GLOSSARY OF NAUTICAL TERMS
SECTION
13
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co.
13 - 2
l Bass
FATHOM – Unit of depth or measure; 1 fathom equals 6 feet.
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.
LIFE JACKET – A buoyant, wearable jacket that, when properly used, will support
a person in the water; also see PFD.
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 Manufacturers Association.
NO-WAKE SPEED – The speed at which a boat travels to produce an
imperceptible wake.
PFD – A buoyant personal flotation device used to support a person in the water;
also see Life Jacket.
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.
RULES OF THE ROAD – Regulations for preventing collisions on the water.
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