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Table Of Contents
www.SkeeterBoats.com
DOLLY WHEEL – A rolling jack assembly at the front of the trailer used for positioning the coupler
during trailer hookup.
DRAFT – The depth of the boat below the water line, measured vertically to the lowest part of the
hull.
ELECTROLYSIS – The break-up of metals due to the effects of galvanic corrosion.
FATHOM – Unit of depth or measure; 1 fathom equals 6 ft (1.83 m).
FENDERS – Objects placed alongside the boat for cushioning. Sometimes called bumpers.
FORE – Toward the front or bow of the boat. Opposite of aft.
FREEBOARD – The distance from the water to the gunwale.
FUEL SENDING UNIT – The electrical device that is mounted on the outside of a built-in fuel tank
and controls the dashboard fuel gauge.
GIVE-WAY BOAT – (1) Term for the boat that must take whatever action necessary to keep well clear
of the boat with the right-of-way in meeting or crossing situations. (2) The burdened boat.
GUNWALE – The rail or upper edge of a boat’s side.
HEAD – A marine toilet.
HELM – The steering wheel or command area.
HULL – The body of the boat.
HYPOTHERMIA – A physical condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
IN-LINE FUSE – A type of protective fuse located in the power wire of a direct current (DC) circuit
usually near the battery.
KEEL – The lowest portion of the boat; extends fore and aft along the boat’s bottom.
LIST – Leaning or tilt of a boat toward the side.
MAKING WAY – Making progress through the water.
MARINE CHART – Seagoing maps showing depths, buoys, navigation aids, etc.
MOORING – An anchor, chain, or similar device that holds a boat in one location.
NAVIGATION AID – Recognizable objects on land or sea such as buoys, towers, or lights which are
used to fix position to identify safe and unsafe waters.
NMMA – National Marine Manufacturer’s Association
NO-WAKE SPEED – The speed at which a boat travels to produce an imperceptible wake.
PFD – Personal flotation device.
PITOT TUBE – See SPEEDOMETER PICKUP TUBE.
PLANING HULL – A hull designed to lift, thereby reducing friction and increasing efficiency.
PORPOISE – A condition in which the bow bounces up and down caused by trimming the engine too
far out.
PORT – (1) The left side of a boat when facing the bow. (2) A destination or harbor.
PRIVILEGED BOAT – Term used for the boat with the right-of-way.
RIGHT-OF-WAY – Term for the boat that has priority in meeting or crossing situations. The stand on
or privileged boat.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
