GLOSSARY OF NAUTICAL TERMS
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co.
SECTION
13
Bass l
13 - 3
SPEEDOMETER PICKUP TUBE – Also called pitot tube. The plastic device that
extends below the bottom of the boat. It connects to the speedometer with plastic
flexible tubing.
SPLASHWELL – The section of an outboard-equipped boat that is just forward of
the transom.
STAND ON BOAT – Term for the boat that must maintain course and speed in
meeting or crossing situations. The privileged boat.
STARBOARD – The right side of the boat when looking toward the bow.
STERN – The back of the boat.
STOW – To pack the cargo.
SURGE BRAKES – A type of trailer braking system designed to automatically
actuate when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied.
TRANSDUCER – The unit that sends/receives signals for the depth sounder.
TRANSOM – The transverse beam across the stern.
TRIM – Fore to aft and side to side balance of the boat when loaded.
UNDERWAY – Boat in motion; i.e., not moored or anchored.
USCG – United States Coast Guard.
WAKE – The waves that a boat leaves behind when moving through the water.
WATERWAY – A navigable body of water.
V-PAD – A modified vee-hull design with a small, flat area in the keel aft.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNAL – A device used to signal the need for assistance such
as flags, lights and flares.