GLOSSARY-2
DISPLACEMENT: The weight of the water displaced
by the yacht’s hull.
DRAFT: (1) The depth of a yacht from the actual
waterline to the bottom of the lowest part, such as
the propeller tip or rudder. (2) The depth of water
necessary to fl oat a yacht.
DRIFT: Causes the vessel to move with the current
of the water.
EVEN KEEL: To be fl
oating evenly without listing
to either side.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: The means by which the hot
engine or generator gases are removed from the
engine and released into the atmosphere.
FATHOM: A nautical linear measurement equal to
six (6) feet.
FENDER: A rubber or plastic device used to absorb
impact between vessels or a vessel and a dock.
FLARE: (1) Outward curve of the hull as it rises up
the side from the waterline. (2) A pyrotechnic device
used for emergency signaling.
FLOTSAM: Refuse that fl
oats when discharged
overboard. See “Jetsam”.
FLYING BRIDGE: The uppermost steering station
from which a yacht is controlled.
FORE-AND-AFT: A line, or anything else, that runs
parallel to the longitudinal center of the yacht.
FOREDECK: The forward most part of the main
deck of a vessel.
FORWARD: Toward the bow of the yacht.
FREEBOARD: The vertical distance from the water-
line to the sheerline (rubrail).
GALLEY: The kitchen area of the yacht.
GASKET: A strip of sealing material used to make
joints fl uid tight.
GARBOARD: (1) The strake (plank) next to the keel.
(2) The continuous band of planking on a ship’s hull
next to its keel.
GARBOARD DRAIN: A drain located at the keel
leading out from the bilge area.
GELCOAT: The thin outer layer of pigmented plas-
tic-like substance used to cover exposed fi berglass
components.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL: The boat that does not
have the right of way when two boats are crossing
paths.
GLAND: The moveable part of the stuffi ng
box
which compresses the packing when tightened (also
referred to as the “packing gland”).
GRAB RAIL: Grip on the top of a cabin or on the
sides of a companion ladder.
GROUND: (Electrical) The electrical potential of the
earth’s surface, which is zero.
GUNWALE: The horizontal surface of the deck im-
mediately above where it meets the hull.
HATCHES: Covers the openings in a deck or
fl oor.
HATCHWAY: Access port through the deck.
HARDTOP: A permanent cover over the cabin or
cockpit.
HAWSER: A heavy rope used for mooring or tow-
ing.
HEAD: A toilet or bathroom.
HEADING: The direction that a vessel is traveling
with reference to true, magnetic, or compass north.
HEADWAY: The forward motion of a vessel through
the water.
HEEL: To tip or tilt to one side by means of an ex-
ternal force.
HELM: Steering gear for a boat.
HELMSMAN: The person steering the yacht.
HULL: The main body of the yacht.
INBOARD: (1) From either the Port or Starboard side
to the centerline of the yacht. (2) The dock side of
a moored yacht.
JETSAM: Refuse that sinks when discharged over-
board. See “Flotsam”.
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