Beginner’s Guide to Nautical Boating Terminology Glossary
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
Abaft
in or behind the stern of a ship. – Behind
Aboard
On or into, within the boat
Above Deck
Located on the deck – not over it (see Aloft)
Adrift
without motive power and without anchor or mooring. a boat adrift on the sea: without ties, guidance, or security.
Aerate – What does aerated, aerating mean?
Introduce air into (a material): To force air and oxygen into livewells to keep fish or bait alive. Also, to force air under the running surface of a hull.
Aft
at, near, or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft. The rear of the boat.
Aft cabin
The aft – Also known as the afterdeck – is at the rear of the boat, also called the stern. The poop deck is the aft-most, highest deck. In sailing ships it often forms the roof of a cabin in the stern. Sleeping quarters beneath the aft or rear section of the boat (sometimes called a mid cabin when located beneath the helm).
Aground – What does it mean to run a boat aground?
lying on or touching the ground under shallow water.
Ahead
further forward in space; in the line of one’s forward motion.
Aids to Navigation – What is the meaning of aid to navigation?
The term “aids to navigation” is any sort of signal, markers, includes buoys, day beacons, lights, lightships, radio beacons, fog signals, marks and other devices used to provide “street” signs on the water, which aid the traveler in navigation. Aids To Navigation include all the visible, audible and electronic symbols that are established by government and private authorities for piloting purposes.
Alee
on the side of a ship that is sheltered from the wind.
Aloft – What is the meaning of aloft?
up in or into the air; overhead. – Above deck in the rigging.
Aluminum fishing boat
An aluminum fishing boat is a boat made of aluminum used specifically for fishing. Small, lightweight, durable trailerboat constructed of aluminum that is either welded or riveted; generally used for freshwater fishing.
Amidships – What is a amidships? Where is amidships on a ship?
in the middle of a ship, in the center, either longitudinally or laterally.
Anchorage
A location intended or suited for anchoring in.
Anti-fouling paint – What is anti-fouling paint?
Anti-fouling paint is a specialized category of coatings applied as the outer layer to the hull of a ship or boat, to slow the growth of and facilitate detachment of subaquatic organisms that attach to the hull and can affect a vessel’s performance and durability.
Apparent wind – How to explain apparent wind?
The apparent wind is the wind experienced by an observer in motion and is the relative velocity of the wind in relation to the observer. (V = boat speed, H = head wind, W = true wind, A = apparent wind, α = pointing angle, β = angle of apparent wind)
Astern – What is the meaning of astern?
Behind or toward the rear of a ship.
Athwart – What does athwart mean?
From side to side of; across – Perpendicular to a boat’s centerline
Aweigh – What is the meaning of anchor Aweigh?
An anchor raised just clear of the sea or riverbed, and anchor that is off the bottom.
Axle ratio – What is Axle Ratio?
The axle ratio is the number of revolutions the driveshaft of a tow vehicle must make to spin the axle one full turn. This number is shown in the ratio, which represents the number of the ring gear’s teeth divided by the number of the pinion’s teeth. If a truck has an axle ratio of 2.74:1, for example, the driveshaft turns 2.74 times for each full wheel spin.
B
Backing Down – What is backing down when fishing, is it a good idea?
Maneuvering in reverse, when offshore fishing while attempting to land a fish this technique is effective in assisting the angler to gather line and get to the leader quickly so the crew can execute a legal release of the fish.
Backstay – What is a running backstay on a sailboat?
A support for the mast to keep it from falling forward. A stay on a sailing ship leading downward and aft from the top or upper part of a mast. A running backstay is a removable stay that provides aft support to the mast from either the masthead or the point at which an inner forestay is attached.
Bail – What does it mean to bail in a boat?
To clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side. To remove water with a bucket or pump. Bailing is the process of removing water from a vessel. Also, a component that controls fishing line on a spinning reel.
Bait station – What is a Bait Station?
Area on a fishing boat for preparing bait. the bait/fish board
Baitwell – What is a live baitwell?
Compartment on a fishing boat for holding live bait, usually with a pump to circulate the water and an aerator to provide oxygen. A water-filled container for preserving live bait until needed.
Ballast – What is meaning of ballast in a boat?
Any heavy material carried temporarily or permanently in a vessel to provide desired draft and stability. Weight added to the bottom of a boat to improve stability.
Bass Boat – What is a Bass Boat?
A bass boat is a small boat that is designed and equipped primarily for bass fishing, usually in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers and wetlands. Low-profile, outboard-powered boat, generally no more than 22 feet long and typically equipped with rod lockers, casting decks with pedestal seats and livewells.
Batten Down
Secure a ship’s hatch-tarpaulins, especially when rough weather is expected. Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
Bay Boat – What is a Bay Boat?
Low-profile, inshore fishing boat intended for use in protected coastal waters, and frequently made with rolled-edge construction. As the name suggests, bay boats are for using in the bays and nearshore areas, and they may be too small for the open ocean, at least when the waves are up.
Beach Catamaran – What is a beach catamaran?
Small, lightweight sailboat less than 25 feet long that can be easily launched and retrieved from a beach. A sailing boat that has two parallel hulls (= floating parts) held together by a single deck (= flat surface).
Beam – What is beam?
Beam: The width of the boat, measured at its widest point at the water line. Generally, the larger the beam, the more stable the boat. Measurement of a boat at its widest point. Also, a transmitted radio, sonar or radar signal.
Bear off – What is bear off meaning?
To turn away, change course away from the wind. To steer away from something, typically the land.
Bearing – What is the bearing of a boat?
In marine navigation, a bearing is the direction one object is from another object, usually, the direction of an object from one’s own vessel. In nautical navigation the relative bearing of an object is the clockwise angle from the heading of the vessel to a straight line drawn from the observation station on the vessel to the object.
Beating – What is beating in sailing?
Sailing upwind. Beat (also) – To sail towards the wind by making a series of tacks. Sailing as close as possible towards the wind (perhaps only about 60°) in a zig-zag course to attain an upwind direction to which it is impossible to sail directly.
Berth – What does berth mean?
A boat’s allotted place at a wharf or dock. Also place to sleep aboard a boat.
Bight – What is bight?
a curve or recess in a coastline, river, or other geographical feature. A loop of rope, as distinct from the rope’s ends, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed.
Bilge – What does bilge mean?
Bilge: A compartment at the lowest point of a boat’s hull. Lowest section inside a boat’s hull where water collects. The area on the outer surface of a ship’s hull where the bottom curves to meet the vertical sides. The bilge of a ship or boat is the part of the hull that would rest on the ground if the vessel were unsupported by water.
Bimini Top – What is a Bimini Top?
A Bimini top is an open-front canvas top for the cockpit of a boat, usually supported by a metal frame. Most Biminis can be collapsed when not in use, and raised again if shade or shelter from rain is desired.
What is a Bimini used for?
The Bimini is used mostly as protection from the sun; it offers no protection from wind, rain, or spray when moving forward at any speed. The top provides rain protection only if the boat is stationary and there is no wind. It can also be personalized to fit different types of boats and can come in different colours.
Bitts – What is the meaing of Bitt?
A pair of posts on the deck of a ship for fastening docking lines or cables. Bitts are paired vertical wooden or metal posts mounted either aboard a ship or on a wharf, pier or quay. The posts are used to secure mooring lines, ropes, hawsers, or cables.
Bluewater Fishing Boat – What is a Bluewater Boat?
A blue water boat has larger tanks and a heavier displacement. Production boats have a lighter displacement and are designed for coastal and bay cruising. Mid-size to large deep-V boats suitable for offshore fishing. They are typically fitted with outriggers, fish boxes, aluminum towers, a host of electronics and large fuel tanks. A blue water boat is a boat that can support an independent lifestyle safely on the ocean for long periods.
Boat – What is a boat?
A small vessel propelled on water by oars, sails, or an engine, open or partially decked, and usually less than 45 feet (roughly 14 metres) in length.
Boat Hook – What is a Boat Hook?
A long pole with a hook and a spike at one end, used for fending off or pulling a boat, rafts, logs or other objects to or from the side of a boat.
Boom – What does boom mean in sailing?
The boom is the horizontal pole which extends from the bottom of the mast. Adjusting the boom towards the direction of the wind is how the sailboat is able to harness wind power in order to move forward or backwards. In sailing, a boom is a spar (pole), along the foot of a fore and aft rigged sail, that greatly improves control of the angle and shape of the sail.
Boot Top – What is a boot top?
The part of a ship’s hull just above the waterline, typically marked by a line of contrasting color. the part of a ship’s hull that is between the load line and the water line when the ship is not loaded.
Bow – What is a bow?
The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern. When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side. Forward portion of a boat.
Bow Eye – What is a bow eye?
A stainless steel U-bolt on a boat’s bow stem used to secure tow lines or trailer winch hooks.
Bowline – What is a bow line?
A rope attached to the weather leech of a square sail and leading forward, thus helping the ship sail nearer the wind. A simple knot for forming a non slipping loop at the end of a rope. The bowline is an ancient and simple knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope. It has the virtues of being both easy to tie and untie; most notably, it is easy to untie after being subjected to a load.
Bow stop – What is a bow stop?
A Bow stop is installed on the front bracket of the winch stand of the trailer. The stop enables the boat to secure tightly against the boat trailer. The problem with a bow stop is they do not last very long and can sometimes mark up the boat. Rubber blocks on a boat trailer into which the boat’s bow rests.
Bowrider – What is a bowrider?
The meaning of BOWRIDER is a recreational motorboat that has a pointed bow with a seating area in front of the helm. A bow rider is a kind of runabout boat with an offset helm and extra forward seating. They are between 17′ and 35′, use stern drive or outboard engines, and hold between six and ten people. Its open bow area distinguishes it from a cuddy boat. A runabout boat with open-bow seating.
Bowsprit – What is a bowsprit?
A spar extending forward from a ship’s bow, to which the forestays are fastened. The bowsprit of a sailing vessel is a spar extending forward from the vessel’s prow. The bowsprit is typically held down by a bobstay that counteracts the forces from the forestays.
Breakaway Lanyard – What is a breakaway lanyard?
Emergency safety cable on a boat trailer that activates trailer brakes in the event the trailer comes detached from the tow vehicle while underway.
Bridge – What is a bridge on a boat?
The bridge, also known as the pilothouse or wheelhouse, is a room or platform of a ship from which the ship can be commanded. When a ship is under way, the bridge is manned by an officer of the watch aided usually by an able seaman acting as a lookout.
Bridge Clearance – What is Bridge Clearance?
Bridge clearance is the distance from a boat’s waterline to the highest point on the topsides. It indicates the height of a bridge under which a boat can pass. Distance from waterline to a boat’s highest point.
Bulkhead – What is bulkhead?
A dividing wall or barrier between compartments in a ship. A bulkhead is an upright wall within the hull of a ship.
Bunks – What is a bunk on a boat trailer?
Bunk trailers support the boat’s keel with boards, also known as “bunks,” that run down the sides of the trailer. Typically, the “bunks” are protected by soft, felt-like fabric to make it easier to slide the boat off of the trailer and place it directly into the water.
Buoy – What is a buoy?
An anchored floating object that serves as a navigation aid, to show reefs or other hazards. Also used to mark a mooring spot.
Burdened Vessel – What is the burdened vessel?
That vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rules, must give Way to the privileged vessel. The termis now superseded by the term “give-way”.
Burgee – What is the meaning of burgee?
A flag bearing the colors or emblem of a sailing club, typically triangular. A swallow-tailed flag used especially by ships for signals or identification. : the usually triangular identifying flag of a yacht club.
C
Camber – What is Camber?
Camber measures the fullness, or depth of the sail. The term refers to the distance from the chord line of the sail to the point of maximum depth. Sailmakers typically measure the ratio between the camber and the chord length, expressed as a percentage.
The camber is a measure of lateral main deck curvature in naval architecture. The curve is applied to a deck transversely, measured as the height of deck at centreline above the height of deck at side.
The practice of adding camber to a ship’s deck originated in the era of small sailing ships. These vessels were built with the decks curving downwards at the sides in order to allow water that washed onto the deck to spill off. Camber also adds to a ship’s longitudinal strength.
Can buoy – What is a can buoy?
Can buoy definition, a buoy with a flat-topped cylindrical shape above water, unlighted buoy used as a channel marker. Cylindrical navigation buoy with a flat top, generally green in color, marking the left side of a channel leading into a harbour: It can be anchored or allowed to drift with ocean currents.
Capsize – What does capsized mean?
(of a boat) overturn in the water. To become upset, overturned, flip a boat over.
Capstan – What is a capstan?
A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to multiply the pulling force of seamen when hauling ropes, cables, and hawsers. The principle is similar to that of the windlass, which has a horizontal axle. A winch used for hauling heavy objects such as anchors.
Cast Off – What does it mean to cast off?
To unfasten or untie a boat or a line, unfasten all lines in preparation for departure.
Casting Platform – What is a cast on a boat?
Casting Deck/Platform – an open deck on a fishing boat, often raised; used primarily for casting rods into the water. Elevated deck clear of obstruction used by anglers to make casts, often equipped with pedestal chairs.
Catamaran – What is a Catamaran?
A catamaran is a multi-hulled watercraft featuring two parallel hulls of equal size. It is a geometry-stabilized craft, deriving its stability from its wide beam, rather than from a ballasted keel as with a monohull boat. A twin hulled boat, either power or sail.
Catboat – What is a catboat?
A catboat is a sailboat with a single sail on a single mast set well forward in the bow of a very beamy and shallow draft hull. Typically they are gaff rigged, though Bermuda rig is also used. Most are fitted with a centreboard, although some have a keel. Small, simple sailboat with one mast and sail set far forward.
Cavitation – What is Propeller Cavitation?
Cavitation is bubbles caused by excessive propeller speed or loading. The water vaporizes or boils due to the extreme reduction of pressure on the back of the propeller blade. Inefficient low-pressure pockets on propellers form bubbles that collapse against the blades resulting in premature wear.
Center Console Boat – What is a center console boat?
Center console sometimes abbreviated as CC, is a type of single-decked open hull boat where the helm is in the center. There is a cabin on some models; these are usually located in the bow and hold small berths for sleeping. Fishing boat with the helm station located amidships for maximum walk-through space around the perimeter of the boat.
Centerboard – What is a centerboard?
A centreboard or centerboard (US) is a retractable hull appendage which pivots out of a slot in the hull of a sailboat., The retractability allows the centreboard to be raised to operate in shallow waters, to move the centre of lateral resistance, to reduce drag when the full area of the centreboard is not needed, or when removing the boat from the water, as when trailering. A keel-like pivoting device, typically in a trunk, that can be lowered or raised to act as a keel.
Channel – What is a boat channel?
A length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water, especially two seas. The navigable portion of a waterway.
Chart plotter – What is a chartplotter?
A Chartplotter is a device used in marine navigation that integrates GPS data with an electronic navigational chart. The chartplotter displays the ENC along with the position, heading and speed of the ship, and may display additional information from radar, automatic information systems or other sensors..
Chart recorder – What is a chart recorder?
A chart recorder is an electromechanical device that records an electrical or mechanical input trend onto a piece of paper. Chart recorders may record several inputs using different color pens and may record onto strip charts or circular charts.
Charts – What is a nautical chart?
A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a sea area and adjacent coastal regions. Depending on the scale of the chart, it may show depths of water and heights of land (topographic map), natural features of the seabed, details of the coastline, navigational hazards, locations of natural and human-made aids to navigation, information on tides and currents, local details of the Earth’s magnetic field, and human-made structures such as harbours, buildings, and bridges. Nautical charts are essential tools for marine navigation; many countries require vessels, especially commercial ships, to carry them. Nautical charting may take the form of charts printed on paper (raster navigational charts) or computerized electronic navigational charts.
Chine – What are chines on a boat and what do they do?
Pontoon chine: The angle where the hull bottom meets the hull side. Portion of the hull where the bottom and sides intersect (can be rounded or angled).
Chines on a boat helps keep a vessel upright and stable in the water. There are however a few different factors which includes the vessel size and the dead rise angle. If you are buying a boat there are some many factors one needs to consider. One of these is the chines a vessel has and the type of chines.
Chock – What is the definition of chock on a boat?
a shaped support or cradle for a ship’s boat, barrel, etc. a small wooden piece or timber for filling a gap, reinforcing an angle, etc., in a wooden vessel. A block or wedge placed under something else, such as a wheel, to keep it from moving. Nautical – a heavy fitting of metal or wood with two jaws curving inward, through which a rope or cable may be run.
Chopped fiberglass – What is chopped fiberglass?
Chopped Fiberglass is a short, thin, rectangular flake type fiber cut from unidirectional fiberglass and is commonly combined with resin to create a mixture which delivers industry-leading, high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Fiberglass strands cut and simultaneously mixed with resin by and applied to a boat mold by using a chopper gun.
Chumming – What is chumming the water?
Chumming is the blue water fishing practice of throwing meat-based groundbait called “chum” into the water in order to lure various marine animals (usually large game fish) to a designated fishing ground, so the target animals are more easily caught by hooking or spearing. Placing fish or fish parts in the water to attract gamefish.
Class I hitch – What is a Class 1 hitch?
Class I hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 2000 lbs.gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 200 lbs. A Class I hitch usually has a 1-1/4″ square receiver opening. A higher class drawbar does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch. They are perfect for towing small light duty trailers, small boats or hitch mounted bike racks for carrying up to two bikes.
Class II hitch – What is a Class 2 hitch?
Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight(GTW) with a 300 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW). A Class II hitch usually has a 1-1/4″square receiver opening. Frame-mounted trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. They are perfect for towing boats, campers, landscape trailers or for mounting cargo carriers or bike racks.
Class III hitch – What is a Class 3 hitch?
Class III hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 8,000 lbs.gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 800 lbs. A Class III hitch usually has a 2″ square receiver opening. A higher class drawbar does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch. Frame-mounted trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. They are perfect for towing boats, campers, landscape trailers or for mounting cargo carriers or bike racks.
Class IV hitch – What is a Class 4 hitch?
Class IV hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lbs. Class IV hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 14,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1400 lbs. A Class 4 trailer hitch is perfect for towing large boats and recreational vehicles and are not for passenger cars.
Class V hitch – What is a Class 5 hitch?
These hitches are primarily for commercial applications and pack an incredible towing capacity of between 18,000 to 20,000 pounds. They are extra heavy duty for hauling extra heavy loads. Applications include hauling horse trailers, large recreational vehicles and commercial heavy equipment trailers.
Cleat – What is a cleat on a boat?
A T-shaped piece of metal or wood, especially on a boat or ship, to which ropes, dock lines are attached.
Clew – What is a clew?
the lower or after corner of a sail. The after-most corner of a sail.
Close-hauled – What does the term sailing “close hauled” mean?
having the sails set for sailing as nearly against the wind as the vessel will go, having the sails hauled aft to sail close to the wind.
Clove hitch – What does a clove hitch mean?
The meaning of clove hitch is a knot securing a rope temporarily to an object (such as a post or spar). The clove hitch is a type of knot. Along with the bowline and the sheet bend, it is often considered one of the most important knots. A clove hitch is two successive half-hitches around an object. It is most effectively used as a crossing knot. – a knot by which a rope is secured by passing it twice around a spar or another rope that it crosses at right angles in such a way that both ends pass under the loop of rope at the front.
Coaming – What as a coaming on a ship?
Coaming is any vertical surface on a ship designed to deflect or prevent entry of water. It usually consists of a raised section of deck plating around an opening, such as a cargo hatch. Coamings also provide a frame onto which to fit a hatch cover. A raised edge, as around the cockpit or around a hatchway, to keep water out.
Coast Guard safety package
The safety gear that you are required to carry depends on the size of your vessel. Safety gear required by the US Coast Guard which consists of: personal flotation device Type I, II, III or V per person, throwable flotation device, visible distress signals, fire extinguisher and a horn, whistle or bell.
Cockpit – What is a cockpit on a boat?
A cockpit is a name for the location of controls of a vessel; while traditionally an open well in the deck of a boat outside any deckhouse or cabin, in modern boats they may refer to an enclosed area. Cockpit – A protected, somewhat enclosed space on deck, usually from where a boat is controlled or steered.
Coil – How to coil boat rope?
A coiling or coil is a curve, helix, or spiral used for storing rope or cable in compact and reliable yet easily attainable form. To lay a line down in circular turns. The most common way to stow line is using a gasket coil or simply a coil. Develop the habit of coiling and stowing lines immediately after use.
COLREGS – What is colregs?
That acronym stands for Collision Regulations. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 are published by the International Maritime Organization and set out, among other things, the “rules of the road” or navigation rules to be followed by ships and other vessels at sea to prevent collisions between two or more vessels. Coast Guard term for the navigation rules of the road; full name is International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Come about – What does come about mean?
To change direction the wind has come about into the north: to shift to a new tack. To tack or change heading relative to the wind.
Companionway – What is the meaning of companionway?
In the architecture of a ship, a companion or companionway is a raised and windowed hatchway in the ship’s deck, with a ladder leading below and the hooded entrance-hatch to the main cabins. A set of steps leading from a ship’s deck down to a cabin or lower deck. A companionway may be secured by doors or, commonly in sailboats, hatch boards which fit in grooves in the companionway frame.
Convertible boat – What is a convertible boat?
A convertible yacht is exactly what it sounds like. Depending on the captain’s needs, one can convert a Sportfish yacht to fishing or to a cruising yacht. The most common convertible yacht-style found at our boatyard is a cabin boat that includes a flybridge. A bluewater fishing boat typically more than 35 feet long with a full cruising salon, a fish-fighting cockpit and many other saltwater fishing features.
Coring material – What is coring on a boat?
Coring is the addition of a different material between two thin layers of fiberglass and the resulting panel is better in almost every way. Any of a variety of lightweight materials used between layers of fiberglass laminates to add strength.
Corinthian – What is a corinthian?
Corinthian in yachting is that attribute which represents participation in sport as distinct from gain and which also involves the acquirement of nautical experience through the love of the sport rather than through necessity or the hope of gain. Amateur yachtsman. A sailboat owner who helms his or her own boat in competitive racing.
Counter rotation – What is counter rotating boat propeller?
The act of two propellers spinning in opposite directions on a single shaft. Contra-rotating propellers have benefits when providing thrust for boats for the same reasons. Claiming efficiency gains from the propeller and a simpler hull design, Volvo Penta have launched the IPS (Inboard Performance System), an integrated diesel, transmission and pulling contra-rotating propellers for motor yachts.
Coupler – What is a boat engine coupler?
The engine coupler connects the engine to the outdrive, which is outside of the boat. The coupler is made of aluminum and rubber, which isolates the vibration between the engine and the outdrive. Whereas an automobile has a drive shaft that runs from the transmission to the rear end, an inboard/outboard boat–sometimes called a “stern drive” boat–has a short “drive shaft” that may not even look like a drive shaft. It’s called a coupler, and it carries the full load of the motor across the gap from the back of the engine to the plate at the front of the transmission to drive your vessel efficiently.
Course – What is boat sailing course definition?
In navigation, the course of a watercraft or aircraft is the cardinal direction in which the craft is to be steered. The course is to be distinguished from the heading, which is the direction where the watercraft’s bow or the aircraft’s nose is pointed.
Cruiser – What is a cruiser boat?
A boat capable of being used to both transport and provide comfortable sheltered accommodations for at least two people. A cruiser is larger than a ‘walkaround,’ but smaller than a full blown ‘yacht. A boat with overnight accommodations.
Cuddy cabin – What is a cuddy cabin?
A cuddy is a small room or cupboard, particularly on a boat. A Cuddy Cabin spans 18′ to 25′ in length and serves as a great small-family recreation, overnighter, and fishing boat. The “cuddy” is a small enclosure below deck that typically consists of a V-berth (a V-shaped bed along the bow), a porta potty (the head), and possibly a freshwater sink. Sometimes a cuddy refers to a small but cosy hut. The origin of the term is not clear. Typically, Cuddy Cabins have a V-shaped berth for sleeping and storage that contours itself along the inside edges of the bow (front of the boat). One berth will be on the port (left) side, and the other on the starboard (right) side.
Cure – What does it mean to cure resin?
Hardening process for resin-soaked fiberglass laminates. Cured resin or gel coat means resin or gel coat that has changed from a liquid to a solid. Resin that has been polymerized and changed from a liquid to a solid. Cure time is about 24 hours (depending on the thickness of your project). This is the time the resin and hardener mix goes through the chemical reaction to form a solid. After 24 hours it still might not be completely solid, and can be slightly flexible.
Current – What is water current?
The term “current” describes the motion of the ocean. An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of sea water generated by a number of forces acting upon the water, including wind, the Coriolis effect, breaking waves, cabbeling, and temperature and salinity differences.
How long does resin take to fully cure?
Many epoxy resins will be dry to the touch within 24 hours of mixing and pouring. It will take seven days for a full cure, but you can handle your project at this point if you are careful.
Curtains – What are boat curtains?
Attachable front and side enclosures, window coverings that protect the helm area from weather and sunlight.
Cutter – What is a cutter in boating?
As a sailing rig, a cutter is a single-masted sail boat, with two or more headsails. On the eastern side of the Atlantic, the two headsails on a single mast is the fullest extent of the modern definition. In U.S. waters, a greater level of complexity applies, with the placement of the mast and the rigging details of the bowsprit taken into account – so a boat with two headsails may be classed as a sloop.
A cutter is a type of watercraft. The term has several meanings. It can apply to the rig of a sailing vessel, to a governmental enforcement agency vessel, to a type of ship’s boat which can be used under sail or oars, or, historically, to a type of fast-sailing vessel introduced in the 18th century, some of which were used as small warships.
D
Daggerboard – What is a daggerboard/
A daggerboard is a retractable centreboard used by various sailing craft. While other types of centreboard may pivot to retract, a daggerboard slides in a casing. The shape of the daggerboard converts the forward motion into a windward lift, countering the leeward push of the sail. A keel-like device that is manually raised and lowered vertically without using a hinge, a board that slides vertically through the keel of a sailboat to reduce sideways movement.
Davit – What is a davit?
A small crane on board a ship, especially one of a pair for suspending or lowering a lifeboat.
Day Sailing – What is day sailing?
A daysailer, day sailer, or dayboat is a small sailboat with or without sleeping accommodations but which is larger than a dinghy. Dayboats can be monohull or multihull, and are typically trailer-able. To go sailing for a few hours on a small, open sailboat.
Daysailer – What is a daysailer?
A sailboat without a cabin, designed for day trips. A daysailer, day sailer, or dayboat is a small sailboat with or without sleeping accommodations but which is larger than a dinghy. Dayboats can be monohull or multihull, and are typically trailer-able. Small, open sailboat sometimes raced or short-distanced cruised, primarily used for recreational sailing.
Dead ahead – What is dead ahead?
Directly ahead of the bow. right in front : just ahead. The island is dead ahead of us. The use of dead in the sense of “straight” dates from the last quarter of the 1800s.
Deadrise – What dies the term deadrise mean on a boat?
The vertical distance between a line horizontal to the keel of a vessel and its chine. A boat’s deadrise is the amount of angle that forms between the boat bottom and a horizontal plane on either side of center keel. The deadrise angle is the least (meaning flattest) at the transom and gradually increases (more vee) as the bottom goes forward and then increases at a greater rate at the bow.
Deck – What is a deck on a boat?
A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a ship. On a boat or ship, the primary or upper deck is the horizontal structure that forms the “roof” of the hull, strengthening it and serving as the primary working surface.
Deck boat – What is a deck Boat? Why is it called a deck boat?
As the name implies, deck boats are vessels that have been designed with large decks. The bow is bigger than it would be on many other different types of boats, and this additional space makes room for plenty of seating and an open floor area. Deck boats have an expanded bow section to maximize the seating and deck area – hence the name. The open floor plan of the deck boat makes them perfect for cruising around and entertaining guests.
Deep-V – What is a deep V boat hull?
Deep V. The deep V hull is wedge shaped from bow to stern and has a more pronounced deadrise. Deep V hulls are most common in boats used on large bodies of water, where taming the chop in rough conditions is a must. A hull shape characterized by a sharp deadrise, typically more than 20 degrees.
Depth sounder – What is the meaning of depth sounder, echo sounder?
Another term for echo sounder. Echo sounding or depth sounding is the use of sonar for ranging, normally to determine the depth of water. A device for determining the depth of the seabed or detecting objects in water by measuring the time taken for sound echoes to return to the listen.
Deviation – What is deviation on a boat?
Deviation is a magnetic interference unique to the vessel itself. We use the term ‘deviation’ use to describe the effect of interference from magnetic fields created by the vessel’s own equipment. This can be from things such as batteries, large metal objects like the engine, speakers, VHF radios etc. Deviation is the error in reading a bearing from the compass north caused by the magnetic influence of some nearby object.
Differential GPS (DGPS) – What is meaning of differential GPS?
Differential Global Positioning Systems supplement and enhance the positional data available from global navigation satellite systems. A DGPS for GPS can increase accuracy by about a thousandfold, from approximately 15 metres to 1–3 centimetres. DGPSs consist of networks of fixed position, ground-based reference stations. A highly accurate global positioning system (GPS) that utilizes a differential radio beacon and receiver to compute and correct the error of all visible satellites sending data to a conventional GPS unit. Essentially a system to provide positional corrections to GPS signals.
Dinette – What is a dinette on a boat?
A small dining area usually consisting of a table, 2 to 4 chairs, or facing bench seats; it can often be converted into a berth. Dinette – An area of the boat with a table and seats used for dining.
Dinghy – What is a dinghy?
A small boat for recreation or racing, especially an open boat with a mast and sails. Also a tender, either rowed or equipped with power, used to go to and from a larger vessel.
Direct Drive – What is a direct driver boat?
A direct drive system places the engine or engines near the center of the boat. Power passes from the engine to a transmission that enables forward-neutral-reverse shifting, and then to the propshaft, which passes through the boat bottom at a 7- to 12-degree angle. An engine configuration in which the drive shaft runs in a straight driveline through the bottom of the hull. Direct drive boats operate through their V-8 engines, which are center-aligned inboard motors.
Displacement – What is water displacement by a vessel?
Every floating body displaces its own weight of the liquid in which it floats. For a vessel to float freely in water, the weight of the vessel must be equal to the weight of the volume of water it displaces. Displacement is the volume of water the vessel displaces.
Displacement Hull – What is a displacement hull?
There are two basic types of boat hulls—displacement and planing. Boats with displacement hulls move through the water by pushing the water aside and are designed to cut through the water with very little propulsion. If you lower a boat into the water, some of the water moves out of the way to adjust for the boat. A hull shape designed to run through water rather than on top of it in the manner of a planing hull.
Dock – What does Dock mean?
A dock is the area of water between or next to one or a group of human-made structures that are involved in the handling of boats or ships or such structures themselves. A structure extending alongshore or out from the shore into a body of water, to which boats may be moored. To tie up at a dock, especially in order to load or unload passengers or cargo. A place (such as a wharf or platform) for the loading or unloading of materials. : a usually wooden pier used as a landing place or moorage for boats.
Dolphin – What is dolphin piles?
A group of piles driven close together and bound with wire cables into a single structure.
Downrigger – What is a downrigger?
A downrigger is a device used while fishing using the trolling method, which places a lure at the desired depth. A downrigger consists of a three to six-foot horizontal pole which supports a cannonball, generally 10 to 15 pounds, by a steel cable. a fishing line used in trolling that is attached to a weighted cable in order to put lures or bait at a specific depth under a boat, usually near the floor.
Draft – What is a boats draft?
Draft is how shallow your boat’s hull can go in the water essentially meaning, it’s the minimum depth you can safely take your boat without hitting the bottom of the hull on the surface below the water. The draft or draught of a ship’s hull is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel).
Drogue – What is a drogue?
A drogue is a device trailed behind a boat on a long line attached to the stern. A drogue is used to slow the boat down in a storm and to prevent the hull from becoming side-on to the waves. A device, typically conical or funnel-shaped with open ends, towed behind a boat, or other moving object to reduce speed or improve stability.
Dry Weight – What is a boats dry weight?
Boat weight compared to lift capacity. There are two separate weights to any boat; wet weight and dry weight. Dry weight is the weight of a boat without any fluids or accessories added. This is the way that it comes from the factory.
Dual-console Boat – What does dual console mean?
A dual console boat has two consoles. One houses the helm and the other is for passengers who want to get out of the elements without going into the cabin. This gives the driver his or her own space to do their thing in the cockpit, while passengers have their own separate area to hang out.
E
Ebb – What is Ebb?
The movement of the tide out to sea, to recede from the flood. Ebb and flow (also called Flood and Drain) are two phases of the tide or any similar movement of water. The ebb is the outgoing phase, when the tide drains away from the shore, and the flow is the incoming phase when water rises again.
EPIRB – What is an EPIRB?
An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon is a type of emergency locator beacon for commercial and recreational boats, a portable, battery-powered radio transmitter used in emergencies to locate boaters in distress and in need of immediate rescue. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device to alert search and rescue services (SAR) in case of an emergency out at sea. When this electronic device is activated it transmits a radio signal with user registration data and positioning information to a network of satellites that assist the Coast Guard in conducting an emergency rescue.
Express Cruiser – What is an Express Cruiser?
An Express Cruiser is a fast cruising boat. To distinguish it from a cabin cruiser boat, it has a full head, a galley, sleeping space with two to six berths. There are large open areas near the steering area and in the back of the boat. Express cruisers, also known as express boats, are popular fast cruising boats that falls within the motor yacht family, a pleasure boat which is designed to provide people with both speed and comfort.
F
Fathom – What is a fathom on a boat?
At sea, the fathom is exclusively a measure of water depth. Therefore, a boat 1,000 fathoms offshore is not 6,000 feet from the shore, but rather at the nearest point to shore where the water depth is 6,000 feet. Nautical depth measurement equaling six feet, fathom, old English measure of length, now standardized at 6 feet (1.83 metre), which has long been used as a nautical unit of depth.
Why is 6 feet called a fathom?
Fittingly, “fathom” is derived from the Old English word “fæthm,” meaning outstretched arms. The length of rope that reached across a sailor’s extended arms was equal to one fathom. Sometime during the twelfth century, one fathom was officially defined as six feet.
Fender – What are boat marine fenders/bumpers?
In boating, a fender is a bumper used to absorb the kinetic energy of a boat or vessel berthing against a jetty, quay wall or other vessel. Fenders, used on all types of vessels, from cargo ships to cruise ships, ferries and personal yachts, prevent damage to vessels and berthing structures. A cylindrical or round cushion used to protect the hull sides of a boat, typically used when tied up at dock. Marine fenders are a type of marine equipment that are used to prevent boats, ships and other naval vessels from colliding against each other. Fenders are cushions that prevent a boat from being damaged by rubbing/impacting a dock (when the boat’s tied up) or from being hurt by contact with another boat.
Fetch – What is fetch?
The definition of the word ‘fetch’ is simple: The distance that wind travels over open water. The fetch is the time and distance covered by the same wind on an unobstructed body of water. In oceanography wind fetch, also known as fetch length or simply fetch, is the length of water over which a given wind has blown without obstruction.
Fiberglass – What is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass or fibreglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet called a chopped strand mat, or woven into glass cloth. a strong light material made by twisting together small threads of glass and plastic, used especially for making structures such as boats: The hull of the ship is made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic.
Fighting chair – What is a fighting chair?
A fix-mounted chair used to help land large gamefish on bluewater fishing boats equipped with a footrest, gimbal-mounted rod holder, safety harness and other fish-fighting gear. A fixed chair on a boat used by a person trying to catch large fish.
Figure Eight Knot – What is a figure eight knot?
The figure-eight knot or figure-of-eight knot is a type of stopper knot. It is very important in both sailing and rock climbing as a method of stopping ropes from running out of retaining devices. A figure-eight on a bight is used to secure a bight in the end of the rope. This knot is commonly used to “tie-in” to the rope. A figure-eight on a bight is a large knot with relatively gradual bends (as compared to an overhand), and is easily recognized by the tell tale “8” shape.
Fin Keel – What is a fin keel?
A “fin keel” is a narrow plate (of wood, metal, or other material) fixed midships to the keel of a shallow boat (such as a racing yacht) and projecting downward to provide lateral resistance. It is intended both to steady the boat and to make it handy to steer. The fin keel is a stationary foil positioned amidships and projecting downwards under the hull of a sailing vessel. A fin keel is relatively short in a fore-aft direction, and relatively deep, located near the center of the boat. A fin keel is a fixed element, unlike a centerboard, which is retractable. The design purpose of the fin keel is to provide lateral resistance to wind forces applied to the boat via the sails and to facilitate the placement of ballast below the hull while presenting less wetted surface area than a full keel, which helps to reduce drag and leeway.
Fishfinder – What is a fishfinder?
A fishfinder or sounder is an instrument used to locate fish underwater by detecting reflected pulses of sound energy, as in sonar. Fishfinder, a sonar device attached to a boat, used to measure the amount of fish at various depths underneath the boat; A fish finder helps detect a fish school and provides various underwater information, such as water depth, distribution of fish school, and the condition of the seabed by transmitting ultrasonic waves into the sea and receiving its reflection.
Fix – What is a fix in boating?
A fix is an estimate of position inferred from observations of fixed objects. The position of a boat recorded in coordinates or bearings. A running fix is a method of coastal navigation position fixing. It incorporates the use of an estimated position along with bearings off of charted objects. Using bearings as well as an E.P makes this more accurate than an E.P alone.
Flare – What is a flare on a boat?
The visual distress signal requirement for recreational boaters states that all boats when used on coastal waters, including the Great Lakes, the territorial seas and those waters directly connected to the Great Lakes and the territorial seas, up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide, and boats owned in the United States when operating on the high seas must be equipped with visual distress signals. Flares, also known as pyrotechnic distress signals, are devices boaters can use to call for help in emergency situations.
Flare is the angle at which a ship’s hull plate or planking departs from the vertical in an outward direction with increasing height. A flared hull typically has a deck area larger than its cross-sectional area at the waterline.
What are the 4 types of Flares?
There are four types of approved distress flares: Type A: Rocket parachute flare (red), Type B: Multi-star flare (red), Type C: Hand-held flare (red), Type D: Smoke signal—buoyant or hand-held (orange).
Do you need a flare on a boat?
Federal requirements are as follows: For boats under 16′ in length: Distress signals are only required when operating between sunset and sunrise. If operating at night, one electric distress light or three combination day/night red flares are required.
Flat-bottom Boat – What is a Flat Bottom Boat?
A flat-bottomed boat is a boat with a shallow draft, two-chined hull, which allows it to be used to traverse very shallow bodies of water, such as rivers, because it is less likely to ground. The flat hull also makes the boat more stable in calm water, which is good for hunters and anglers. A flat bottom boat is a boat with a flat bottom that is designed to traverse very shallow waterways. The flat bottom makes it very stable in calm water and its shallow draft allows it to access bodies of water only a few inches deep. Many flat bottom boats also have low freeboards.
Flats Boat – What is a flats boat?
Flats boats are a category of boat designed primarily for fishing in protected, shallow water areas often referred to as “flats” by anglers. While the name may be misconstrued to mean the boat hull is flat, this is not generally the case and include various v-hull designs. A flatboat (or broadhorn) was a rectangular flat-bottomed boat with square ends used to transport freight and passengers on inland waterways.
What is a flats boat used for?
A Flats Boat, also known as a skiff, is a saltwater fishing boat commonly used in Flats fishing in Florida and is perfect to use in protected, shallow coastal waters. The Flats Boat is the best and most durable fishing boat to use when fishing in protected, shallow waters that is 12 inches deep.
Flood – What is Flood?
Flood: An overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. The ebb is the outgoing phase, when the tide drains away from the shore, and the flow is the incoming phase when water rises again.
Fly bridge – What is a fly bridge?
An open deck on a cabin cruiser located above the bridge on the cabin roof and usually having a duplicate set of navigating equipment. A flying bridge is an open area on top of a surface ship that provides unobstructed views of the fore, aft, and the sides of a vessel, and that serves as an operating station for the ship’s officers, such as the captain or officer of the watch.
Following sea – What is following sea?
A following sea refers to a wave direction that is similar to the heading of a waterborne vessel under way.
Foot – What is a foot in sailing?
The foot of a sail is its bottom edge. On a fore-and-aft mainsail, the foot is often attached, at the tack and clew, to a boom; on a square sail to a spar by clews on both ends; if no boom or spar is present, the sail is said to be “loose-footed”. The foot is the bottom edge of the sail from the tack to the clew. The foot of a sail attaches to the boom. The head is the top edge of the sail.
Fore – What is fore in boating?
The front of a ship is called the fore, and the back is the “aft“. A cruise ship might be so large that your cabin at the ship’s fore is almost a quarter mile from your sister’s in the aft. The forward of a ship is just as it sounds: It’s the most forward side, at the front of a cruise ship, facing the bow. The rear of a ship, at the direction of a ship’s stern, is called the aft. And what’s wedged in between the forward and the aft of a ship is commonly dubbed midship.
What does fore mean in sailing?
lengthwise of a ship : from stem to stern. : in, at, or toward both the bow and stern.
Foredeck – what is a foredeck?
Foredeck: the front-most deck of the boat in boats that have multiple decks.
What does a foredeck do on a sailboat?
A well-organized foredeck will help you get set up for a fast leeward-mark rounding no matter what maneuver is called for
Foul-Weather Gear – What is foul weather gear?
A Protective garment that is intended to keep the wearer dry and warm in bad weather. type of: protective garment. clothing that is intended to protect the wearer from injury.Jacket, pants and hat used during inclement weather. Foul weather is unpleasant, windy, and stormy.
Founder – What does it mean when a boat founders?
To sink. Founder’ means “to sink” or “to collapse” or “to fail.” ‘Flounder’ means “to struggle to move” or “to proceed clumsily.” what is a foundering vessel – foundering – (of a ship) sinking. going under.
Four-cycle Engine – What is a four cycle engine?
A four-stroke (also four-cycle) engine is an internal combustion (IC) engine in which the piston completes four separate strokes while turning the crankshaft. A stroke refers to the full travel of the piston along the cylinder, in either direction. The four separate strokes are termed:
- Intake: Also known as induction or suction. This stroke of the piston begins at top dead center (T.D.C.) and ends at bottom dead center (B.D.C.). In this stroke the intake valve must be in the open position while the piston pulls an air-fuel mixture into the cylinder by producing vacuum pressure into the cylinder through its downward motion. The piston is moving down as air is being sucked in by the downward motion against the piston.
- Compression: This stroke begins at B.D.C, or just at the end of the suction stroke, and ends at T.D.C. In this stroke the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture in preparation for ignition during the power stroke (below). Both the intake and exhaust valves are closed during this stage.
- Combustion: Also known as power or ignition. This is the start of the second revolution of the four stroke cycle. At this point the crankshaft has completed a full 360 degree revolution. While the piston is at T.D.C. (the end of the compression stroke) the compressed air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (in a gasoline engine) or by heat generated by high compression (diesel engines), forcefully returning the piston to B.D.C. This stroke produces mechanical work from the engine to turn the crankshaft.
- Exhaust: Also known as outlet. During the exhaust stroke, the piston, once again, returns from B.D.C. to T.D.C. while the exhaust valve is open. This action expels the spent air-fuel mixture through the exhaust valve.
Frame-mount Hitch – What is a frame mount hitch?
A tow hitch (or tow bar or trailer hitch) is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing, or a towbar Hitch fastened to the frame of a tow vehicle.
Freeboard – What does freeboard mean?
In sailing and boating, a vessel’s freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point of sheer where water can enter the boat or ship. The height of a ship’s side between the waterline and the deck. The distance between the waterline and the main deck or weather deck of a ship or between the level of the water and the upper edge of the side of a small boat.
Furling – What does furling mean?
Furling refers to stowing or dousing a boat’s sail by flaking, packing, or stowing it in part or whole using roller furling. Furling is not synonymous with dousing or reefing a sail, but modern technologies such as roller furling are altering the term’s traditional use.Rolling or folding a sail on its boom. To wrap or roll (something, such as a sail or a flag) close to or around something.
G
Gaff – What is a fishing gaff?
In fishing, a gaff is a handheld pole with a sharp hook or sideway spike on the distal end, which is used to swing, stab, spear or hook for lifting a large fish like a pickaxe, and then pull the fish out of the water like using a pike pole. Ideally, the tip of the hook/spike is placed under the fish’s backbone.
Galley – What is a galley on a boat?
A kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship. A galley is the cooking area aboard a vessel, usually laid out in an efficient typical style with longitudinal units and overhead cabinets. This makes the best use of the usually limited space aboard ships.
Why are kitchens called galleys?
Named after its predecessor, a compact kitchenette area or “galley”, which you would find on a nautical vessel or ship is commonly designed for a one-person cook due to its small size.
Gangway – What is a gangway?
A gangway is a narrow passage that joins the quarterdeck to the forecastle of a sailing ship. The term is also extended to mean the narrow passages used to board or disembark ships. Modern shipping uses gangways to embark and disembark passengers.
Gear – What is boating or fishing gear?
A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment. Fishing gears are defined as tools used to capture marine/aquatic resources, whereas how the gear is used is the fishing method. Additionally, a single type of gear may also be used in multiple ways. Different target species require different fishing gear to effectively catch the target species.
Gelcoat – What is the meaning of gelcoat?
Gelcoat, also called Gel Coat, is a material used to provide a high-quality finish on the visible surface of a fibre-reinforced composite. The most common gelcoats are thermosetting polymers based on epoxy or unsaturated polyester resin chemistry. Gel coat is the most common surface coating used in the fabrication and repair of fiberglass reinforced products. Gel Coat is a specially formulated two-part polyester resin that is designed to be the first layer of resin applied in a mold when making a polyester or vinyl ester composite part. Gelcoat is extremely durable and provides a high-quality finish to visible surfaces making it a popular solution for damages to fiberglass surfaces such as covering up blemishes, patching small holes, filling cracks, and renewing surface shine.
Genoa – What is Genoa?
A large jib or foresail whose foot extends aft of the mast, used especially on racing yachts. a large jib that overlaps the mainsail and is used especially in racing.
Genset – What is a genset?
a combination of an engine and electrical generator used to produce electrical power, typically as a backup or portable source of power. At its simplest, a generator set or “genset” is a piece of portable equipment, consisting of an engine and an alternator/electric generator, used to provide energy.
Give-way Vessel – What is a give-way vessel?
The vessel that has the opposing boat coming up on its starboard side is called the give-way vessel. The boat coming in from the starboard side is called the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel has the right of way, and it is up to the give-way vessel to maneuver in a way that will avoid a collision. Yield to other traffic.
What is the give-way vessel responsibility?
As the give-way vessel it is your duty to avoid a collision. Typically, this means you must alter speed or direction to cross behind the other vessel (the stand-on vessel). At night, if you see a red light crossing right-to-left in front of you, you need to change your course.
GPS
An accurate worldwide navigational and surveying facility based on the reception of signals from an array of orbiting satellites. Acronym for global positioning system, a satellite-based navigation system that uses transmitted signals and mathematical triangulation to pinpoint location.
What is the definition of GPS?
What is GPS? The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment.
Grab Rail – What is a grab rail on a boat?
A bar attached to a wall that people can hold to help them get up or down somewhere or avoid falling: Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – What is gross axle weight rating?
GAWR is Gross Axle Weight Rating – the maximum weight either axle can carry individually – and there will be a different rating for both the front and rear axles. Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle in its running state, complete with oil and fuel, but without any passengers or cargo.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – What is gross combine weight rating?
The GCWR is your “Gross Combined Weight Rating” and the GCWR is the “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.” The Gross Combined Weight Rating takes into account the total weight of the trailer you are pulling, in addition to the cargo and passenger weight.
Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) – What is gross trailer weight rating?
The gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) is the total mass of a road trailer that is loaded to capacity, including the weight of the trailer itself, plus fluids and cargo, that a vehicle is rated to tow by the manufacturer. In the United States and Canada, the static tongue load, the weight of the trailer as measured at the trailer coupling, is generally recommended to be 10–15% of the GTWR. The maximum allowable weight of trailer and its cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – What is gross vehicle weight rating?
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is basically the maximum total safe weight of your vehicle, counting the curb weight (the weight of our vehicle when empty), plus the weight of your passengers, fuel, any accessories added to the vehicle, cargo, and the “tongue weight” of a tow trailer (normally 10-20% of the combined tow load and trailer weight). The maximum allowable weight of a fully equipped tow vehicle including passengers and cargo.
Gunkhole – What is a gunkhole?
a shallow inlet or cove that is difficult or dangerous to navigate. To explore creeks, coves marshes or other shallow areas near shore. The term refers to the gunk, or mud, typical of the creeks, coves, marshes, sloughs, and rivers that are referred to as gunkholes.
What is a gunkholer?
is a boating term referring to a type of cruising in shallow or shoal water, meandering from place to place, spending the nights in coves.
Gunwale – What is a gunwale?
The gunwale is the top edge of the hull of a ship or boat. Originally the structure was the “gun wale” on a sailing warship, a horizontal reinforcing band added at and above the level of a gun deck to offset the stresses created by firing artillery. The upper edge of the side of a boat. Gunnel (ship element), also known as “gunwale”, the top edge of the side of a boat.
Gybe or Jibe – What is meant by gybe or jibe?
A jibe or gybe is a sailing maneuver whereby a sailing vessel reaching downwind turns its stern through the wind, which then exerts its force from the opposite side of the vessel. For square-rigged ships, this maneuver is called wearing ship. Also spelled jibe. To change the course of a boat so that the boom swings over to the opposite side. The act of gybing. A sudden shift of a sail’s angle, or a sudden change in the direction that a vessel is sailing in. A manoeuvre in which the stern of a sailing vessel crosses the wind, typically resulting in the forceful and sudden sweep of the boom from one side of the vessel to the other.
H
Halyard – What is the definition of halyard?
In sailing, a halyard or halliard is a line that is used to hoist a ladder, sail, flag or yard. The term halyard comes from the phrase “to haul yards”. Halyards, like most other parts of the running rigging, were classically made of natural fibre like manila or hemp. a rope used for raising and lowering a sail, spar, flag, or yard on a sailing ship.
Harbormaster – What is a harbormaster?
A harbourmaster is an official responsible for enforcing the regulations of a particular harbour or port, in order to ensure the safety of navigation, the security of the harbour and the correct operation of the port facilities. An officer who executes the regulations respecting the use of a harbor. Oversees the overall operation of a municipal harbor, docks and marina and patrols the harbor for violations of health laws;
Hard Chine – What is a hard chine on a boat?
A hard chine is an angle with little rounding, where a soft chine would be more rounded, but still involve the meeting of distinct planes. Well, the harder chine will push water out and away from your boat while the smaller angles of the soft chine will inevitably allow some water to spray over the sides. The hard chine will plane at much lower speeds due to the flatter surfaces. A hard chine is an angle with little rounding, where a soft chine would be more rounded. Chine log construction is a method of building hard chine boat hulls. Hard chines are common in plywood hulls, while soft chines are often found on fiberglass hulls.
Hard Over – What does hard over mean?
Turning the helm as far as possible; To put the helm hard over is to put it as far as it will go in that direction. To steer the vessel as sharply as possible in either direction by turning the wheel or positioning the tiller as far as possible.
Hard Top – What is a hard top boat?
A large fiberglass roof on a boat with a hard roof and open sides. You get the overhead shelter from the sun but the sides are open over the helm area. A hardtop yacht is one with a rigid shelter over the cockpit or bridge.
Hatch – What is a hatch on a boat?
A boat hatch is the covering/portal through which the storage, cargo or additional living space within a boat can be accessed from your boat deck. A hatch is an opening in the deck of a ship, through which people or cargo can go.
Hauling – What does it mean to haul a boat?
To lift a boat from the water. to pull or draw with force; move by drawing; drag:
Hawse pipe – What is a Hawse pipe in a ship?
a cast-iron or steel pipe placed fitted in the bows, deck or gunwale of a ship on each side of the stem for the anchor chains or dock lines to pass through.
Head – What is head on a boat?
“Head” in a nautical sense referring to the bow or fore part of a ship dates to 1485. The ship’s toilet was typically placed at the head of the ship near the base of the bowsprit, where splashing water served to naturally clean the toilet area. “The bathroom of a maritime vessel” is known as the head because of its location aboard vessels in the bow or fore of the ship
Head Sea – What does head sea mean?
waves coming from directly ahead compare following sea, quartering sea. Waves coming from the direction a boat is heading.
Heading – What is a boat heading mean?
Heading is the direction in which a vehicle/vessel is pointing at any given moment. It is expressed as the angular distance relative to north, usually 000° at north, clockwise through 359°, in degrees of either true, magnetic, or compass direction. The direction a boat is pointed. In navigation, the heading of a vessel is the compass direction in which the craft’s bow or nose is pointed.
Headsail – What is a headsail?
a sail on a ship’s foremast or bowsprit. Any of various jibs or staysails set forward of the foremost mast of a vessel.
Headway – What does headway mean?
forward movement of a ship or boat, especially when this is slow or difficult. Motion or rate of motion in a forward direction. Making headway is also known as advance, make progress.
Heave – What does boat heave mean?
To lift or haul (a heavy thing) with great effort, to pull on a line. Also to throw a line. To stop forward movement, esp. by bringing the vessel’s head into the wind and keeping it there. Heave defines the up and down motion of a ship as large swells heave Nautilus vertically on the crests and troughs of waves. Sway this sliding motion occurs when the hull of a ship is pushed by the wind or current.
Heaving To – What is heaving to?
In sailing, heaving to (to heave to and to be hove to) is a way of slowing a sailing vessel’s forward progress, as well as fixing the helm and sail positions so that the vessel does not have to be steered. It is commonly used for a “break”; this may be to wait for the tide before proceeding, or to wait out a strong or contrary wind. For a solo or shorthanded sailor it can provide time to go below deck, to attend to issues elsewhere on the boat or to take a meal break. It is also used as a storm tactic. The term is also used in the context of vessels under power and refers to bringing the vessel to a complete stop.
Heel – What is heel of a ship?
TA heel is a “temporary” inclination of a ship, caused by outside forces such as winds, waves, or during a ship’s turn. Heeling is the boat “tipping” to one side or the other; it is caused primarily by the force of the wind on the sails; although it can be caused by weight such as crew or excess cargo. In our class, we will be referring to heeling as a result of the force of wind on the sails.
Helm – What does helm mean?
A tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat. Area of a boat where operational controls are located. Steering a boat or ship. The ship’s captain was at the helm.
High-performance Boat – What is considered high performance boat?
A motorboat, speedboat or powerboat is a boat that is exclusively powered by an engine. Some motorboats are fitted with inboard engines, others have an outboard motor installed on the rear, containing the internal combustion engine, the gearbox and the propeller in one portable unit. By convention, a high-performance boat exceeds top speeds of 60 mph, but many of these models hit 90+ mph and are valued for their unmatched power. A type of boat capable of running at high speeds, often equipped with high-horsepower and exotic propulsion systems, sometimes used for racing.
High Seas – What does high seas mean?
the open part of a sea or ocean especially outside territorial waters
Hike – What does hike mean in sailing?
In sailing, hiking is the action of moving the crew’s body weight as far to windward as possible, in order to decrease the extent the boat heels. By moving the crew’s weight to windward, the moment of that force around the boat’s center of buoyancy is increased. Is the action of moving the crew’s body weight as far to windward (upwind) as possible, in order to decrease the extent the boat heels (leans away from the wind).
Hitch – Why do they call it hitch?
The term hitch refers to the amount of time that a seaman or a marine worker spends offshore on the job. In essence, a hitch is a period of service – from the time that the worker departs on the vessel to the time that they get back to shore.
Hitch Ball – What is a hitch ball?
A hitch ball (or trailer ball or tow ball) is the ball-shaped attachment that connects the trailer to a hitch. The ball allows the trailer to pivot, providing smooth turning while towing. While the diameter of the hitch ball is fairly standard, hitch ball weight ratings may differ. A hitch ball is another name for a trailer ball. Because it mounts onto the trailer hitch and provides the immediate coupling point for the trailer, a trailer ball can rightly be called a hitch ball.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking a boat?
It generally means finding sail boats that need an extra hand on deck, and becoming part of their crew. With boats, the procedure of hitching is not so much about finding someone going to your destination, but more about finding the right boat and/or captain for you.
Hold – What is a ships hold?
A ship’s hold or cargo hold is a space for carrying cargo in the ship’s compartment. other names for hold of a ship include, tonnage; cargo space; stowage; cargo hold; hold; cargo deck; storage area; cargo area.
Holding tank – What is a holding tank on a boat?
Holding tanks are a vital component of your boat’s plumbing systems. Boat water & holding tanks can be used to hold fresh water, waste water, and or wash water. Although some holding tanks are portable, most waste or water tanks are mounted securely somewhere inside most boats. A holding tank, also called a waste water holding tank or black (water) tank, is a container for storing sewage in boats equipped with toilets.
Houseboat – What is a house boat? or What is the meaing house boat?
A houseboat is a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a home. Most houseboats are not motorized as they are usually moored or kept stationary at a fixed point, and often tethered to land to provide utilities. However, many are capable of operation under their own power. a boat fitted for use as a dwelling. especially : a pleasure craft with a broad beam, a usually shallow draft, and a large superstructure resembling a house. A large, flat-bottom boat with square sides and house-like characteristics, such as comfortable furniture and living accommodations.
Hull – What is a hull on a boat?
A hull is the watertight body of a ship, boat, or flying boat. The hull may open at the top, or it may be fully or partially covered with a deck. Atop the deck may be a deckhouse and other superstructures, such as a funnel, derrick, or mast. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline. The structural body of the boat that rests in the water. The body of a boat is called its hull.
What are the 4 common types of boat hulls?
- Flat-Bottom Hulls. Boats with “flat-bottomed” hulls are very stable, great for fishing and other uses on calm, small bodies of water.
- Round-Bottom Hulls. “Round-bottomed” hulls are typically displacement hulls, and are designed to move smoothly through the water with little effort. An example of a round-bottomed hull is that found on a canoe. One drawback to the round-bottomed design is that it’s less stable in the water and can capsize more easily. So, extra care needs to be taken when entering, exiting and loading these types of boats.
- V-Shaped Hulls. “V-shaped” hulls are planing hulls, and are the most common type of hull for powerboats. Deep v-shaped boats are designed to plane on top of the water at higher speeds and provide a smoother ride through choppy water. These boats are usually equipped with a larger engine than flat or round-bottomed boats.
- Multi-Hulled. Finally, let’s look at “multi-hulled” boats. These boats can have either planing or displacement hulls depending on the shape of hull and size of engine. Multi-hulled boats are some of the most stable on the water. They also require more room to steer and turn. Examples of common multi-hulled boats are catamarans and pontoon boats.
I
Inboard Engine – What is the definition of inboard?
An inboard motor is a marine propulsion system for boats. As opposed to an outboard motor where an engine is mounted outside the hull of the craft, an inboard motor is an engine enclosed within the hull of the boat, usually connected to a propulsion screw by a driveshaft. Inside the line of a ship’s bulwarks or hull. Inboard engines are mounted inside the hull’s midsection or in front of the transom. The engine turns a drive shaft that runs through the bottom of the hull and is attached to a propeller at the other end. Many PWC have two-stroke inboard engines that burn oil as a lubricant along with the fuel.
Inboard/Outboard (I/O) – What is a inboard/outboard?
having an inboard engine connected to a maneuverable outboard drive-shaft unit. Also called outdrive, stern drive. See stern drive.
What does inboard and outboard mean?
The difference is actually within the words; an inboard engine sits within the structure of the boat and is not visible whereas the outboard engine sits outside the structure of the boat and is clearly visible at all times
Inflatable – What is the definition of inflatable?
Capable of being inflated either with air, as in a life raft or life vest.
Inflatable boat – What is a inflatable boats?
A type of boat with air chambers into which air is pumped either manually or automatically for buoyancy, some having rigid bottoms. An inflatable boat is a lightweight boat constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurised gas.
What is an inflatable boat called?
RIBs are lightweight boats that have a high-performance capacity combining tube-based vessels and traditional structure vessels. The hull of the boat is made from either a composite material like fiberglass or aluminum and is surrounded by rubber, caves and other inflatable materials
Inner Liner – What is a inner liner?
Smooth-finished, molded fiberglass structure adjacent to the inside portion of the hull. Inner liner means a continuous layer of material placed inside a tank or container which protects the construction materials of the tank or container from the contained waste or reagents used to treat the waste.
Intercoastal Waterway – What does intercoastal waterway mean?
The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the United States, running from Massachusetts southward along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the southern tip of Florida, then following the Gulf Coast to Brownsville, Texas. Occurring within and close to a coast or belonging to the inland waters near a coast.
Inverter – What ia a marine inverter?
A marine inverter takes DC power from your boat’s battery bank and converts it into AC power, so that you can use “household” items on your boat without being hooked up to shore power or facing the great expense of installing a generator. Device that changes 12-, 24- or 32-volt direct current (DC) from a battery to 120-volt alternating current (AC). If you invert the connections to a converter you put dc in and get ac out. Hence an inverter is an inverted converter
Why do I need a inverter in my boat?
Inverters bring a new level of enjoyment to your boat. By supplying 120 Volt AC power, inverters allow you to use things such as TVs, other home entertainment equipment, computers, printers, microwaves, and power tools when away from shore power and without using a generator.
J
Jack Plate – What is a jack plate?
A mounting device for an Outboard Motor that enables operators to raise or lower the motor, thereby controlling Propeller depth in the water. The >Jack plate allows a Boat to run in shallower water than a standard engine mount. It allows you to get up on plane in shallower water than a standard engine mount.
What is the purpose of a jack plate?
Jack plates perform two key functions. One is setback, which distances an outboard from the boat’s transom, allowing the propeller to run in less-turbulent water. Jack plates also move an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise.
Jacob’s Ladder – What is a Jacob’s ladder?
A rope ladder with wooden rungs, especially for access to a ship up the side. A Jacob’s ladder is made up of wooden rungs and ropes. It is a roll-up ladder that hangs freely down the side of the vessel and is used for example by a pilot to board the ship. They are used to allow access over the side of ships and as a result Pilot ladders are often incorrectly referred to as Jacob’s ladders. A pilot ladder has specific regulations on step size, spacing and the use of spreaders. It is the use of spreaders in a pilot ladder that distinguishes it from a Jacob’s ladder.
Jet Boat – What is a jet boat?
A jetboat is a boat propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. Unlike a powerboat or motorboat that uses an external propeller in the water below or behind the boat, a jetboat draws the water from under the boat through an intake and into a pump-jet inside the boat, before expelling it through a nozzle at the stern. A boat powered by an engine with a water-pump used to create propulsion.
What makes a boat a jet boat?
A waterjet works by generating a propulsive thrust, created when water is forced or ‘sucked in’ to the Jet unit and forced out, propelling the boat forward. This differs from a normal motor boat, where a propeller is attached to the stern of the boat, requiring a deeper amount of water to operate.
Jetty – What is a jett?
A jetty is a structure that projects from land out into water. A jetty may serve as a breakwater, as a walkway, or both; or, in pairs, as a means of constricting a channel. The term derives from the French word jetée, “thrown”, signifying something thrown out. a structure extended into a sea, lake, or river to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor. : a protecting frame of a pier. : a landing wharf. jetty.
Jib – What is a jib mean in sailing?
A jib is a triangular sail that sets ahead of the foremast of a sailing vessel. Its tack is fixed to the bowsprit, to the bows, or to the deck between the bowsprit and the foremost mast. Jibs and spinnakers are the two main types of headsails on a modern boat. The sail, called a jib, provides many benefits, but also adds a level of complexity to sailing. The jib is the sail at the front of the boat.
Jibe – What is Jibe?
A jibe or gybe is a sailing maneuver whereby a sailing vessel reaching downwind turns its stern through the wind, which then exerts its force from the opposite side of the vessel. For square-rigged ships, this maneuver is called wearing ship. See gybe.
K
Keel – What is a keel?
The keel is the bottom-most longitudinal structural element on a vessel. On some sailboats, it may have a hydrodynamic and counterbalancing purpose, as well. A large beam along the underside of a ship’s hull from bow to stern. (nautical) A rigid, flat piece of material anchored to the lowest part of the hull of a ship to give it greater control and stability.
What are the 3 types of keel?
- Flat Keel – Flat Keel is a solid plate which is supported by frames running around the vessel. It is thicker than the adjoining plates and must be of full uniform thickness for 3/5th length amidship. It may gradually reduce towards ends of the ship and is most common in a majority of ocean-going vessels.
- Bar Keel – A steel bar is placed at the centre of the keel called bar keel. It consists of a bar which is supported by frames running around the vessel. A steel bar is placed at the centre of the keel called bar keel. It consists of a bar which is supported by frames running around the vessel.
- Duct Keel – Duct keel is provided in double bottom hull ships and consists of solid plates welded into a box shape, forming an internal watertight passage running along the length of the ship, usually from collision bulkhead to forward engine room bulkhead. It is formed by two longitudinal girders which should not be less than 1.83 m apart.
Ketch – What is a ketch?
A ketch is a two-masted sailboat whose mainmast is taller than the mizzen mast, and whose mizzen mast is stepped forward of the rudder post. The mizzen mast stepped forward of the rudder post is what distinguishes the ketch from a yawl, which has its mizzen mast stepped aft of its rudder post.
What is the purpose of a ketch?
Most ketches are intended as cruising boats that are easy to handle and comfortable for cruising. Many sloops, even sketch sloops, are designed for greater speed and racing. Many ketches, therefore, are different from sloops in ways other than just the masts and sails.
Kicker Motor – What is a kicker motor?
A kicker or “trolling” motor acts as a safety net for most boaters. A kicker motor can get your trolling speed slower than main engines. Kicker motors, also known as spare outboards, are motors that sit next to a bigger, main outboard and can serve a couple of different purposes. They typically are seen in the 10hp or less range. The simplest use for a kicker is as back up. In events where your main outboard fails, and you don’t have The Hulk to paddle you ashore, a kicker is a great thing to have.
Kill Switch – What is a safety kill switch?
Its sole purpose is to keep the motor from running which stops the propeller from turning. The kill switch is located in the vicinity of the ignition in most recreational boats and typically has an engine cutoff link attached to it. When the switch is in the on position, the boat will start and run. Also called a “safety lanyard” or “engine kill switch,” it’s designed to shut off a boat’s engine if the operator is thrown from the helm. A new federal law that took effect April 1, 2021 requires the devices to be used on all personal watercraft (PWCs) and most powerboats less than 26 feet in length.
Is a kill switch required on a boat?
This section provides information on Engine Cut-off Switches and propeller safety for both the Recreational Boater and Manufacturers. On April 1, 2021 a new federal law goes into effect that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link.
Kite fishing – What is kite fishing?
Kite fishing, a fishing technique. It involves a kite from which a drop line hangs, attached to a lure or bait. The kite is flown over the surface of a body of water, and the bait floats near the waterline until taken by a fish.
What is the purpose of kite fishing?
Offshore kite fishing is a sport fishing technique used to keep live bait on the surface of the water to attract and catch surface feeding predators. It is used in Florida along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean for sailfish.
What do you catch kite fishing?
While sailfish are the species most closely associated with kite fishing, they are by no means the only fish you can catch using this versatile technique. Tunas, dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, cobia and even tarpon (yes, tarpon) can all be caught with the aid of kites at one time or another.
Knot – What is a knot on a boat?
The term “knot”, in reference to currents, is defined as one nautical mile per hour and is used to measure speed. A nautical mile is slightly more than a standard mile. 1 nautical mile = 1.15 miles = 1.85 kilometers. 1 knot = 1.15 miles per hour = 1.85 kilometers per hour.
What are boat knots called?
- Bowline; The bowline is used to create a loop in the end of a line, which can come in handy for any number of reasons ranging from securing a line to a piling, to attaching two lines together. The big advantage it has over other knots one might use to put a loop in the end of a line is that it’s very easy to un-do, even after the line’s been under a large amount of tension.
- Cleat Hitch Knot; Whether you’re pulling into the fuel dock or cleating off an anchor line, you need to know the cleat hitch. The good news? It’s amazingly simple.
- Clove Hitch Knot; Clove hitch knots come in handy when you want to secure a line to a rail. Many boaters use them for tasks like hanging coils of line for neat stowage, or securing fenders so they hang down from a bowrail. You can actually tie the clove hitch in one of two different ways, depending on if you’re tying it around a rail, or if it’s a pole or post with an open end. First, let’s look at the rail method.
- Half Hitch (overhand) Knot; Just about the simplest knot on the face of the planet, remember that half-hitches aren’t reliable all on their own. But they are a good way to secure then end of the line after tying a different knot, two half hitches together work just fine for securing a light-duty load, and they can be tied in a fraction of a second.
- Figure Eight Knot; he figure eight knot is useful when you want to stop a line from passing through something, like a chock or a pulley (and is sometimes called a “stopper” knot for that reason). Be careful, though, because if both ends of the line are put under a lot of stress, you may have difficulty getting the figure eight back out of the line later on.
L
Laminate – What is boat laminate?
Hand laid boats are laminated by forcing resin into fiberglass cloth manually, usually with a roller or a brush. The wet fiberglass is then smoothed out to eliminate as much air from the laminate as possible. Certain types of fiberglass are used in this method that lend themselves to ease of lamination.
Lamination Schedule – What is lamination Schedule?
This is a list of the individual layers and orientation of the plies used to construct a composite part, and typically specifies the ounce-weight of the reinforcement and the weave style.
What is lamination in boat building?
Hand laid boats are laminated by forcing resin into fiberglass cloth manually, usually with a roller or a brush. The wet fiberglass is then smoothed out to eliminate as much air from the laminate as possible. Certain types of fiberglass are used in this method that lend themselves to ease of lamination.
Latitude – What is the definition of latitude?
In geography, latitude is a coordinate that specifies the north–south position of a point on the surface of the Earth or another celestial body. Latitude is given as an angle that ranges from –90° at the south pole to 90° at the north pole, with 0° at the Equator. Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured with 180 imaginary lines that form circles around Earth east-west, parallel to the Equator. These lines are known as parallels.
What are the 5 types of latitudes?
- the Arctic Circle,
- the Antarctic Circle,
- the Equator,
- the Tropic of Cancer,
- the Tropic of Capricorn.
Leaning Post – What is a leaning post?
As the name implies a leaning post is an up-right structure found behind the helm of a boat. The captain typically operates the boat from the leaning post and though they are common in purpose, designs vary wildly.Wide, padded bolster at the helm used instead of or in lieu of conventional seats.
How high should a leaning post be?
What is the standard height (top of cushion) of a leaning post and can I have it built shorter, like 28″ to 30″ tall (top of cushion)? Industry standard height on leaning post is 32 inches tall “top of cushion”, however if you desire a shorter unit we can change the height at no charge.
Lee – What is lee in sailing?
Leeward. Also known as lee, leeward is the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing (windward). Sailing downwind with the wind blowing over the leeward side of the boat. Think of sailing by the lee as “bearing off past dead downwind.” The shroud telltales will point away from the mast.
Lee Side – What is meant by lee side?
Windward and leeward are terms used to describe the direction of the wind. Windward is upwind from the point of reference, i.e. towards the direction from which the wind is coming; leeward is downwind from the point of reference, i.e. along the direction towards which the wind is going. The sheltered side of something; the side away from the wind.
Which side is leeward?
An island’s windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island’s leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains.
Leeway – What is the meaning of leeway?
Leeway is the amount of drift motion to leeward of an object floating in the water caused by the component of the wind vector that is perpendicular to the object’s forward motion. Leeway is a nautical term, referring to a vessel’s drift to the lee. (downwind)
What dies having a leeway meaning?
an allowable margin of freedom or variation : tolerance. The new rules allow managers greater leeway in making decisions. : off-course lateral movement of a ship when underway.
Leg – What is a sailing leg?
Leg: A part of the course bounded by two marks or buoys.
Lifeline – What is a lifeline?
A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water or one used by sailors to secure themselves to a boat. Safety lines on deck that are grabbed to prevent falling overboard. is a line (such as a rope) used for saving or preserving life.
Line – What is a boat line?
Line is a nautical term used to describe a length of rope used for marine and boating purposes. Mooring Line is a nautical term used to describe a length of rope (i.e. a line) used to moor (connect / fasten / make fast) a marine vessel to dock, pile, wharf, buoy field, the shoreline, lake bottom, and or sea bottom.
Why is a rope called a line on a boat?
The use of the rope gives it a name. In the old sailing days there were so many ropes on board that knowing their names, what they did, and where they were was essential to running the ship and its survival. On board, ship ropes are called lines.
What is a boats mooring line called?
Mooring is often accomplished using thick ropes called mooring lines or hawsers. The lines are fixed to deck fittings on the vessel at one end and to fittings such as bollards, rings, and cleats on the other end
List – What does list mean in boating?
“Listing” is a nautical term to describe when a vessel takes on water and tilts to one side. A ship can list either to port (left) or starboard (right). By contrast, a ship is said to be “trimming” when she tips forward or backward. A continuous lean to one side due to improper weight distribution.
What causes a list on a boat?
Listing is caused by the off-centerline distribution of weight aboard due to uneven loading or to flooding. By contrast, roll is the dynamic movement from side to side caused by waves.
Livewell – What is a livewell?
A livewell is a water tank found on many fishing boats that is used to keep bait and caught fish alive. It works by pumping fresh water from the surrounding body into the tank, as well as keeping the water aerated.
What is the point of a livewell?
A livewell is an aerated tank in the boat, similar to an aquarium, that holds fish in water until weigh-in time so that they have a better chance of survival when released. The best livewells are big enough to hold a lot of water, enough water for the fish to remain upright and have some room to move about.
What do you put in a live well to keep fish?
When you get ready to fill your livewell with water, put about half the ice in the livewell, then start filling the livewell. This will help start your fish at a cooler and happier temperature.
LOA – Length Overall – What does LOA mean?
A motor boat is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the boat. This measurement does not include any attachments such as swim platforms, outboard motors, bow sprits, etc. This measurement is called the length overall (LOA).
What does LA and LWL mean?
A vessel’s length at the waterline (abbreviated to L.W.L) is the length of a ship or boat at the level where it sits in the water (the waterline). The LWL will be shorter than the length of the boat overall (length overall or LOA) as most boats have bows and stern protrusions that make the LOA greater than the LWL.
Does LOA include swim platform?
If the bow pulpit or swim platform is molded with the boat, it is included with the LOA. If the bow pulpit or swim platform is bolted on, it is not included in the LOA.
Locker – What is a locker on a boat?
The Anchor Locker on the bow of your boat is a compartment that is designed to store and protect your anchor rode and chain. When not in use, the locker keeps everything untangled and ready for instant use when you arrive at your anchorage or for deploying in an emergency.
What is a chain locker on a ship?
A chain locker is a small compartment or space located under the windlass. This is a place forward of the collision bulkhead below the main deck storing or securing the anchor chain cables. The chain locker is connected to the windlass with a Spurling pipe. Vessels may have chain lockers for storing chain. A chain locker can be simply a compartment located under the chain jack or windlass where the platform chains are stowed.
Log – What is a log?
log, also called maritime log, instrument for measuring the speed of a ship through water, is called a ship’s, or maritime, log. The same word is also applied to the daily record of a ship or aircraft, though it is more properly termed a logbook
Logbook – What is a logbook?
A logbook is a record of important events in the management, operation, and navigation of a ship. It is essential to traditional navigation, and must be filled in at least daily. The term originally referred to a book for recording readings from the chip log that was used to estimate a ship’s speed through the water.
Longitude – What is a definition of longitude?
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east–west position of a point on the surface of the Earth, or another celestial body. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees and denoted by the Greek letter lambda. Longitude measures distance east or west of the prime meridian. Lines of longitude, also called meridians, are imaginary lines that divide the Earth. They run north to south from pole to pole, but they measure the distance east or west. Longitude is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
What is the difference latitude and longitude?
The geographic coordinates that indicate the distance of a location north-south of the equator are referred to as latitude. Longitude refers to a geographic coordinate that indicates a point’s east-west distance from the Prime Meridian.
Loran C – what is Loran-C?
LORAN-C was a medium range hyperbolic radio navigation system, operated by the US Coast Guard, which allowed a receiver to determine its position by using multilateration principles to compare the difference in reception time of low frequency radio signals transmitted by a group of fixed, land-based radio beacons.
What is LORAN used for?
loran, abbreviation of long-range navigation, land-based system of radio navigation, first developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during World War II for military ships and aircraft located within 600 miles (about 970 km) of the American coast.
Lubber’s Line – What is the meaning of lubberline?
A lubber line, also known as a lubber’s line, is a fixed line on a compass of a ship, that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vessel. A binnacle or radar plan position indicator display pointing towards the front of the ship or aircraft and corresponding to the craft’s centerline.
What is Lubbers line of a compass?
a vertical line on the forward inner side of the bowl of a fixed compass, used as a reference mark indicating the heading of a vessel.
luff – What is luff in sailing?
In sailing, luffing refers to when a sailing vessel is steered far enough toward the direction of the wind (“windward”), or the sheet controlling a sail is eased so far past optimal trim, that airflow over the surfaces of the sail is disrupted and the sail begins to “flap” or “luff” (the luff of the sail is usually where this first becomes evident).
What is luff in sailing?
the act of sailing a ship nearer the wind
M
Make Fast – What does it mean to make fast?
something (such as a post or buoy) to which a boat can be fastened, to make secure; to fasten firmly, as a vessel, a rope, or a door
Marinization – What is marinization?
Marinisation (also marinization) is design, redesign, or testing of products for use in a marine environment. Most commonly, it refers to use and long-term survival in harsh, highly corrosive salt water conditions. Marinising is a special protective coating that is applied to all the components in the motor compartment, protecting it from corrosion or rust.
Marlinspike – What is a marlinspike?
A marlinspike (sometimes also called a marlin spike, marlinespike, or marlingspike) is a tool used in marine ropework. Shaped in the form of a polished metal cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, it is used in such tasks as unlayingrope for splicing, untying knots, drawing marline tight using a marlinspike hitch, and as a toggle joining ropes under tension in a belaying pin splice. Marlinspikes are usually about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long, but may reach 2 feet (61 cm) or more when used for working heavy cables and ropes. They are usually made from iron or steel, whereas fids, similar in shape and function, are formed from wood or bone. The marlinspike may be a separate tool or one item on a pocket knife.
What is the main function of a marlinspike?
Marlinspike is a nautical term that refers to a sharp, six to 12 inch metal pin, usually made of iron or steel, that’s used to splice rope, untie knots, or form toggles or handles. Skippers, mates and deckhands that become proficient with the marlinspike can be referred to as Marlin Spikes or Marlin Spike Seamen.
Mast – What is a mast?
The mast of a sailing vessel is a tall spar, or arrangement of spars, erected more or less vertically on the centre-line of a ship or boat. Its purposes include carrying sails, spars, and derricks, and giving necessary height to a navigation light, look-out position, signal yard, control position, radio aerial or signal lamp. Large ships have several masts, with the size and configuration depending on the style of ship. A long pole that rises from the bottom of a ship or boat and supports the sails and rigging. : an upright tall pole (as on a crane).
What is the purpose of a mast?
A mast is a pole that rises vertically from a ship and supports the sails. Really big sailboats have more than one mast. A mast is also another name for flagpole. The mast has an important job — to support the sails, which allows the wind to propel the ship.
What are the 3 masts called?
A full-rigged ship or fully rigged ship is a sailing vessel’s sail plan with three or more masts, all of them square-rigged. A full-rigged ship is said to have a ship rig or be ship-rigged. Such vessels also have each mast stepped in three segments: lower mast, top mast, and topgallant mast.
How tall is a mast?
The answer varies on rig type, boat size, and design attributes. Small sailboats, under 20 feet in length, rarely have masts taller than 20 ft or shorter than 8 ft. Sailboats between 20 and 30 feet have masts up to 30 feet tall, and large 40+ foot sailboats often have masts that exceed 50 feet in height.
MAYDAY – What does mayday mean?
Mayday is an internationally recognized radio word to signal distress. It’s used mostly by aircraft and boats, and most of us are happily only familiar with it through TV and fiction. It appears as both an interjection (“Mayday! Mayday!”) and to modify a noun (“a mayday signal”). Mayday is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice-procedure radio communications.
Why do you say mayday three times?
Convention requires the word be repeated three times in a row during the initial emergency declaration (“Mayday mayday mayday”) to prevent it being mistaken for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual mayday call from a message about a mayday call.
megayacht
A superyacht or megayacht is a large and luxurious pleasure vessel. There are no official or agreed upon definitions for such yachts, but these terms are regularly used to describe professionally crewed motor or sailing yachts, ranging from 40 metres (130 ft) to more than 180 metres (590 ft) in length, and sometimes include yachts as small as 24 metres (79 ft). Superyachts are often available for charter with a staff that caters to guests at a high standard of comfort. They may be designed to emphasize comfort, speed, or expedition capability. Depending on the season, superyachts may be most frequently found in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Many are available for charter.
What is considered a megayacht?
Yachts can further be defined as a superyacht or megayacht, depending on their size. Superyachts are typically 24 meters (78 feet) and above. Megayachts are typically over 80 meters (260 feet).
What is the difference between a superyacht and a megayacht?
A superyacht is a yacht longer than 24 metres and the smallest mega yachts tend to be around 60 metres long. All mega yachts are superyachts, but not all superyachts are mega yachts. Mega yachts will generally carry larger crews to maintain the yacht as well as to offer a spectacular level of service
Midships – What does midship mean?
the portion of a ship between the bow and the stern. : the vertical line in a ship midway between the forward and aft perpendiculars. The middle part of a ship or boat. Midship section means that section of the hull defined by the intersection of the moulded surface of the hull with a vertical plane perpendicular to the waterline and center-line planes passing through amidships.
Where is midship on a ship?
The rear of a ship, at the direction of a ship’s stern, is called the aft. And that what is in between the forward and the aft of a ship is commonly known as the midship. Halfway between bow and stern
Mizzen Mast – What is a mizzen mast on a ship?
mizzenmast (plural mizzenmasts) (nautical) The aftmost mast on a ship having three or more masts; the third-tallest mast on a full-rigged ship. (nautical) The second mast of a ship having two masts where the second one is shorter, such as a ketch or yawl. The mizzenmast is in front of the rudderpost. Schooner – Two or more masts. Mainmast, which carries mainsail, is either taller than mast in front of it (the foremast) or the same size.
Why is it called a mizzen mast?
The name is derived from several sources – Middle English mesan, from Old French misaine, Old Spanish mezana or Old Italian mezzana, all ultimately from Latin medianus meaning ‘of the middle’.
What is the advantage of a mizzen mast?
The Air Rudder. Many ketch sailors use the mizzenmast as a type of massive wind rudder, which is a great help when you want extra control under sail. If you learn to use the mizzensail, you gain an additional rudder, which increases control over your stern and can help you maneuver in tight spots.
Modified V hull – What is a modified V hull?
Mod V refers to a one-piece hull with a modified V shape at the bow that transitions to a flatter V at the stern. This design, along with a lower profile in the water, provides a near-perfect mix of handling, stability and fishability. A modification of the deep-V hull shape with a deadrise of less than 20 degrees.
Are Mod V boats good in rough water?
modified V hull boats are pretty brutal in midsize to larger waves. It is certainly a rougher ride than a Deep V. The biggest difference with a Mod V is if you hit a wave at speed and get even a tad bit airborn you will come down hard and it will feel like the boat is doing a belly flop, but great in glass calm conditions for stability.
Mold – What are boat molds made of?
With fiberglass boat building, however, the major components of the boat – the hull, deck, liner, and large parts like consoles—are molded from fiberglass. Usually, this means starting with a female mold. A hollow reinforced cavity that is the mirror-image or reverse-image of the boat and into which fiberglass, gel coat and resin are laid during composite-hull construction.
How to get rid of mold on a boat?
Make sure to always let air circulate, as trapped air holds moisture from which mold thives. To remove mold and mildew, try using Hydrogen peroxide, which kills mold effectively or a solution of bleach, water, TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) and powdered laundry detergent mixed in the following proportions: Four quarts of freshwater, one quart of bleach, 2/3 cup TSP and 1/3 cup of laundry detergent. Apply, wash down and dry the area.
What causes mold on a boat?
Mold loves a closed boat. Air trapped inside holds moisture on which mold thrives. Unattended boats generate moisture inside through condensation because water, air, and hull temperatures are always changing and at different rates. This process accelerates in a humid climate. Let the boat breath and air out.
Monohull – What is a monohull boat?
A monohull is a type of boat having only one hull, unlike multihulled boats which can have two or more individual hulls connected to one another. A boat with a single hull. Monohull boat means a boat on which the line of intersection of the water surface and the boat at any operating draft forms a single closed curve. For example, a catamaran, trimaran, or a pontoon boat is not a monohull boat.
What are the advantages of a monohull?
A Monohull will tack quickly, is much more manoeuvrable and is faster to respond to the helm than a catamaran. Monohulls slice through the water effortlessly … and without the slapping that some catamarans (with low bridge decks) often produce. A monohull is a type of boat having only one hull, unlike multihulled boats which can have two or more individual hulls connected to one another.
Mooring – What does mooring mean?
A mooring is any permanent structure to which a vessel may be secured. Examples include quays, wharfs, jetties, piers, anchor buoys, and mooring buoys. A ship is secured to a mooring to forestall free movement of the ship on the water. An anchor mooring fixes a vessel’s position relative to a point on the bottom of a waterway without connecting the vessel to shore. As a verb, mooring refers to the act of attaching a vessel to a mooring. an act of making fast a boat with lines or anchors. A place where or an object to which something such as a boat can be moored.
What is mooring a boat?
A mooring is a fixed structure that you can secure your vessel to, such as a buoy or a wharf. Jetties, quays, and piers are also included in this category. The ropes, chains, or anchors you use are also considered moorings. As a verb, it is the action of mooring your boat using these structures and tools.
Motorsailer – What is a motorsailer?
A motorsailer is a type of motor-powered sailing vessel, typically a yacht, that can derive power from its sails or engine, independently from each other during moderate seas or winds. A motorsailer may have a sail-to-engine power ratio in the range 30/70 to 70/30. A hybrid boat that has sails and power engine. A vessel (usually a pleasure craft) that has been designed for both sailing and motor operation.
Motor yacht – What is a motor yacht?
A large powerboat greater than 40 feet with luxurious interior accommodations for long-range cruising. What makes a yacht a motor yacht is that it is engine-powered rather than by sail. Most motor yachts today have inboard diesel power driving straight shafts or V-drives, with some equipped with inboard gas engines or powered by multiple outboard engines.
What is considered a motor yacht?
Motor yachts range in length from 33–130 feet (10–40 m) before they are considered super-yachts or mega-yachts, which are 130 feet (40 m) and longer. They also vary by use, by style, and by hull type. While there is no official point at which a boat becomes a yacht, anything over 40-feet in overall length could conceivably be considered a yacht. In addition, as you move bigger in size, you will probably get into “mega-yacht” or “superyacht” territory.
Multihull – What is a multihull?
A multihull is a boat or ship with more than one hull, whereas a vessel with a single hull is a monohull. The most common multihulls are catamarans, and trimarans. There are other types, with four or more hulls, but such examples are very rare and tend to be specialised for particular functions. A boat with more than one hull, such as a catamaran or trimaran. A catamaran (/ˌkætəməˈræn/) (informally, a “cat”) is a multi-hulled watercraft featuring two parallel hulls of equal size. It is a geometry-stabilized craft, deriving its stability from its wide beam, rather than from a ballasted keel as with a monohull boat
What is the difference between a mono or a multi hull boat?
Monohulls are much less affected by load than catamarans and trimarans and can maintain much of their performance when loaded for cruising, whereas multihulls are much more sensitive to load and experience reduced speeds when weighed down. The speed of multihulls also serves as a valuable safety feature.
N
Nautical – What does nautical mean?
an all encompassing word for anything concerning sailors or maritime travel. All of the boat terminology here can be defined as nautical words, of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships.
Nautical Mile – What is a nautical mile?
A nautical mile is a unit of length used in air, marine, and space navigation, and for the definition of territorial waters. Historically, it was defined as the meridian arc length corresponding to one minute of latitude. Today the international nautical mile is defined as exactly 1,852 metres, a distance of 6,076.12 feet, which is about 15 percent longer than a statute mile. Equivalent to one minute of latitude on a navigation chart.
How is a nautical mile defined?
Nautical miles are used to measure the distance traveled through the water. A nautical mile is slightly longer than a mile on land, equaling 1.1508 land-measured (or statute) miles. The nautical mile is based on the Earth’s longitude and latitude coordinates, with one nautical mile equaling one minute of latitude.
Navigation – What is navigation?
Navigation, derived from the Latin words “navis” (meaning “ship”) and “agere” (meaning “to drive”) is the process of accurately determining the position and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle along a desired course. Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navigation, marine navigation, aeronautic navigation, and space navigation. Navigation is concerned with finding the way to the desired destination, avoiding collisions, conserving fuel, and meeting schedules. The act of determining the position of a boat and the course needed to safely move the boat from place to place.
Navigation Rules – What are Navigation Rules?
The “Navigation Rules” or Collision Avoidance Regulations were designed to give direction to vessels in order to set a standard that everyone could follow in order to prevent collisions of two or more vessels. The rules are laid out to describe International Rules and Inland Rules. The Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.
How many Navigation Rules are there?
The United States has ratified this treaty and all United States flag vessels must adhere to these Rules. The COLREGs include 41 rules divided into six sections: Part A – General; Part B – Steering and Sailing; Part C – Lights and Shapes; Part D – Sound and Light signals; Part E – Exemptions; and Part F – Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention. navigation rules President Ford proclaimed the 72 COLREGS and the Congress adopted them as the International Navigation Rules Act of 1977. The Navigation Rules for vessels establish actions for boaters to take to avoid a collision. The Navigation Rules are published by the U. S. Government Printing Office, and are available in any boating supply store. Every boat owner should have a copy, but it is mandatory that a copy be kept aboard all vessels over 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length.
Nun buoy – What is a nun buoy and what does a nun buoy mean?
a red metal buoy made of two cones joined at the base and usually marking the starboard side of a channel approached from the sea. A buoy with a cylin- drical shape and a conical top is referred to as a “nun.” A buoy with a cylindrical shape and a flat top is called a “can.” These cone-shaped buoys are always marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
O
Outboard Bracket – What is a outboard bracket?
Support device for mounting outboard engines that extends aft of the transom. An outboard bracket is a device used for mounting an auxiliary outboard motor on the stern of a boat. Often referred to as a kicker motor, the outboard bracket holds a smaller outboard engine used for trolling.
What does a outboard bracket do?
An outboard support bracket is designed to brace up the rear of a tilted outboard to minimize the engine-rocking movements caused by trailering and keep the remaining forces from damaging the engine’s transom assembly or the transom of the boat.
Outboard Motor- What is a outboard motor?
An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. They are the most common motorised method of propelling small watercraft. a small internal-combustion engine with propeller attached for mounting at the stern of a small boat.
What type of engine is a outboard?
An outboard is a portable, self-contained package of an engine, gear case, and propeller that is attached to the transom of a boat. A growing number of outboard engines are of four-stroke design, but many are still conventional two-stroke engines that burn oil as a lubricant along with the fuel.
What is the advantage of a outboard motor?
One of the biggest advantages of outboards actually stems from its weight. The lighter engine assists the power-to-weight ratio and allows the boat to cut through the water more easily, which means you can channel more of your motor into power and speed rather than getting the ball rolling.
Why are outboards so popular?
Why are outboards so popular today? Many boatbuilders point to the enhanced versatility provided by outboard power. Unlike inboards, they can be trimmed for optimal performance or to allow users to venture into shallower waters and raised right out of the water when not in use to reduce corrosion in salt water. Outboards are lighter and more efficient, so they ensure better power-to-weight ratio and performance. This also translates to faster acceleration and higher top speeds along with better fuel mileage.
Outdrive – What is a outdrive on a boat?
The drive unit (outdrive) carries power from the inboard engine, typically mounted above the waterline, outboard through the transom and downward to the propeller below the waterline. The portion of an inboard-outboard engine that is outside the hull, providing steering and propulsion.
What is a outdrive engine?
A stern-drive engine is attached through the transom to a drive unit (also called an “outdrive”) that is essentially the lower unit of an outboard. The engine turns a drive shaft that is attached to a propeller at the other end.
Outrigger – What is a outrigger?
An outrigger is a projecting structure on a boat, with specific meaning depending on types of vessel. a projection with a float or a shaped log at the end attached to a boat to prevent capsizing. : a spar or projecting beam run out from a ship’s side to help secure the masts or from a mast to extend a rope or sail. : a boat equipped with an outrigger.
What are outriggers and what are they used for?
Outriggers are long poles that are fitted on both sides of a boat and are designed to hold fishing line. They allow you to reel in and release your fishing line via a system of pulleys and clips. Outrigger poles are available in many different lengths ranging from 12 to 35 feet. What Are Boat Outriggers Used For & How To Use Them? Boat outriggers are poles made from either aluminum, fiberglass, or kevlar. They are used in a type of offshore fishing called trolling. They allow the user to have more fishing lines with bait on them to drag behind the boat. Outriggers help keep the lines apart from each other in order to keep them from getting tangled up.
Overboard – What is the meaning of man overboard?
Over the side of a boat and into the water, from a ship into the water. Man overboard! A cry used to announce that one of the crew or passengers has fallen over the side of the vessel.
P
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – Waht is a personal flotation device?
A personal flotation device (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is a flotation device in the form of a vest or suite that is worn by a user to prevent the wearer from drowning in a body of water. The device will keep the wearer afloat with their head and mouth above the surface – they do not have to swim or tread water in order to stay afloat and can even be unconscious.A safety vest or jacket capable of keeping an individual afloat.
What is the meaning of personal flotation device?
A personal flotation device—also known as a PFD—gives you more buoyancy to help you stay afloat in water. A PFD is an essential piece of gear for every kayaker, canoer and stand up paddle boarder. (Note that a life jacket or life vest denotes a certain type of PFD, though many people use the terms interchangeably.)
Personal Watercraft (PWC) – What is a personal watercraft?
A personal watercraft (PWC), also called water scooter or jet ski, is a recreational watercraft that a rider sits or stands on, not within, as in a boat. PWCs have two style categories, first and most popular being a runabout or “sit down” where the rider uses the watercraft mainly sitting down, and the watercraft typically holds two or more people. The second style is a “stand-up”, where the rider uses the watercraft standing up. The stand-up styles are built for one rider and are used more for doing tricks, racing, and use in competitions. Both styles have an inboard engine driving a pump-jet that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. Most are designed for two or three people, though four-passenger models exist. Many of today’s models are built for more extended use and have the fuel capacity to make long cruises, in some cases even beyond 100 miles. A small, lightweight craft designed to be either sat-on or stood-on with motorcycle-like handlebars and squeeze throttle, usually jet- propelled. Personal watercraft are often referred by the trademarked brand names of personal watercraft by Kawasaki (Jet Ski), Yamaha (WaveRunner), Bombardier (Sea-Doo) and Honda (AquaTrax).
Pier – What is a Pier?
A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piles or pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, boat docking and access for both passengers and cargo, and oceanside recreation. an intermediate support for the adjacent ends of two bridge spans. : a structure (such as a breakwater) extending into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade or to protect or form a harbor.
Piling – What does Piling mean?
A post driven into the ground below the waterline to support a pier, dock, etc. A heavy stakes or posts installed to support the foundations of a superstructure. Pilings are wooden, concrete, or metal posts which are pushed into the ground and on which buildings or bridges are built. Pilings are often used in very wet areas so that the buildings do not flood.
Pilot – What is the definition for pilot
one employed to steer a ship : helmsman. : a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters. : a person who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft.
Pilot House – What is a pilot house?
An enclosed deckhouse structure on the bridge of a vessel for a ship’s helmsman containing the steering wheel, compass, and navigating equipment, where the vessel can be navigated.
Piloting – What does piloting mean?
Piloting or pilotage is the process of navigating on water or in the air using fixed points of reference on the sea or on land, usually with reference to a nautical chart or aeronautical chart to obtain a fix of the position of the vessel or aircraft with respect to a desired course or location. piloted; piloting; pilots. transitive verb. : to act as a guide to : lead or conduct over a usually difficult course. : to set and conn the course of, to pilot a ship.
Pitch – What boat pitch?
Theoretical distance a propeller would travel in one revolution. Also, the rise and fall of a boat’s bow and stern. Pitch describes the up and down motion of a vessel. This is characterized by the rising and falling of the bow and stern in much the same way as a teeter-totter moves up and down. This is characterized by the rising and falling of the bow and stern in much the same way as a teeter-totter moves up and down. Roll is how the what the tilting motion of the ship from side to side is called.
What pitch makes a boat faster?
Lowering prop pitch will increase acceleration and thrust. Increasing prop pitch will make the boat go faster provided the engine has enough power to keep the RPMs in the optimum operating range. It depends on how you use your boat because a day of fishing and skiing has different requirements. For example, if you want a boat that will speed quickly because the bass won’t wait, you need a 21 pitch prop. However, if you want a powerful holeshot, choose the 19-pitch propeller blade
Planing – What does planing mean on a boat?
Planing is the mode of operation for a waterborne craft in which its weight is predominantly supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift. Many forms of marine transport make use of planing, including fast ferries, racing boats, floatplanes, flying boats, seaplanes, and water skis. As more power (and speed) is applied, lift increases, and the boat, in effect, rides over its bow wave, reducing wetted area and thus reducing drag. At this point, the boat is said to be “on a plane” or simply “planing.”
Planing Hull – What is a planing hull?
Planing hull definition, a hull that tends to rise from the water when under way so that no significant amount of water is displaced beyond a certain speed. A boat hull designed to ride on top of the water rather than plowing through it. Boats with planing hulls are designed to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied. These boats may operate like displacement hulls when at rest or at slow speeds but climb toward the surface of the water as they move faster.
Pleasure Boating – What is the meaning of pleasure boats?
A pleasure boat is a large boat that takes people for trips on rivers, lakes, or on the ocean for pleasure. Recreational day boating in runabouts, deck boats, pontoon boats, bowriders and sportboats. Pleasure boat means all vessel whether propelled by oars, engine, wind or other means which are used for sport, recreation or any form of pleasure and shall include a yacht, sailing boat, speed boat, party boat, jet ski, kayak, dinghy, inflatable watercraft, canoe, pirogue, a glass bottom boat used for pleasure activities and motor launches used for the purpose of pleasure activities.
Plot – What is to plot?
Plot – To mark a boat’s position a nautical chart. To plan a navigation course using a chart, To record position, course, bearings and such like observations and calculations on your chart. The result is ‘the plot‘.
How to plot a course on a chart?
- Draw a line from point A to Point B – using parallel rules, from the stratiung mark to the next mark
- Check the line for safety – if safety issues arise, move the end mark until you have a safe leg.
- Measure and mark the heading – transfer the leg to the compass
- Measure and make the distance – messure the lenght of the legs
- Repeat until you get to the end destination
Poling Platform – What is a poling platform?
A poling platform is typically built of a lightweight aluminum frame bolted to the aft section of boats or flat skiffs. From this elevated frame, a guide will spot fish and steer the boat towards them. Some boats come with built-in poling platforms. Small elevated stand on a flats boat used by a fisherman to silently pole through shallow water and scout for fish.
What is a poling platform for?
Poling platforms are a must-have for any shallow water boater. Not only does the poling platform improve your view, it also increases your maneuverability. They also can add a lot of fun to your day of fishing, tubing, or skiing.
Pontoon Boat – What is a pontoon boat?
A pontoon boat is a flattish boat that relies on floats to remain buoyant. These pontoons contain much reserve buoyancy and allow designers to create large deck plans fitted with a variety of accommodations including expansive lounge areas, stand-up bars, and sun pads. A type of boat with a flat deck attached to airtight flotation tubes or logs. Pontoon boats have a large platform on two to three aluminum tubes. The aluminum tubes are called the pontoons, hence the name pontoon boat. This design allows for more space for people and stability on the water.
Can pontoon boats go in shallow water?
Pontoon boats are an excellent choice for shallow-water boating. They have a small “draft,” which is the depth the boat goes down into the water. The average minimum draft of a pontoon boat varies from as little as 10 inches on a smaller pontoon to about 12 inches on a larger vessel.
Can a pontoon be used on the ocean?
Can You Take A Pontoon Boat Out in the Ocean? While pontoons have long been thought of as mostly inland-water boats, today pontoon boats are increasingly found on larger lakes and rivers, navigating intercoastal waters, even on occasion venturing into the open ocean.
Port – What is the definition for port?
a place where ships may ride secure from storms : haven. : a harbor town or city where ships may take on load or discharge unload cargo.
Port Side – What is the meaning of port side?
When looking forward, toward the bow of a ship, port and starboard refer to the left and right sides, respectively. In the early days of boating, before ships had rudders on their centerlines, boats were controlled using a steering oar. Port and starboard are nautical terms for watercraft and aircraft, referring respectively to the left and right sides of the vessel, when aboard and facing the bow. Vessels with bilateral symmetry have left and right halves which are mirror images of each other.
Power Catamaran – What is a power catamaran?
A power catamaran is a motorized boat that is designed with two hulls instead of one. This type of vessel is based on the more traditional, non-motorized catamarans that use geometry rather than weight distribution to provide stability in the water. While the design has been in use for centuries, it has only been used for a motor-powered vehicle for a relatively short period of time, especially in the United States and other western countries, as the more traditional, single-hull design was favored instead. A multihulled powerboat with two identical side-by-side hulls.
Are power catamarans good in rough water?
Yes, catamarans are good in rough water. One of the reasons for this is that boaters have the option to steer from the inside during bad weather. What’s more; the size, bridge, and bridge clearance all contribute to catamarans being a joy to drive when the water conditions are less than ideal. The width of a catamaran creates stability even in rough water, and as a power catamaran it can be navigated from the enclosed wheelhouse.
Power Cruiser – What is a power cruiser boat?
A powerboat with overnight accommodations, typically up to 40 feet long. The definition of a ‘cruiser’ is: A boat capable of being used to both transport and provide comfortable sheltered accommodations for at least two people. A cruiser is larger than a ‘walkaround,’ but smaller than a full blown ‘yacht. Power cruisers are a class of boat designed to provide comfortable accommodations for day cruising and overnight trips alike. These boats run in the 25-40 foot range and include subclasses like cuddy cabins, weekenders, and cabin cruisers.
Privileged vessel – What is the the privileged vessel?
If the other boat is to your starboard (right), it’s considered the stand-on or privileged vessel and is obligated to maintain course and speed. Your boat is the give-way vessel and is obligated to slow or alter course to pass behind it, ideally. If the boat intersecting your path is to port (left), it’s the give-way vessel. It’s obligated to yield while you’re obligated to maintain course and speed. A boat planning to overtake (pass) is called the “burdened” or “give way” vessel, while the boat up front is considered the “privileged” or “stand on” vessel — this boat has the right of way.
Propeller – What is a propeller?
A rotating multi-blade device that propels a boat through the water. A propeller is a device with a rotating hub and radiating blades that are set at a pitch to form a helical spiral which, when rotated, exerts linear thrust upon a working fluid such as water or air.
Propeller Pitch – What does pitch mean in a boat?
Propeller pitch is the distance the propeller would move forward in one rotation if it were moving through a soft solid—think of a screw being turned into wood. The blades on a propeller are analogous to the threads on a screw.
How does pitch affect boat speed?
The change in propeller pitch significantly affects time to plane, acceleration, cruising speed, slip, fuel consumption and engine rpm. The shorter the pitch, the faster we move forward (acceleration) and the engine can increase rpm more easily. A lower pitch means a boat can stay on plane at a lower rpm.
Pulpit – What is a pulpit on a boat?
The railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck. It is sometimes referred to as bow pulpit. The railing at the stern of the boat is sometimes referred to as a stern pulpit. Forward deck and railing structure at the bow of a boat. A boat pulpit is a board or set of boards attached to the bow/front, typically installed in a u-shaped configuration.
PWC – What is a pwc?
A PWC is a small pleasure craft that uses an inboard jet drive as its primary source of propulsion and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the PWC rather than inside the pleasure craft. A personal watercraft, also called water scooter or jet ski, is a recreational watercraft that a rider sits or stands on, not within, as in a boat. See personal watercraft.
Q
Quarter – What is a port quarter?
Port Quarter: The port surface of the vessel’s hull that is located behind the beam is called the port quarter. Starboard Beam: The widest part of the boat on the starboard side is called the starboard beam. The after side of a boat from amidships to stern.
Quartering – What is meant by a quartering sea?
The practice of aiming the boat’s bow at a 45-degree angle to oncoming waves. a sea striking a ship’s quarter at an angle of about 45 degrees to its heading compare following sea, head sea.
Quarters – What are quarters on a boat?
Sleeping quarters at the aft or rear section of the boat (sometimes called a mid-cabin when located beneath the helm). Living and sleeping areas of a vessel. The sleeping quarters on a sailboat are traditionally known as a “berth” or “bunk,” where you can get some shut-eye while out on a sailing trip. There are different kinds of berths, each with its own distinct style. These are settee berths, V berths, and pilot berths.
R
Racer – What is a racer sailboat?
A sailboat designed primarily for speed and competition with a minimum of built-in creature comforts. A racing yacht is a high-end vessel that is built for performance, generally costing far more than average racing vessels. Racer yachts are large, sailing vessels generally used for time-honored boating pursuits such as racing.
Radar – What is a radar on a boat?
Electronic device using high frequency radio waves to detect objects and display their positions on a monitor. A marine radar device acts as a major navigation aid for boaters. It helps in detecting boats, birds, landmasses, and weather systems – even if the visibility is less than usual. Marine radars are X band or S band radars on ships, used to detect other ships and land obstacles, to provide bearing and distance for collision avoidance and navigation at sea.
Is boat radar worth it?
Trying to navigate this route on a moonless night would have been foolhardy without the aid of radar and could have been dangerous. If you frequently venture out in your boat at night, in rain, or fog, or any other low-visibility weather conditions, a marine radar is worth its price tag.
Range – What is the range of a boat?
Distance a boat can travel at cruising speed on a tank of fuel. The general rule is the bigger the vessel, the larger the fuel tank. For instance, a 75-foot motorized vessel that can carry 11,000 litres of fuel can travel about 1500 nautical miles, depending on conditions, whereas a 35-45 foot motorized yacht with a 100-litre tank can travel about 400 nautical miles. Two important variables to consider are weight and weather. Lastly, in intracoastal navigation, a set of two markers that, when lined up one behind the other, indicate the deepest part of the channel.
How do I find the range of my boat?
To get the range, the one-way distance the vessel can travel on one tank of fuel, multiply nautical miles per gallon (nmpg) by tank capacity and then by 0.9, which is a margin of safety when estimating how much usable fuel is in the tank. To get nmpg, divide boat speed in knots by gph. Two important variables to consider are weight and weather.
Reach – What is reach sailing?
At either edge of the no-sail zone are the two close-hauled courses a sailboat may travel. On these courses, the sails are hauled as close to the boat’s centerline as possible. As the boat’s course turns away from the wind it is described as reaching. Reaching is the process by which the wind is coming across the boat. Reaching can be divided into three different courses, Beam Reaching, where the wind comes across the boat at a 90-degree angle, Close Reaching as the course gets closer to close hauled and Broad Reaching where the course is further downwind beyond the 90-degree mark.
Ready About – What is ready about mean in sailing?
Last warning given by a helmsman before tacking and turning the bow into the wind, notifying the crew that the boom and sail will cross the boat. Come about: to turn the bow of the boat through the wind. The skipper will say, “Ready about!” The crew responds, “Ready,” and they keep their heads down to avoid the boom. The first command comes from the helm. They say, “ Ready About.” That means everyone gets to work and prepares the boat to turn 90 degrees through the wind.
Resin – What type of resin is used for fiberglass?
The majority of all fiberglass parts are constructed using polyester resins, it’s the most widely used type of resin in the composites industry. Polyester resins require a catalyst to cure or harden, typically methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. There are three main types of Resins used today for use with Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and Aramid (Kevlar). These are Epoxy, Vinylester, Polyester Resins. Each has different characteristics and associated costs.
Is fiberglass resin the same as epoxy?
The key difference between epoxy and fiberglass resin is that epoxy resins are made mainly from the reaction between epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A whereas fiberglass resin is made from the combination of alcohols and organic acids.
Reverse Chine – What is a revers chine?
A Chine that angles downward from the Hull designed to direct spray out and away from the vessel. It deflects the water that splashes up from the propulsion and helps keep the deck dry. It also enhances performance at the three main stages of the boat ride — the reverse Chines ensure a smooth and seamless propulsion when the boat casts off.
RIB (rigid inflatable boat) – What is a RIB, rigid inflatable boat?
A rigid inflatable boat (RIB), also rigid-hull inflatable boat or rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), is a lightweight but high-performance and high-capacity boat constructed with a rigid hull bottom joined to side-forming air tubes that are inflated with air to a high pressure so as to give the sides resilient rigidity along the boat’s topsides. The design is stable, light, fast and seaworthy. The inflated collar acts as a life jacket, ensuring that the vessel retains its buoyancy, even if the boat is taking on water. The RIB is an evolutionary development of the inflatable boat with a rubberized fabric bottom that is stiffened with flat boards within the collar to form the deck or floor of the boat. Inflatable boats are cost-effective and offer high performance and reliability that you can’t find in other types of vessels. Rigid inflatable boats get their name from their construction — a hard v-hull with inflatable siding. The unique design is what gives them their versatility and toughness
How long does a rigid inflatable boat last?
Inflatable boats can last anywhere from 2-25 years, primarily depending on the material they are made of, and how they are cared for!
What is the advantage of a rigid inflatable boat?
More Powerful, because of their lightweight construction, rigid inflatable boats require comparably less horsepower than traditional vessels to reach the same speed or get up on a plane. This means you’ll be operating at a more fuel-efficient RPM and will be able to achieve faster speeds more quickly.
Rigging – What is rigging?
Rigging comprises the system of ropes, cables and chains, which support a sailing ship or sail boat’s masts—standing rigging, including shrouds and stays—and which adjust the position of the vessel’s sails and spars to which they are attached—the running rigging, including halyards, braces, sheets and vangs. Standing rigging comprises the fixed lines, wires, or rods, which support each mast or bowsprit on a sailing vessel and reinforce those spars against wind loads transferred from the sails.
Rocket Launcher – What are rocket launchers on a boat?
Rocket launchers give you the ability to haul more rods and reels, and keep them ready for action with different rigs and lures. The 5-Rod Rocket Launcher clamps onto your existing T-top frame, and installs in under half an hour. A boat rocket launcher is a must have product on all serious fishing vessels, it allow you to carry a large number of fishing rods that are water ready when you arrive on the target fishing area. Rod racks for boats are made of stainless steel or aluminum and are designed for years of use.
Rod Holder – What is a rod holder?
In essence, rod holders are anglers’ assistants that keep fishing rods right where you want them. Size and design of the boat plays a key role for the kind of rod holder and the mounting option you want to use. Device designed to safely and securely hold fishing rods either vertically or horizontally. The 15-degree rod holder is the most popular option because you can put it in any location on the boat, except for the transom. For the best results, put it on the corner of the transom and the side of the boat, ensuring that it is angled away from outboard motors. Flush mounted rod holders are fixed mounts installed in the gunwale of your boat. They are typically made of high-quality steel and can keep rods vertical or at an angle of either 15 or 30 degrees.
Do I need a rod holder?
Rod holders are an often-overlooked yet invaluable tool that can increase fishing success and enjoyment when out in the boat. When used in conjunction with trolling applications, these units are a necessary tool for precision placement of rods, baits, and lures, allowing the angler a completely hands-free approach
Rode – What is a rode in boating?
The rode (also known as anchor cable) is what connects your anchor to the boat. Without it your anchor is not going to do you a world of good. It is consequently an important part of your tackle and worthy of some serious consideration. Wave and wind action will cause the boat to move. Line, chain, cable or any combination of these used to connect the anchor to the boat. Rode simply refers to the line and/or chain that connects the anchor to your boat.
Rolled-edge skiff – What is a rolled edge skiff?
A fishing boat designed to run in coastal waters constructed of a simple, one-piece fiberglass hull without a top deck and characterized by rounded top edges without true gunwales. A roll-edge skiff is a one-piece fiberglass hull, with no liner and deck assembly. A rolled edge would have a bottom hull formed around the mold making the top edge rolled, then they place a floor/ deck inside the hull. A lined hull would be more finished on the deck side and could be more easily cleaned, but a rolled hull could be more easily repaired.
Roller trailer – What are roller trailers?
A trailer outfitted with rollers instead of bunks. The best option for boaters who plan to launch and load at shallow ramps or low tide. Because roller trailers don’t need to be submerged as deep as bunk trailers, the running gear isn’t frequently exposed to salt or freshwater. This means less damage over time.
Are roller trailers better than bunks?
Rollers are typically better for boats with a smooth hull, as the rollers will provide support and minimize friction. Bunks are typically better for boats with a rougher hull, as the bunk will provide more support and grip. Another difference between the two types of trailers is how they load onto the trailer. Rollers are typically less expensive than bunks. This is because they’re simpler in design and construction. Bunks are typically more expensive, but they offer more support and stability for your boat.
Rope – What type of ropes to use for boating?
Most boaters will use either one form or another of nylon and perhaps also polypropylene.
- Nylon – For most docking and anchor lines, standard nylon is a good choice. It has great strength, “gives” under load to absorb energy, and is relatively inexpensive. It’s also easy to handle and resists the harmful effects of sunlight better than other synthetics. It’s the rope of choice for anchoring rode. Nylon comes in strands and braided. Three strand is usually used on anchor rodes because of its stretch and resistance to abrasion. Braided, more commonly seen on dock lines and in sailing rigging, will snag easier than stranded line.
- Polypropylene – Most people know this as “that yellow rope” that’s commonly used to tow skiers, wake boards and dinghies. Because polypropylene rope floats, it’s handy to have around for multiple purposes such as these. Made of synthetic fibers, polypropylene is almost as strong as nylon but is considerably less resistant to the sun’s UV rays and will normally not last long.
- Sailing Lines – Your boat’s running rigging is not the place to economize. If you purchase quality rope designed for a specific use, you’ll do more than improve your boat’s performance: quality rope, properly cared for, can be used repeatedly for progressively less demanding jobs, giving it a long and useful life.
Rubrail – What is a rub rail on a boat
Protective outer bumper that runs around the boat at the point where the top deck meets the hull. A rub rail hides the joint between a boat’s deck and hull, thus accentuating the sheerline. On a practical note, it serves as a buffer between the boat and pilings, seawalls and other objects. Rub Rails are very useful for protecting the boat hull from the damage resulting from contact with other boats, docks, or piers but you must be careful: the rubber egse on a boat is called a butrail which protects the boat and hull from bumps.
Rudder – What is a boat rudder?
Underwater fin mounted below the hull near the stern that controls boat steering. A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other vehicle that moves through a fluid medium. an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel’s head to turn in the same direction.
Runabout – What is a runabout?
A kind of small, lightweight, freshwater pleasurecraft intended for day use. A runabout is any small motorboat holding between four and eight people, well suited to moving about on the water. Characteristically between 20′ to 35′ in length, runabouts are used for pleasure activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing, as a ship’s tender for larger vessels, or in racing. They are usually powered by an outboard or stern-drive engine. They are a multipurpose boat suitable for water sports, cruising and fishing.
Running Lights – What are running lights on a boat?
Required navigation lights that a vessel uses at night to indicate position and status. A boat’s running lights tell much about the night time operation of a vessel. For example it can indicate if the vessel is a sail boat or power boat, if you’re looking at its starboard or port side, or if its coming or going. The most common of our navigation lights are our “running lights”. This is a red light on the port side of the boat and a green light on the starboard side that shine from the bow to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam of the boat. This creates a 112.5-degree arc on either side of the vessel.
Running Rigging – What is running rigging?
Running rigging is the rigging of a sailing vessel that is used for raising, lowering, shaping and controlling the sails on a sailing vessel—as opposed to the standing rigging, which supports the mast and bowsprit. Running rigging varies between vessels that are rigged fore and aft and those that are square-rigged. Lines used in the setting and trimming of sails. Types of rigging. Rigging is divided into two classes, standing, which supports the mast (and bowsprit), and running rigging, which controls the orientation of the sails and their degree of reefing. Configurations differ for each type of rigging, between fore-and-aft rigged vessels and square-rigged vessels.
S
Safety Chains – Are you supposed to cross safety chains on a trailer?
Legally mandated chains that connect the trailer to the tow vehicle as a safety measure in case the coupler detaches. When attaching chains to a vehicle, always cross the chains. Crossing the trailer chains aids in turning the trailer by reducing the probability of stress. It also acts as a cradle in the event of separation from the tow vehicle. Safety chains are one of your trailer’s most essential parts and are crucial in towing a trailer safely. Safety chains attach the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the tow vehicle’s weight and the trailer, should they need to do so.
Safety Harness – What is a marine safety harness?
Safety harnesses physically connect you to the boat to prevent you from falling overboard or, failing in that role, are intended to keep you from being separated from the boat. Harnesses are either stand-alone items or are integrated with offshore type inflatable life vests. Several types of marine safety harnesses are available with some waterproof jackets having a built-in safety harness. A separate sailing safety harness is more useful as it can be worn at any time and some harnesses have an incorporated life jacket.
Sag – What is headstay day in sailing?
One of the key methods to power up a sail is to induce sag in the headstay, also known as the forestay. Headstay sag on a sailboat is the distance between the midpoint of the headstay if it were perfectly straight and the actual midpoint while sailing.
Sail Plan – What is sail plan?
Arrangement of sails on a boat. A sail plan is a description of the specific ways that a sailing craft is rigged. Also, the term “sail plan” is a graphic depiction of the arrangement of the sails for a given sailing craft.
Sailboat – What is the meaning of sailboat?
A sailboat or sailing boat is a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails and is smaller than a sailing ship. Distinctions in what constitutes a sailing boat and ship vary by region and maritime culture. a boat usually propelled by sail.
Salon – What is a salon on a boat?
Full-sized, well-appointed cabin on the main deck level of a motoryacht, convertible or megayacht used for entertaining. The cabin area of a boat or yacht devoted to seated relaxation, often combined with dining table.
Saltwater Fishing Boat – What is a saltwater fishing boat?
Any fishing boat used in the ocean or coastal waters that’s specially equipped to handle the harsh saltwater environment and set up for fishing. Virtually all saltwater fishing boats can be broken down into two major categories: those intended for inshore use, and those intended for offshore use.
Schooner – What makes a ship a schooner?
A large sailboat with two or more masts where the foremast is shorter than aft mainmast. A sailing ship with two or more masts, typically with the foremast smaller than the mainmast, and having gaff-rigged lower masts. Schooner, a sailing ship rigged with fore-and-aft sails on its two or more masts. To the foremast there may also be rigged one or more square topsails or, more commonly, one or more jib sails or Bermuda sails (triangular sails extending forward to the bowsprit or jibboom).
Scope – What is scope anchor meaning?
Scope is defined as a ratio of the length of an anchor rode from the bit to the anchor shackle and the depth of the water under the the bow of the boat measured from deck height. It is recommended that you use a scope of 7:1, meaning that for every foot of water depth, you should use 7 feet of rode. For example, to anchor in 10 feet of water, you would pay out 70 feet of line. Measure the scope as the ratio of the length of the anchor rode to the height of the bow above the bottom.
Scuppers – What does scuppers mean?
A scupper is an opening in the side walls of a vessel or an open-air structure, which allows water to drain instead of pooling within the bulwark or gunwales of a vessel. Gravity fed drain in a boat to allow water to drain out and overboard, a hole in a ship’s side bulwarks so that water falling on the deck may flow overboard from the deck.
Scuttle – What does scuttle mean?
To cut holes or open ports to purposely let water in to make a boat sink. Scuttling is the deliberate sinking of a ship. Scuttling may be performed to dispose of an abandoned, old, or captured vessel; to prevent the vessel from becoming a navigation hazard; as an act of self-destruction to prevent the ship from being captured by an enemy force; as a blockship to restrict navigation through a channel or within a harbor; to provide an artificial reef for divers and marine life; or to alter the flow of rivers.
Scuttlebutt – What does scuttlebutt mean?
Scuttlebutt in slang usage means rumor or gossip, deriving from the nautical term for the cask used to serve water. The term corresponds to the colloquial concept of a water cooler in an office setting, which at times becomes the focus of congregation and casual discussion, rumor, gossip. The scuttlebutt was the drinking fountain (scuttle means drill and a butt is a cask) on the ship, and when crew would gather around for a drink, Sailors would exchange rumors of the voyage.
Sea Anchor – What is a sea anchor?
A sea anchor is a device that is streamed from a boat in heavy weather. Its purpose is to stabilize the vessel and to limit progress through the water. Rather than tethering the boat to the seabed with a conventional anchor, a sea anchor provides hydrodynamic drag, thereby acting as a brake. A canvas, cone-shaped device deployed to keep the bow headed into the wind to help safely ride out a storm. Also called a drogue.
Are sea anchors effective?
Most sailors, however, look to sea anchors to help them handle heavy weather. And in robust blows and gale force winds para-anchors have earned high marks. They have proven that they can bring the boat end-on to the waves and limit drift (often to as little as half a knot).
How does a sea anchor work?
The most effective sea anchor resembles a parachute, which, when submerged, traps large volumes of water creating the necessary resistance to the vessel’s movement. A vessel without propulsion or the ability to steer the bow into the waves will naturally turn its beam to the wind and waves. A sea anchor provides hydrodynamic drag, thereby acting as a brake. A canvas, cone-shaped device deployed to keep the bow headed into the wind to help safely ride out a storm.
Sea Cock – What is a sea cock?
A seacock is a valve on the hull of a boat or a ship, permitting water to flow into the vessel, such as for cooling an engine or for a salt water faucet; or out of the boat, such as for a sink drain or a toilet. Seacocks are often a Kingston valve. Seacocks are left open or are closed depending on the situation. All seacocks have a handle that moves 90 degrees from fully open to fully closed, and many have a lever-type handle. When the handle is in line with the outlet, the seacock is open; when it’s perpendicular to the outlet, the seacock is closed. This means you can tell at a glance if the seacock is open or closed.
Should a seacock open or closed?
It’s a good idea to close all the seacocks when you leave the boat so that even if a hose were to pop off, the boat would not flood and sink. All seacocks have a handle that moves 90 degrees from fully open to fully closed, and many have a lever-type handle. When the handle is in line with the outlet, the seacock is open; when it’s perpendicular to the outlet, the seacock is closed. This means you can tell at a glance if the seacock is open or closed.
Seaworthy – What does seaworthy mean?
A vessel in a good enough condition to sail on the sea. Seaworthiness classifies whether a ship has passed the required tests and safety checks to be able to sail without any mishaps. It determines whether or not the ship has been properly assessed, outfitted and maintained in accordance with admiralty law.
Sedan Cruiser – What is a sedan boat?
A type of large boat equipped with a salon and a raised helm or bridge. Sedans often have large main decks with the helm on the same level. Below, there may be one or more cabins and heads. Sedan bridge boats are essentially the same as a sportfishing yacht, but without the emphasis on the fishing part. Meaning the tuna lookout tower and fishing amenities have been exchanged for more deck space and creature comforts, like a swim platform.
Selective Availability – What is selective availability?
Intentional degradation of GPS signal used for position fixing by the U.S. Department of Defense for purposes of national security. With selective availability turned on, positions can be fixed to about 300 meters. With selective availability turned off, positions can be fixed to about 100 meters. Selective Availability is a term used to describe the way signals from the GPS satellites in orbit around the Earth are masked. The U.S. Government controls the satellites, and uses Selective Availability to confuse the GPS receiver so it can’t find your exact position.
Self-bailing – What does self-bailing mean?
Self-bailing means that the boat has holes in the floor so any water which comes over the side flows out again. Self–bailing boats, or self–bailing hulls, are designed to remove water from the boat deck or cockpit area using gravity not pumps of any kind.
Semi-displacement Hull – What is a semi-displacement hull?
A hull shape with soft chines or a rounded bottom that enables the boat to achieve minimal planing. Semi displacement hulls are normally a cross between a planning and displacement hull, they will generate an amount of lift but the vessels weight will be supported by buoyancy. A semi displacement hull creates a big whole in the water which generate large bow and stern waves. Traditional semi- displacement hulls are generally narrower than planing hulls and tend to operate at speeds from about 10-20 knots.
Sheer – What is the sheer of a boat?
Line of the deck or gunwale from bow to stern as viewed from outside the boat. The sheer is a measure of longitudinal main deck curvature, in naval architecture. Boats are often defined by their sheer line, which is the transition of the gunwale from the transom to the bow. Most boats have a graceful sheer that rises from the stern of the boat to the bow.The sheer forward is usually twice that of sheer aft. Increases in the rise of the sheer forward and aft build volume into the hull, and in turn increase its buoyancy forward and aft, thereby keeping the ends from diving into an oncoming wave and slowing the ship.
Sheet – What does sheet mean in sailing?
In sailing, a sheet is a line used to control the movable corner of a sail. The lines that are used when sailing are called sheets and each sheet will refer to the sail that it controls. So when you trim the mainsail you use the mainsheet, if trimming the jib, then you will adjust the jib sheet.
Shroud – What is a shroud?
Mast support rigging, usually a wire, that runs from the mast to the side of the boat. On a sailing boat, the shrouds are pieces of standing rigging which hold the mast up from side to side. There is frequently more than one shroud on each side of the boat. Stays and shrouds are often confused, as they essentially do the same thing (just in different places). Stays are only located on the bow and stern of the vessel—that’s fore and aft. Shrouds run from the port and starboard side of the hull or deck to the top of the mast.
Side Console – What is a side console boat?
A dash-panel unit affixed to the side of a boat. The side console layout is a modern adaptation of the centre console. Instead of having the cockpit in the centre, the helm console, steering wheel and controls are located on one side (normally to starboard) of the boat, hard up against the gunwale. A side console gives you an open full access to the portside and a large open area for storing equipment. The low console also provides less wind resistance, increases your viewing capacity on the water and is easier to store if your garage height is at a premium.
Skeg – What is a skeg?
A skeg is a sternward extension of the keel of boats and ships which have a rudder mounted on the centre line. The term also applies to the lowest point on an outboard motor or the outdrive of an inboard/outboard. Skegs are a great way to improve boat handling in windy conditions, but they will not give you the control that rudders will.
Skiff – What is a skiff?
A small, simple, shallow-draft boat. A shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with sharp bow and square stern. A small, light boat for rowing or sailing, usually used by only one person. Skiff boats are some of the most popular boats around. The term “skiff” can be used to describe many different types of small boats. In fact, the term is often used as a catch-all for any type of boat that has a few basic traits.
Ski Boat – What is a ski boat?
Ski boats feature a transom deadrise, meaning a shallow hull angle at the rear end of the boat. These boats are typically designed with an inboard power system, and the engine is located at the centre of the boat. Designed to facilitate these three skiing events, tricks, jumps, and slalom. Low profile, pleasure boats with minimal deadrise specifically designed for waterskiing and/or wakeboarding. These boats are usually characterized by an inboard engine and a towing pylon. Wakeboard boats are often equipped with a tower or extremely tall pylon to fasten the tow line in a manner to aid vertical jumping and water-ballast devices to increase the weight of the boat.
Slip – What does slip mean in boating?
A boat slip is more like a single parking space for your boat. They aren’t as open as boat docks are, but are easy to pull into, and they’re enclosed on three sides, so there’s only one way in and out. A boat berth between two piers or floats.
Is it worth buying a slip?
Purchasing a boat slip can be a good investment for the future. To buy a boat slip you will have to pay a large one-time fee and a monthly fee after that if utilities are involved. Buying a boat slip can be a great return if you are in an area that is growing in boat owners.
Is it better to back into your slip?
As a whole, having your boat stern first in the slip allows easier boarding regardless of your docking situation and the power and water connections are at or near the transom, eliminating the hassle of draping the cables over the rail or along the side deck to the shore power station.
Sloop – What is a sloop?
A single-masted sailboat in which the mast is set forward of midships. A sloop is a sailboat with a single mast typically having only one headsail in front of the mast and one mainsail aft of the mast. The name originates from the Dutch sloep, which is related to the Old English slūpan, to glide. In naval terminology, “sloop-of-war” refers to the purpose of the craft, rather than to the specific size or sail-plan, and thus a sloop should not be confused with a sloop-of-war.
Sole – What is a sole on a boat?
SOLE – Cabin or saloon floor. Timber extensions on the bottom of the rudder. Also the molded fiberglass deck of a cockpit. The sailor’s word for the floor. You stand on the cabin sole, or the cockpit sole. But dinghies usually have bottom boards or Gratings, not soles.
Sonar – What is sonar?
Sonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, measure distances, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other vessels. Sonar uses sound waves to ‘see’ in the water. Sonar, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and light waves.
Sounding – What is sounding in boating?
Depth sounding, often simply called sounding, is measuring the depth of a body of water. Data taken from soundings are used in bathymetry to make maps of the floor of a body of water, such as the seabed topography.
Spar – What is spar sailing?
A spar is a pole of wood, metal or lightweight materials such as carbon fibre used in the rigging of a sailing vessel to carry or support its sail. These include booms and masts, which serve both to deploy sail and resist compressive and bending forces, as well as the bowsprit and spinnaker poles.
Sportfish – What makes a boat a sportfish?
A type of bluewater fishing boat with at least two sleeping cabins and many dedicated fish-fighting features. A sportfish yacht is an exceptional boat for the maritime fisherman as it has a large cockpit created for comfortable fishing and plenty of room. A good sportfish yacht is designed for fishing storage, including rods, boats, tackle, and a place to store the days’ catch. As whole the question asked is “how fast do sportfishers actually go?”. On average, a mid-sized sportfishing boat will have a cruising speed in the high 20-knot range to low 30-knot range, with a top speed in the mid 30 knot range.
What are sport fish?
Game fish, sport fish or quarry refer to popular fish pursued by recreational anglers, and can be freshwater or saltwater fish. Game fish can be eaten after being caught, or released after capture. Some game fish are also targeted commercially, particularly salmon and tuna. Fishing done with a rod and reel for sport or recreation.
Spring line – What is a spring line?
A docking line attached amidships to control fore and aft movement. Spring lines are docking lines that lead in a diagonal direction relative to the centerline of the boat. Spring lines are named by the way the lead from the boat to the pier and the point of attachment on your boat. For example, the after-bow spring line attaches to a cleat near the bow. Spring Lines keep wind blowing parallel to the dock from pushing your boat away from its secured position. The direction these lines run from the boat determines their designation as “forward” or “aft” spring. Forward springs are rigged from the stern and run one-third or more of the vessel’s length toward the bow.
Stand On – What is the stand on boat?
Maintain course and speed. Stand-on vessel: The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it. If you are the Stand-On vessel, it is your responsibility to acknowledge the intended actions of the give-way vessel. You must also maintain your current course and speed until the give-way vessel passes, or you enter a dangerous situation. The vessel on the operator’s starboard (right) is the stand-on vessel. Overtaking: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.
Starboard – What is the starboard side?
The right side of the boat looking toward the bow. Port and starboard are nautical terms for watercraft, referring respectively to the left and right sides of the vessel, when aboard and facing the bow. Vessels with bilateral symmetry have left and right halves which are mirror images of each other. Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became “starboard” by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning “steer”) and bord (meaning “the side of a boat”).
What is the Starboard rule?
The vessel which has the wind on its starboard (right) side has the right of way. The vessel which has the wind on its port (left) side must give way. When both boats have the wind on the same side the windward (upwind) boat has to give way.
Stateroom – What is a stateroom?
A room with sleeping quarters, a cabin. A captain’s or superior officer’s room on a ship. Cruise ship rooms, called cabins or staterooms, are akin to hotel rooms.
Statute mile – What is a statue mile?
Distance of 5,280 feet, the standard measure of distance on land and most inland waterways. The mile, sometimes the international mile or statute mile to distinguish it from other miles, is a British imperial unit and United States customary unit of distance; both are based on the older English unit of length equal to 5,280 English feet, or 1,760 yards.
Stay – What is a boat stay?
A stay is part of the standing rigging and is used to support the weight of a mast. It is a large strong rope extending from the upper end of each mast and running down towards the deck of the vessel in a midships fore and aft direction. Wire, rod or other rigging that runs fore and aft of the mast.
Stem – What is a stem on a boat?
The most forward section of the hull. The front-most part of the boat or ship’s bow is termed as the Stem of the ship. The keel itself is extended up to gunwale to form the curved edge called the ship’s stem.
Step – Why do they call it stepping a mast?
Socket that holds the base of the mast. The mast stepping ceremony has been a tradition in shipbuilding for centuries. In the past, the placement of the mast into the hull, known as “stepping the mast”, signified the moment when a “shell” truly became a ship. Mast stepping is the process of raising the mast of a boat.
Stepped hull – What is a stepped hull?
A high-performance hull design with lateral notches, or steps, in the keel. Stepped hulls work on the principal of reducing wetted surface, which in turn reduces friction between the hull and the water. A step in the hull is an abrupt change in hull-height running athwartships, from chine to chine, and ending with a notch in each of the hullsides.
Stern – What is the stern in a boat?
The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern. When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side. An outboard engine attaches to the stern of a boat in an area called the transom. While the stern is the back part of the boat, the transom is the vertical area where the two sides of the hull come together.
Sterndrive – What is a sterndrive?
A sterndrive or inboard/outboard drive is a form of marine propulsion which combines inboard power with outboard drive. The engine sits just forward of the transom while the drive unit lies outside the hull. Sterndrive engines, also known as inboard/outboards (I/O), are a combination of inboard and outboard engines, as their name suggests. In sterndrive engines, the motor is in the back of the boat under the transom. The drive unit is tucked beneath the swim deck.
Strakes – What are strakes on a boat?
Small linear protrusions that run longitudinally on both sides of the keel to give a planing hull lift and lateral stability. Strakes: Are They for Lift or Stability? Don’t call those flat strips running along a hull’s bottom “lifting” strakes. Their main purpose is to prevent spray and water from riding up the hull, thereby reducing wetted-surface resistance. A continuous band of hull planking or plates on a ship.
Stringers – What are stringers on a boat?
Internal beams and braces that give a fiberglass hull structural support. The stringer is the spine of the boat. It sits between the deck and the hull providing the necessary support while housing all the important components built into modern boats. While replacing stringers in a boat may seem like a big deal, it actually isn’t that much of a complex process for small 14- to 18-footers that commonly have just one to three stringers under the deck.
Surge Brakes – What are surge brakes?
Hydraulic trailer brake system activated by the sudden inertia of a trailer pushing against the tow vehicle during a hard stop. Surge Brakes are hydraulic and use the trailer’s natural momentum to apply the brakes. When you step on the brake in your tow vehicle and slow down, the trailer pushes against the hitch and presses a hydraulic cylinder. The more you slow down the vehicle, the more pressure on the trailer brakes.
Swamp Boat – What is a swamp boat called?
An airboat is also known as a fan boat, plane boat, swamp boat, bayou boat, etc. They have flat bottoms that have large propellers powered by automobile motors or jet engines. The force of air produced by the fan-like propeller move the boat over water or even ice! Steering is done by rudders attached to the back of the boat that steer the air pushed out by the fan, making the airboat move and turn in the direction you intend on going.
Swamping – What does it mean to swamp a boat?
Swamping typically means that a boat fills with water (often from capsizing) but remains floating. What causes boats to capsize and swamp? In a word: instability. Boats are inherently stable until something causes them to become unstable. Waves can be dangerous obstacles that can swamp an open boat with water or roll a vessel to its side. Even if you have a large boat, steering improperly through large waves can lead to disaster.
Sway – What is swaying in a ship?
The transverse motion is known as swaying. This occurs specifically when the ship is struck by waves moving perpendicular to the motion of the ship. It results in a motion that rocks the ship and tends to shifts the vessel between the port and starboard sides. Sway: The sliding motion that happens when the ship’s hull is pushed by currents or wind is called a sway. The motion is transverse, happening when waves strike the ship perpendicularly. This causes a rocking across the starboard and port sides
Swim Platform – What is a boat swim platform?
A wide platform at the transom equipped with a ladder to help ease the effort of reboarding after going into the water. The swim platform gives you a place to hop onto the boat when tied up stern- or side-to to a floating dock and serve as a handy staging platform for water sports like swimming, wakeboarding and skiing. The swim platform can be molded into the boat or can me a wooden extension, common on ski boats. On pleasure boats a boarding ladder is attached to the swim platform.
T
T-top – What is a T-top on a boat?
A T-top is a type of top for center console boats that is built with a “T” shaped structure when viewed from the side. The top is tall enough to stand under, and provides shade and rain protection for 2 or more passengers at the boat’s helm. A boat t-top is a metal frame that is mounted to the deck of a center console boat with a canvas or hard top above. Its primary purpose is to provide standing height shade while giving fishers an unobstructed area for movement and casting lines.
Tacking – What is tacking in sailing?
Tacking is a sailing maneuver by which a sailing vessel, whose desired course is into the wind, turns its bow toward and through the wind so that the direction from which the wind blows changes from one side of the boat to the other, allowing progress in the desired direction. Tacking is the sailing manoeuvre used to change a boat’s direction through an oncoming wind. Tacking a sailing boat calls for the crew to work as a co-ordinated team and is one of the first sailing skills to learn.
Tender – What is a boat tender?
A ship’s tender, usually referred to as a tender, is a boat, or a larger ship, used to service or support other boats or ships. This is generally done by transporting people or supplies to and from shore or another ship. See dinghy.
Through-hull or Thru Hull – What is a through hull?
Thru Hull is a term used to describe a fitting that is attached through the Hull of a Boat. A thru Hull fitting requires a hole to be cut/drilled in the boats Hull for the fitting to pass through. Some examples of thru Hull attachments are a sea-cock and hose and thru Hull transducers. Thru hulls can be used to expel waste water, such as from a sink, to let sea water in, such as for engine cooling or to allow placement of sensors such as depth gauges. A Thru-Hull is a fitting designed to accept pipes, hoses, or valves to allow water to pass in or out of a vessel.
Tide – What is the meaning of tide?
The alternate rising and falling of the surface of the ocean that occurs twice a day and is caused by the gravitational attraction of the sun and moon occurring unequally on different parts of the earth. : the flow of the incoming or outgoing tide. When an water covered area covered by the ocean faces the moon, the moon’s gravitational force on the water causes a high high tide. As the Earth rotates, that area moves away from the moon’s influence and the tide ebbs. Now it is low tide in that area.
Tiller – What is a boat tiller?
Tillers are levers that allow you to steer a boat. They are most common on small sailboats, old light motor boats, and outboard engines. A tiller acts directly on the rudder, to which it’s connected by the rudderpost. To operate it, you need to push it in the opposite direction in which you intend to turn.
Tiller Handle Outboard – What is a tiller handle on an outboard motor?
A small, outboard motor that uses a handle fitted with engine controls to steer instead of a steering wheel. The tiller is what steers a boat — specifically, the handle attached to the rudder. Tillers are generally found on smaller boats because it would take too much force to steer larger ships with hand tillers.
Tongue Jack – What is a tongue jack?
Adjustable jack on the trailer tongue that raises and lowers the coupler. Hitch jacks, also known as trailer jacks or tongue jacks, are used to raise and stabilize a trailer so it can be attached to the towing vehicle. The required weight capacity of tongue jack is determined by calculating the tongue weight of your trailer. The rule of thumb for a boat trailer is 10% of the weight of your fully loaded trailer. If you have a 6000lb loaded trailer, using 10% as an example, you would require a tongue jack with a capacity of 600lbs.
Tongue Weight – What is tongue weight?
Tongue weight is the amount of weight a trailer puts on the towing vehicle’s trailer ball. The tongue is the part of the trailer that sticks out ahead of the cargo area; it’s typically two rails that form a V shape, but sometimes it’s just a single rail. Your tongue weight should be approximately 10 percent of the total weight of your loaded trailer, also known as your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). So if you are hauling a 2,000 pound trailer that’s loaded up with 3,000 pounds worth of cargo, your tongue weight should be between 500 pounds.
Topsides – What is the meaning of topsides?
The hull above the waterline. Also, everything above deck as opposed to below deck. The topsides on a boat, ship, watercraft, or floating production storage and offloading vessel, is that part of the hull between the waterline and the deck. It includes the visible parts of the bow, stern, sheer, and, if present, tumblehome.
Tow Rating – What is the tow rating on a vehicle?
Maximum weight a vehicle is rated to tow. The tow rating or towing capacity refers to the maximum weight you can pull with a given vehicle. This rating, easily found within your vehicle’s owner’s manual, not only represents the weight of the trailer itself, but the weight of any cargo loaded within it. Exceeding the weight limits puts an extra strain on these parts, increasing the chance of a blowout and impacting your ability to stop safely.
Trailer Tongue – What is the tongue of a trailer?
Forward portion of a trailer where the coupler is mounted. The tongue is the part of the trailer that sticks out ahead of the cargo area; it’s typically two rails that form a V shape, but sometimes it’s just a single rail. It holds a coupler at its forward end that fits over and attaches to the trailer ball.
Trailer Winch – What is a boat trailer winch?
A boat trailer winch is a device used to load a boat onto a trailer. Consisting of a cranking mechanism, a spool of cable and a hook, the boat trailer winch is attached to a steel ring on the bow of a boat. As the cable is cranked back onto the spool, the boat is pulled onto the trailer. Winches are designed to load and unload boats, not to hold boats in place on the trailer. A bad bump in the road may cause the winch to release. To prevent mishaps, use separate tie-downs and bow chain and hook rigged for the purpose.
Transducer – What is a boat transducer?
An electronic sensing device mounted in a boat’s bilge or at the bottom of the transom to provide data for a depth sounder. A transducer is a sensor that converts a signal in one form of energy to a signal in another. Usually in boats, it is an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver in one. The sound pulse “reflects” and travels back to the boat and is then translated into usable data such as depth, structure, etc. Transducers are the eyes (or more accurately, the ears) of your fishfinder. They send energy waves out into the water column and receive the echoes, providing the information that is ultimately displayed on your fishfingers’ screen.
Transom – What is a boat transom?
The rear section of the hull connecting the two sides. What is a Boat Transom? The vertical section at the rear of the boat is known as the transom. In most modern saltwater fiberglass boats, the transom can house single or multiple outboard motors. Virtually every kind of modern vessel has a transom. Watercraft that utilize this design feature include speedboats, houseboats, fishing vessels, cargo ships, warships, and (of course) sailboats. Transoms are common because they simplify the construction process of boats and ships and connect the two sides at the rear of the boat.
Transom shower – What is a boat transom shower?
A plastic hose and shower head located near the transom that draws from a fresh water supply. Transom showers can use saltwater or plumb directly into an existing freshwater system as well as provide hot and cold water. A shower that is mounted in the cockpit or on the swim platform that can be used to rinse off after going for a swim.
Trawler – What is a trawler?
A boat that pulls a large net behind it in order to catch fish. A trawler is a boat that’s used for fishing. Trawlers drag large fishing nets behind them. The special nets used on trawlers are called trawls. Both words come from the Middle Dutch traghelen and its root, the Latin tragula, “dragnet.” That’s exactly what a trawler (also called a dragger) does—it drags a net behind it.
Trim – What does trim mean in boating?
The way a boat is running in relation to the horizon, bow up, bow down or even. Many new boaters ask, “what does ‘trim’ mean?” Knowing what it means to trim a boat and how to trim it properly will improve its performance and fuel economy. Trim is simply the running angle of the boat as it makes way in the water; when we adjust the trim, we raise or lower the bow (the front of the boat). Also, to adjust a boat’s horizontal running angle by directing the outboard or stern drive’s thrust up or down. Also, to set a sail in correct relation to the wind. Trim refers to the angle of the propeller shaft relative to the boat. When the boat is stationary and the shaft is parallel with the surface of the water, that’s known as neutral trim. The prop shaft’s angle is important because it directs the power from the engine.
Trim Tabs – What are trim tabs on a boat?
Hydraulically adjusted horizontal plates located on the bottom of the transom that control the trim angle of a boat at speed. They help stabilize the boat and keep it running on an “even keel”. Trim tabs are metal plates that can be secure to a boat, they are attached to both sides of the stern. These plates are attached to trim tab actuators. The actuators are controlled either hydraulically or electronically and they are what helps keep the boat level and even as you move through the water. Hydraulic trim tabs and electric trim tabs are obviously more common in more modern vessels. Using trim tabs to get on plane is relatively simple. To correct excessive bow rise, deploy your tabs down all the way and bring your engine or drive to its most negative-trim position. This should flatten your takeoff angle when you punch the throttle(s) and offer improved visibility forward.
Trimaran – What is a trimaran?
A type of boat with three side-by-side hulls, the center of which is usually larger with crew accommodations. A small, fast sailing boat that has a central hull (= floating part) that is joined to two other smaller hulls, one on each side. A trimaran is a multihull boat that comprises a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls which are attached to the main hull with lateral beams. Most modern trimarans are sailing yachts designed for recreation or racing; others are ferries or warships.
Trolling – What does it mean when a boat is trolling?
To fish by towing an array of baited lines or lures behind the boat. Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side-to-side, e.g. when fishing from a jetty. The basic notion of trolling is allowing line out with a lure or bait and then using a current or the power of a motor to pull your boat and move your bait to entice fish.
True Wind – What is true wind?
Direction and velocity of wind as measured on land, distinct from apparent wind. The wind relative to a fixed point the observation of which is not affected by the motion of the observer compare apparent wind. The actual speed and direction of the wind blowing as experienced by an observer that is stationary.
Tuna tower – What is a tuna tower?
Tall aluminum tower used for spotting fish in the distance, often equipped with a second set of helm controls.
Two-cycle Engine – What is a two-cycle engine?
A gasoline- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine that takes two cycles or strokes of the piston to complete its power phase, known as two-stroke engine. A two-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle with two strokes of the piston during one power cycle, this power cycle being completed in one revolution of the crankshaft. It is called a “2-stroke” because just one up and down movement of the piston—the 2 strokes—performs the full cycle of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust.
U
Underway – What does underway mean in a boat?
A boat in motion, in progress, happening now. Underway means that a vessel is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground. Underway, or under way, is a nautical term describing the state of a vessel. “Way” arises when there is sufficient water flow past the rudder of a vessel that it can be steered. A vessel is said to be underway if it meets the following criteria: It is not aground. It is not at anchor.
Utility Boat – What is a utility boat?
A type of small, open powerboat, constructed of either fiberglass or aluminum, with minimal features. These include jon boats, skiffs and work boats. Utility Boats come in various shapes and sizes, all with a broad and stable structure and use such as hunting, fishing, leisure, for sports or military use. They are built with ruggedness and toughness in mind. A utility boat is generally less than sixteen feet and usually of aluminum construction, open boat usually with two or three bench seats and powered by a relatively small outboard motor controlled by a tiller handle.
V
V-berth – What is v-berth on a boat?
A bed or berth located in the bow that has a V-shape. An approximately V-shaped berth at the extreme forward end of the hull, usually in a separate cabin called the forepeak. A bed in the bow of a boat.
V-drive – What is a V-drive?
Propulsion system where the drive shaft initially runs forward into a gear box and then runs aft and down through the hull. The driveline forms a V-shape with the gear box at the pivot point. V-drive is a propulsion system for boats that consists of two drive shafts, a gearbox, and a propeller, put the engine in the rear of the boat and the drivetrain makes a turn about halfway down, creating a V shape. In a “V-drive” boat, the engine is mounted in the rear of the boat and the front of the engine faces aft. Connected to the rear of the engine is the transmission. In a V-drive system the engine is placed further aft in the boat, almost as close to the transom as the engine in a sterndrive. The engine “faces” aft with its output shaft facing forward and mated to a V-drive transmission that uses a series of gears to reverse the output direction 180 degrees and mates to the propshaft, which is in about the same position and angle as it would be found on a direct drive inboard system.
Variation Compass – What is variation compass definition?
The needle in a compass is magnetised and freely suspended, and it aligns itself with the earth’s magnetic field. This difference between true north and magnetic north is known as variation. It’s measured in degrees and minutes (either east or west) and is shown on your chart in the compass rose. Variation is a magnetic interference common to all vessels. Deviation is a magnetic interference unique to the vessel itself. We use the term ‘deviation’ use to describe the effect of interference from magnetic fields created by the vessel’s own equipment.
Ventilation – What is prop ventilation?
Air introduced into a spinning propeller from the water’s surface. Ventilation is defined as when the propeller of your motor sucks in air like a vacuum, causing a drastic reduction in thrust and a revving engine. This fault can be caused by having the outboard motor trimmed too high, or by jumping waves and causing the propeller to reach too close to the water’s surface. Ventilation is the result of the entrance of air or exhaust gases (they are drawn into propeller blades) between and around the propeller blades. This leads to a sudden reduction of water load on the blades, an increase in engine rpm and the loss of the propeller’s grip on the water.
VHF – What is the meaning of VHF?
Very high frequency is the ITU designation for the range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves from 30 to 300 megahertz, with corresponding wavelengths of ten meters to one meter. Frequencies immediately below VHF are denoted high frequency, and the next higher frequencies are known as ultra high frequency. Very high frequency; a bandwidth designation commonly used by marine radios. VHF, in full very high frequency, conventionally defined portion of the electromagnetic spectrum including any radiation with a wavelength between 1 and 10 metres and a frequency between 300 and 30 megahertz. VHF signals are widely employed for television and radio transmissions.
W
Wake – What is wake of a boat?
Waves created by a moving boat. A wake, of course, is the wave a boat creates underway as it displaces water. Whether you’re on your way to a fishing spot, just cruising or heading in from the action, you could be endangered by another boat’s wake, and you might even put another boat in peril by your own wake. A “wake” is the waves created as a vessel travels through the water. A “no-wake zone” is an area where vessels are expected to travel at slow (idle) speeds to minimize the wake. Most people think of no-wake zones as the speed bumps or school zones of the water.
Why is it called a wake on a boat?
As any object traveling on the surface of the water moves it disturbs the water and will leave a line of waves that come off it’s stern. These trail behind the vessel and form a v with the Apex of the V being just astern of the vessel. This is called the wake.
Wakeboard Boat – What is a wakeboard boat?
Wakeboard boats also known as wakeboats, surfboats or tow boats are designed to create a large, specially shaped wake, for a wakeboarder to jump the wakes from side to side doing aerial tricks. They developed from the Runabout type. Technically, every boat can do it, as long as the motor is powerful enough to lift a border up to get up to pace. Specific inboard-engine ski and wakeboarding boats are however more ideal than outboards of any type. As you advance in ability, you’ll want a different ski/wakeboard boat that can produce a larger wake.
Can you ski with a wakeboard boat?
If you have a wakeboard boat, you can use it for skiing, but the wakes won’t be as small as a direct drive. If you want to go wake surfing, you can use a wakeboard boat, but boats designed for wake surfing are better. While wake boats aren’t any better than other boats for water skiing, you can certainly ski behind one. A wake boat will generally have enough power to pull a slalom skier out of the water, and even allow for tricks and advanced techniques. Wakeboard boats feature a bit more deadrise than ski boats, but adding more weight to the boat really amplifies the wake. Instead of straight inboard drivelines, wakeboats feature a V-drive, with the engine installed aft, distributing weight where its best suited to enhance wakes.
Walkaround- What is a walkaround boat?
A type of offshore fishing boat with a small to mid-size cabin and a perimeter deck that allows easy passage around the entire boat. A Walkaround boat is a cross between a center console and a cuddy boat or express. Like a center console, it is mostly used for fishing and has a full length primary deck or cockpit but also a small cabin for berths and a head in the center in front of the console. A walkaround boat, often called a walkaround cuddy, is a fishing boat with a small cabin (a cuddy cabin) with 360-degrees of fishability, thanks to an unobstructed passway around the boat from the stern at the back to the bow at the front.
Waterline – What is the waterline on a boat?
Waterline: The intersection of a boat’s hull and the water’s surface, or where the boat sits in the water. A vessel’s length at the waterline (abbreviated to L.W.L) is the length of a ship or boat at the level where it sits in the water is the the waterline. The LWL will be shorter than the length of the boat overall (length overall or LOA) as most boats have bows and stern protrusions that make the LOA greater than the LWL. As a ship becomes more loaded, it will sit lower in the water and its ambient waterline length may change; but the registered L.W.L it is measured from a default load condition. This measure is significant in determining several of a vessel’s properties, such as how much water it displaces, where the bow and stern waves occur, hull speed, amount of bottom-paint needed, etc. Traditionally, a stripe called the “boot top” is painted around the hull just above the waterline. The point on the hull of a ship or boat to which the water rises. A line marked on the outside of a ship that corresponds with the water’s surface when the ship is afloat on an even keel under specified conditions of loading.
Waypoint – What does waypoint mean?
A waypoint is an intermediate point or place on a route or line of travel, a stopping point or point at which course is changed, the first use of the term tracing to 1880. A stopping place on a journey. A waypoint is a point of reference that can be used for location and navigation. Waypoints can be the specific latitude and longitude of a location, a well-known building or natural feature.
Weigh Anchor – What does weigh anchor mean?
Weigh anchor is a nautical term indicating the final preparation of a sea vessel for getting underway. Weighing anchor literally means raising the anchor of the vessel from the sea floor and hoisting it up to be stowed on board the vessel. At the moment when the anchor is no longer touching the sea floor, it is aweigh. It’s from an Old English or Dutch (many English nautical terms have Dutch origins) usage of the word ‘weigh,’ to pick straight up, sort of like you’d hold something to test it’s weight. To ‘weigh anchor’ is to haul in your anchor chain or cable and pick the anchor up from the sea floor.
Windlass – What is the definition of windlass?
An anchor windlass is a machine that restrains and manipulates the anchor chain on a boat, allowing the anchor to be raised and lowered by means of chain cable. Rotating drum device used for hauling line or chain to raise and lower an anchor. Any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: such as. : a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel. There are typically two basic types of anchor windlass: vertical or horizontal. With a horizontal windlass, the main shaft goes horizontally across the windlass, in a vertical windlass, the shaft is mounted vertically.
Working Sail – What does working sail mean?
One of the sails normally used in all weathers as distinguished from light sails added for light winds. Sails used in normal winds. he sails that are carried in winds of about Force 3 to 4. There’s nothing very precise about this term, but it excludes heavy-weather sails on the one hand, and light-weather sails on the other
X
Y
Yachting – What is yachting?
To cruise in a motor yacht that typically ranges from 40- to 89- feet long. Yachting is the use of recreational boats and ships called yachts for racing or cruising. Yachts are distinguished from working ships mainly by their leisure purpose. “Yacht” derives from the Dutch word jacht. With sailboats, the activity is called sailing, and with motorboats, it is called powerboating. Yachting can also mean; If you’re unfamiliar with the term, ‘yachting’ is used to describe the practice of being paid to spend time and be pictured with wealthy ‘clients’, often aboard megayachts.
Yaw – What does yaw mean in sailing?
To veer off course, to deviate erratically from a course (as when struck by a heavy sea) especially : to move from side to side. Wind and waves push against the ship and cause it to rock back and forth. Yaw spins the ship on an invisible middle line similar to swiveling on a chair. This can be caused by waves moving in perpendicular to the motion of the ship and can change its heading, or direction.
Z
Zinc Anodes – What are zinc anodes?
Small pieces of zinc that attach to metal boat and engine components to help protect them from corrosion due to electrolysis, an effect caused when dissimilar metals are placed in a saltwater solution. Zinc anodes protect the metal parts of submerged structures by inhibiting the rate at which the metal corrodes. Sacrificial anodes are the main component in cathodic protection, a technique used to control the corrosion of a metal by setting it up as the cathode of an electrochemical cell. Zinc anodes are the preferred choice in metal alloys for saltwater applications that need a sacrificial anode, because the alloy is less resistant to the saltwater’s electrolytes. The zinc, in essence, stops the oxidation happening to the other metal part as the zinc dissolves away.
How does a zinc anode prevent corrosion?
A zinc anode’s protective properties result from a strongly negative reduction potential, which is more negative than the metal it is protecting. Oxidants, which corrode metals, will oxidize the zinc anode rather than the protected metal structure, thus preventing the structure from being corroded.