Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Clinker-built \Clink"er-built\, a. (Naut.)
   Having the side planks (af a boat) so arranged that the lower
   edge of each overlaps the upper edge of the plank next below
   it like clapboards on a house. See {Lapstreak}.

Source : WordNet®

clinker-built
     adj : (of ships) built with overlapping hull planks [syn: {clincher-built}]
           [ant: {carvel-built}]