her subject to the helm.

A rate of motion through the water sufficient to render a vessel governable by the helm.

The minimum speed of a ship, below which it does not answer the helm and cannot be steered.

(nautical) the minimum rate of motion needed for a vessel to be maneuvered