What is a defining characteristic of the captain's gig?

The defining characteristic of the captain's gig is that it has a haze gray hull with a red stripe at the waterline. This specific color scheme is distinctive and serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, aligning with naval traditions and practices. The haze gray color provides a level of camouflage while at sea, which is essential for naval vessels, and the red stripe often denotes the vessel's function or ownership. The combination of these colors on the hull makes the captain's gig easily recognizable within a naval fleet, enhancing its identity as a support vessel primarily associated with commanding presence.

While other characteristics may relate to different vessels or purposes, the haze gray hull with a red stripe is specifically tied to the captain's gig, setting it apart from other types of boats used in the naval environment.