 The entire ship 's side was protected with wrought @-@ iron armor that extended 5 feet 2 inches ( 1 @.@ 6 m ) below the waterline . It was 4 @.@ 5 inches ( 114 mm ) thick amidships , backed by 10 inches ( 254 mm ) of teak , that thinned to 3 inches ( 76 mm ) , backed by six inches of teak , in steps beginning 50 feet ( 15 @.@ 2 m ) from the ship 's ends . 
