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NAUTICAL TERMS ~
Abeam On either side of the boat.
Aft To the rear, or near the stern.
Beam The width of the hull.
Bilge
The lowest portion inside a boat (in a recreational boat,
generally the under deck and lower portion of the engine
compartment).
Bow The forward portion of the boat.
Bulkhead Vertical partition in a boat.
Chine The intersection of the side and bottom of a V-bottom boat.
Cleat Deck fitting with arms or horns on which lines may be fastened.
Draft
Vertical distance from the waterline of the boat to the lowest
point of the boat.
Fathom
A measurement of six feet, generally used to measure water
depth.
Fender
A protective device (usually made out of a rubber like material)
placed between the boat and dock to prevent abrasion and
damage.
Freeboard Vertical distance from the deck to the waterline.
Gunwale The point where the hull and deck meet.
Hatch A covered opening in the deck
Head Toilet or toilet room.
Helm Steering wheel.
Hull
The basic part of a boat; a watertight vessel that provides
buoyancy to float the weight of the craft and its load.
Keel The lowest external portion of the boat.
Knot
Nautical mile per hour; one nautical mile is 6,076 ft; a land mile
is 5,280ft.
Lee Opposite side from which the wind blows.
Mayday
International spoken distress signal for radiotelephone
communications.
Port To the left side of the boat (when facing forward).
Porthole A hinged window in the boat’s cabin or hull.
Scupper
An opening in a deck or cockpit permitting water to drain
overboard.
Stanchion A fixed, upright post used for support (of rails or lifelines).
Starboard To the right side of the boat (when facing forward).
Stern The rear of the boat.
Stern Drive Inboard engine/outboard propulsion unit.
Transom The vertical part of the stern.
Wake Track or path a boat leaves behind while in motion.
Windward The direction from which the wind is blowing.
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