Keel
The main structural member of a vessel, the backbone; the
lateral area beneath the hull to provide steering stability and
reduce leeway.
Knot
To bend a line. Also, a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile
(6,076.10 feet) an hour. One nautical mile equals 1.15 miles
(1.85 km).
Launch
(1) To put a vessel into the water; (2) a small open powerboat,
mainly used for transportation between a vessel and shore.
Lee
The side opposite to that from which the wind blows.
Leeward
Situated on the side turned away from the wind. (Opposite of
windward.)
Limber Holes
Drainage holes in the bilge timbers of a vessel, allowing water
to run to a low point for pumping out.
List
A continuous leaning to one side, often caused by imbalance
in stowage or wind.
LOA
Length over all; the maximum length of a vessels hull,
excluding projecting spars or rudder.
Locker
A storage place, a closet.
Log
A record or diary of a vessels journey.
Lubber’s Line
A mark or permanent line on a compass that shows the
course of the boat.
Making Way
Making progress through the water.
MAYDAY
A radio distress call, from the French m’aidez (help me); SOS
in Morse Code.
Mooring
Permanent ground tackle; a place where vessels are kept at
anchor.
Nautical Mile
6076.12 feet, or 1852 meters, an international standard; the
geographical mile, the length of one minute of latitude at the
equator, is 6087.20 feet.
Outdrive
A propulsion system for boats, with an inboard motor
operating an exterior drive, with drive shaft, gears and
propeller; also called stern-drive and inboard/outboard.
PFD
Personal Flotation Device.
Pitch
(1) The up and down movement as the bow and stern rise
and fall due to wave action; (2) The theoretical distance
advanced by a propeller in one revolution.
Planing Hull
Type of hull that is shaped to lift out of the water at high
speed and ride on the surface.
Port
The left side of a boat when you are facing the bow, also a
destination or harbor.
Section 1
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Owner’s/Operator’s Manual
Crownline_OM_sec1:Crownline OM 11/10/2006 3:13 PM Page 1-20