G
ENERAL
I
NFORMATION
3–7
C
OMMONLY
U
SED
N
AUTICAL
T
ERMS
Abeam
- a line perpendicular to a
boat’s keel
Access Plate
- a removable, water-
tight cover that provides quick entry
to enclosed areas for maintenance
or visual inspection.
Aft
- toward the rear or stern of the
boat
Beam
- the greatest width of the
boat
Bilge
- the lower interior area of the
hull
Bow
- the forward section of the
boat
Bow Eye
- a U-shaped hull fitting
used to attach the trailer winch to
the boat
Bulkhead
- vertical partition in the
boat
Chine
- point where the topside and
bottom of the boat join
Cleat
- deck fitting with arms or
horns on which lines are fastened
Deck
- upper structure which cov-
ers the hull
Draft
- depth of water required to
float a boat
Fathom
- a depth measurement
equal to six feet
Freeboard
- distance measured
between waterline and deck
Gunwale (Gunnel)
- point where
the deck and hull join
Hatch
- an opening in the deck to
provide access below
Headroom
- vertical distance
between the deck and cabin or can-
opy ceiling
Hull
- major component that pro-
vides a watertight platform buoyant
enough to float a craft and its load
Keel
- the major longitudinal mem-
ber of a hull -the lowest external
portion of the boat
Knot
- a measurement of speed
equal to nautical miles per hour
Lee
- the side that is sheltered from
the wind
List
- a tilt or lean to one side
Port
- a term designating the left
side of the boat when facing for-
ward
Scupper
- holes permitting water to
drain overboard from deck and
cockpit
Sheer
- curve or sweep of the deck
as viewed from the side
Starboard
- a term designating the
right side of the boat when facing
forward
Stern
- rear of the boat
Stringer
- longitudinal members
fastened inside the hull to add rigid-
ity and strength
Wake
- the movement of water cre-
ated by a moving boat
Windward
- side facing the direc-
tion of the wind (against the wind)
ACCESS PLATE
BOW PULPIT
BOW LIGHT
(RED)
BOW LIGHT
(GREEN)
STARBOARD SIDE
PORT SIDE
GUNWALE
STERN
CLEAT
CHINE
KEEL
BOW EYE
