G ENERAL I NFORMATION
3–7
COMMONLY USED NAUTICAL TERMS
Abeam - a line perpendicular to a
boat’s keel
Access Plate - a removable,
watertight 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
covers 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 floor and over head
structure or canopy ceiling
Hull - major component that
provides a watertight platform
buoyant enough to float a craft and
its load
Keel - the major longitudinal
member 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
forward
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
rigidity and strength
Wake - the movement of water
created by a moving boat
Windward - side facing the
direction of the wind (against the
wind)
Starboard Side
Port Side
Stern
Bow Eye
KeelChine
Access Plate
Gunwale
Beam
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