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 2023 OWNER’S MANUAL 
FORE – Toward the front or bow of the boat. Opposite of aft.
FREEBOARD – The distance from the waterline to the upper surface 
of the side of the deck.
FUEL SENDING UNIT – The electrical device mounted on the fuel 
tank which communicates fuel levels to the dashboard  
fuel gauge.
FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – An internal computer system in 
MasterCraft boats that calculates fuel burn and fuel tank volume 
to give operators precise fuel tank fill levels. 
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 (GUNNEL) – The rail or upper edge of a boat’s hull side. 
HEAD – (1) A marine toilet. (2) Used to describe the compartment or 
location of a marine toilet.
HELM - The steering wheel or command area.
HULL – The structural body of a boat below deck.
HYPOTHERMIA – A physical condition in which the body loses heat 
faster than it can produce it.
KEEL – The lowest portion of the boat; extending fore and aft along 
the boat’s hull bottom.
LINE – Rope. In a marine environment rope is referred to as a “line.”
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.
MID SHIP – In the vicinity of the mid-length of a boat, technically 
the exact half way between the bow and the stern.
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, used to identify safe and unsafe waters.
NAVIGATION LIGHTS - See RUNNING LIGHTS.
NMMA – National Marine Manufacturer’s Association.
NO-WAKE SPEED – The speed at which a boat travels to produce 
no visible wake.
OUTBOARD - (1) Toward or beyond the hull sides of the boat. (2) A 
detachable engine mounted to the transom of the boat. 
PFD – Personal flotation device.
PLANING HULL – A hull designed to lift, thereby reducing friction 
and increasing eciency.
PORPOISE – A condition in which the bow bounces up and down 
caused by trimming the engine too far out of the water. This is 
particularly apparent in boats running at high speeds with full 
ballast tanks.
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.
PROPELLER - A mechanical device for propelling a boat, consisting 
of a revolving shaft with two or more broad, angled blades.
RIGHT-OF-WAY – Term for the boat that has priority in meeting or 
crossing situations. The stand on or privileged boat.