A-4
Appendix A Glossary of Terms
DC235 / DC265
Pitching: The fore and aft rocking motion of
a boat as the bow rises and falls.
Pitch: The measure of the angle of a pro-
peller blade. Refers to the theoretical dis-
tance the boat travels with each revolution of
the propeller.
P. F. D : Personal Flotation Device.
Port: The left side of the boat when facing
the bow.
Porthole (port): The opening in the side of
a boat to allow the admittance of light and
air.
Propeller: A device having two or more
blades that is attached to the engine and
used for propelling a boat.
Propeller Shaft: Shaft which runs from the
back of the engine gear box, aft, through the
stuffing box, shaft log, struts, and onto which
the propeller is attached.
Pyrotechnic Distress Signals: Distress
signals that resemble the brilliant display of
flares or fireworks.
Raw Water Cooled: Refers to an engine
cooling system that draws sea water in
through a hull fitting or engine drive unit, cir-
culates the water in the engine, and then
discharges it overboard.
Reduction Gear: Often combined with the
reverse gear so that the propeller turns at a
slower rate than the engine.
Reverse Gear: Changes the direction of
rotation of the propeller to provide thrust in
the opposite direction for stopping the boat
or giving it sternway.
Roll: A boat’s sideways rotational motion in
rough water.
Rope Locker: A locker, usually located in
the bow of a boat, used for stowing the
anchor line or chain.
Rubrail: Railing (often rubber or hard plas-
tic) that runs along the boat’s sheer to pro-
tect the hull when coming alongside docks,
piers, or other boats.
Rudder: A moveable flat surface that is
attached vertically at or near the stern for
steering.
Sea anchor: An anchor that does not
touch the bottom. Provides drag to hold the
bow in the most favorable position in heavy
seas.
Scupper: An opening in the hull side or
transom of the boat through which water on
deck or in the cockpit is drained overboard.
Seacock: Safety valves installed just inside
the thru-hull fittings and ahead of the piping
or hose running from the fittings.
Shaft Log: Pipe through which the propel-
ler shaft passes.
Sheer: The uppermost edge of the hull.
Sling: A strap which will hold the boat
securely while being lifted, lowered, or car-
ried.
Slip: A boat's berth between two pilings or
piers.
Sole: The deck of a cockpit or interior cabin.
Spring Line: A line that leads from the bow
aft or from the stern forward to prevent the
boat from moving ahead or astern.
Starboard: The right side of a boat when
facing the bow.
Steerageway: Sufficient speed to keep the
boat responding to the rudder or drive unit.
Stem: The vertical portion of the hull at the
bow.
Stern: The rear end of a boat.
Stow: To pack away neatly.
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