Nautical Terms
Abeam
: At 90 degrees to the center line of the boat, exactly to either side of the boat.
Abaft
: A point on a boat that is aft of a another.
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, that 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 sea water 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.
Stern Drive
: Inboard /outboard I/O drive unit.
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 that the wind is blowing from.
