ðeɪ sˈɜːv æz ɐ faʊndˈeɪʃən fɚðə hˈoʊl bˈɑːdi ʌvðə ʃˈɪp; ˌɔn ðiːz ðə lˈɛdʒᵻz ɹˈɛst, wˈɛɹɑːn ðə plˈæŋks ʌvðə dˈɛk, ænd ˈʌðɚ stɹˈʌktʃɚz ɑːɹ fˈæsənd.
They serve as a foundation for the whole body of the ship; on these the ledges rest, whereon the planks of the deck, and other structures are fastened.