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Glossary & Index
Following is a brief list of nautical terms useful in everyday
boating experiences and communications. For more
detailed glossaries of nautical terminology we recommend
you check your local library, the internet or a marine store
for boating books.
GLOSSARY
Abeam: at right angles to the fore and aft line and off
the boat
Aboard: on or in the boat
Aft, After: aft is the boat section toward the stern or back
of the boat
Amidships: toward the center of the boat from either side
to side or rear to front
Beam: the width of a boat at its widest part
Bilge: the lower interior of the hull of the boat
Bitter end: the end of a line also the end of an anchor line
Bow: the front, or forward part of the boat
Bulkhead: the vertical partition or wall of a boat
Cast off: to let go or release
Chine: the line fore and aft formed by the intersection of
the side and bottom of the boat
Chock: deck fi tting used to secure or guide anchor or tie
lines
Cleat: deck fi tting with protruding arms around which
lines are secured
Cockpit: the seating footprint used to accommodate
passengers
Deck: the open fl ooring surface on which crew and
passengers walk
Draft: the depth from the waterline of the boat to the
lowest part of the boat, which indicates how much water
is required to fl oat the boat
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