Nautical Terms
Abeam:
At 90 degrees to the centerline of the boat, exactly to either side of the
boat.
Abaft:
A point on a boat that is aft of another boat
Aft:
Toward the rear of the boat.
Beam:
The widest part of the boat.
Bilge:
The lower interior of the hull.
Bow:
The fore part of a boat.
Bulkhead:
A vertical partition or reinforcement in a boat usually perpendicular to
the keel.
Chine:
The juncture of the bottom and the side of the boat.
Chock:
Deck fitting used to guide a line.
Cleat:
Deck fitting used to secure a line to.
Deck:
Upper structure of a boat that covers the hull.
Draft:
The distance the lowest part (usually the keel) of the boat projects into the
water.
Fathom:
A unit of measure equal to six feet.
Freeboard:
The height of the deck above the water line.
Gunwale or Gunnel:
The Juncture of the side of the cockpit, deck and hull.
Hatch:
An opening used for access to an interior space.
Head:
Toilet or toilet area in a boat.
Helm:
Steering wheel or console area of a boat.
Hull:
The basic structure of a boat, which provides flotation by displacing and
excluding water.
Keel:
The major lengthwise member of the hull, the lowest portion of the hull.
Knot:
A measure of speed in nautical miles per hour, equal to 1.15 MPH
Lee:
The side sheltered from the wind.
Port:
The left side of the boat when aboard the boat facing the bow.
Scupper:
Duct to drain water from the cockpit, usually with a check valve to
prevent seawater intrusion.
Sheer:
The juncture of the deck and the hull generally covered by the rub rail.
Starboard:
The right side of the boat when aboard the boat facing the bow.
Stern:
The back of the boat.
Stringer:
Lengthwise reinforcing members of the hull.
Transom:
Vertical part of the stern.
Wake:
Waves produced by a boat moving through the water.
Windward:
Toward the direction from which the wind is blowing.
