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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.
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 re-
moved from the engine and released into
the atmosphere.
FATHOM: 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 dis-
charged 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.
FORWARD: Toward the bow of the yacht.
FREEBOARD: The vertical distance from
the waterline to the sheerline (rubrail).
GALLEY: The kitchen area of the yacht.
GASKET: A strip of sealing material used
to make joints fl uid tight.
GELCOAT: The thin outer layer of pig-
mented plastic-like substance used to cover
exposed fi berglass components.
GLAND: The moveable part of the stuffi ng
box which compresses the packing when
tightened (also referred to as the “packing
gland”).
GROUND: (Electrical) The electrical poten-
tial of the earth’s surface, which is zero.
GUNWALE: The horizontal surface of the
deck immediately 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 towing.
HEAD: A toilet or bathroom.
HEADING: The direction that a vessel is
travelling 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 external force.
HELMSMAN: The person steering the
yacht.