Boating Terminology Ultimate Guide

boat-terms

My father and his friend and colleague in leadership studies, used to talk to me about their work. I remember listening to them on the phone as they explained how "leadership is the ability to transform vision into reality". Although it was a bit overwhelming at the time, I remained steadfastly committed to the idea that leadership was more about creating a vision and not just telling people what they should do. You might be wondering what this has to do with boating. One, the captain of a vessel is one of the most tangible forms of leadership. They should be able to communicate and share the vision (e.g., the vessel's intended route) quickly and efficiently without any confusion. They won't be able to use the proper terms of boating (e.g. "20 degrees from starboard, full speed ahead") effectively. The boat could sink, and that is even more important!

Why is Boat Terminology Important?

It is for good reason that sailors and all boaters know to refer to the right side as the starboard side. It is essential to speak the correct language. It is important to speak the right language. Simply, calling it the port side means it is independent from the vessel's orientation and direction. This eliminates confusion. This allows crew members and passengers (on recreational boats) to react quicker to real-world situations. The following examples are two: A person standing in front of a boat has their left hand on its right side (starboard side). They would see an object on their left but it would still be on the boat's starboard side. If a vessel is in reverse and someone shouts "watch out for that rock on your right", it may confuse the captain. Saying "rock, 10 meters back, starboard side", instead, is much more helpful and eliminates the need to try and interpret any potential danger or hazard it might pose.

What are the Most Important Boating Terms for New Boaters to Learn?

These two examples show how important boating terminology is in boat safety and handling. It can also be seen that a lack of understanding or use of these terms can lead to disastrous results. What are the most important terms a new boater needs to know? Let's begin with the anatomy of a boat, i.e. The different areas of a boat. We'll be going from the back (the stern) to front (the bow).

Basic Boat Anatomy

Hull- The main body that keeps the vessel afloat in water.

Stern- The rear end of the vessel.

Chine- A change in angle of a boat’s hull. There are many hull designs that have only one chine (i.e. There are hull designs that only have one chine (i.e. simple V-shaped hulls), and others with two or more chines (such flat bottom boats), three or more chines (such rounded V-hulls), and maltichines (numerous variations in the angle of a vessel's hull). A "hard" chine is a sudden change in angle that has little rounding. A "soft chine", on the other hand, refers more to a gradual, more gentle change in angle. 

Waterline- The line where the hull of a boat rises from the water's surface.

Transom- Vertical cross section at the rear (i.e. The rear wall of a boat's cabin. This term is often used interchangeably with "stern", although it typically refers to the particular reinforcing structural cross-section, whereas "stern", applies to the overall back of the boat. The transom is the place where outboard-powered boats have their engines mounted.

Swim Platform- A horizontal platform attached to the hull. It extends from the rear (off the transom), and serves as a staging area. While some swim platforms can hold watersports equipment or tenders, others are intended for lounging.

Gunnels (or gunwhales for the scholarly Moby Dick readers).- The top of the outer sidewalls or hull edges of a vessel.

Freeboard- The measurement of the outer sidewalls of a boat from the surface of water to the top is called the freeboard. gunnel).

CockpitThe cockpit is the area within the boat's hull that allows passengers to ride or gear can be stored.

Aft Deck- The aft part of a boat's deck is located between the stern (or fore) and the midship. (Note: The term "aft" can refer to anything that is closer to the vessel's rear than where you stand. So if you are in a bow, then anything near the stern technically means "aft".

Helm- This is where the captain is seated and the boat is controlled. The main control station includes a throttle and steering wheel, as well as gauges and monitoring devices. There may be more than one control station on some boats, but the main helm is always there. The main control station on larger boats is sometimes called "The Bridge", as it is the primary command center. This area can also be called a bridgedeck for boats that have an elevated control station.

Console- A bulkhead, or partition in the cockpit. This is where the main controls are located and has storage space (sometimes a head or even an berth). Most console-equipped boats are either side consoles (or center consoles) and are used primarily as small to medium-sized fishing boats. A console is a great place to store extra safety gear and equipment.

Cabin- The main interior space of the hull that is usually enclosed and protected from the elements. Boats equipped with cabins can be used for long distance cruising, overnight trips, or weekending.

Staterooms- The bedrooms of a boat.

Berths- Any item that can be made into a bed such as a sofa or couch, including the beds on boats.

Head- Bathroom or toilet onboard.

Flybridge- A deck that is open above the main cabin and often includes a second set controls. It allows for a wide view of the water surrounding the vessel, which is useful in identifying things like diving birds and weed lines. The driver can avoid any ignorant sailboarder who has read that a sailing boat has the right of passage but has not yet read the Law of Gross Tonnage.

Galley- A yacht does not have a kitchen. Galley was originally a term that meant a vessel powered solely by oars. This is a good description for slaves who are constantly working over a hot stove.

Salon or Saloon- Both terms refer to the biggest enclosed, common area on a yacht (essentially the living room in terms of a home-based property). Modern boaters avoid confusing the salon with the bar in the old west. Saloon is the preferred term for those who sail with wind and old salts.

Common Boat Hardware

Many boats come standard with common hardware features that aid in everyday boat use. Here's a list of the most important:

Cleat- Mooring cleats, also known as mooring cleats, are strong fixtures that attach to the hull of a boat and can be used for docking lines.

Anchor- A device that attaches a vessel to a body or water to prevent it from moving. This is distinct from a mooring. It is a permanent underwater structure to which a boat is attached that is permanently fixed to.

T-Top- A T-top is a structure that is attached to the boat's deck to provide shelter and shade from the sun. You can make them from metal, wood, or fiberglass. However, they are most often metal frames for modern boats. They are sometimes called "T-Tops" as they are shaped like a capital letter "T".

Scuppers- These drains are located in the cockpit and allow water to rapidly be expelled from the boat after heavy rainstorms or when the captain puts the boat in reverse, but not closing the transom doors.

Davit- A crane that lifts or lowers items such as dinghies or jet skis. This little crane, which is derived from the Old French word daviot, or "little David", of Biblical fame can lower large objects like David did when he dropped Goliath.

Fenders- Is the foam cushion or air-filled cushions temporarily attached to the vessel's exterior to prevent it being damaged by another boat or dock? A fender being called a bumper by an experienced seaman can result in them deducting 10 points from your boating intelligence. A driver who is not experienced enough to handle a fender hanging overboard while cruising is a great way to advertise their ignorance.

Fishing Features on a Boat

There are many reasons why people buy boats. You can use your boat for leisure, eco-tours, or hosting lavish parties, as well as high-performance powerboat races and hardcore fishing tournaments. Whatever style of boating you choose, the incredible capabilities of modern boats are due in large part to tournament fishing. Speed and fishability are crucial. Boats that are designed for fishing (or fishing boats) have a few common features. Many boats that are "family-friendly", offer comfortable accommodation and cruising capabilities. They can also be used as fishing boats or recreational cruising boats. Here's a list of the most popular:

Livewell (or Baitwell, or Bait Tank)- These tanks can be filled with water or drained. They can also be circulated by a water pump to keep the fish inside. Although fish boxes come in many shapes and sizes, they are typically insulated tanks that have a drain. You can fill them with ice and fresh fish can be caught. Once they are packed, the compartment is sealed to preserve them until they return to shore.

Fish boxes- Boxes used to store fish. They are usually insulated and have a drain plug.

Rod holders- Useful holders to secure fishing rods during fishing.

Rocket Launchers- A study rod holder which keeps the rods high up and out of the way. It is usually mounted to a T-Top on a boat and is made of stainless steel or heavy-duty anodized finish.

Outriggers- A long pole that is attached to the side of a boat in order to store fishing lines.

Downriggers- Horizontal poles designed to support trolling fishing line.

The Four Points of a Vessel’s Compass

Direction and speed are crucial when you're out on the water. It is important to be able to quickly and easily use the four points of a vessel’s compass when communicating. These have been covered for most of the time, but we wanted to give you a quick overview.

Fore- It's not the command to defend oneself after a bad golf shot, but it is a shorter version of the word forward. The bow is the forward part of a boat (rhymes in wow!). The bow is not the correct name for a boat and should be called the front.

Aft- This is the opposite of fore. It refers to either a backward direction, i.e. "I'm heading fore" is the name for the "back", which, like Voldemort in Harry Potter, shouldn't be spoken aloud.

Port- The left side of the boat facing forward. It can be referred to with the mnemonic phrase "The boat left port".

Starboard- Hail from the days when the "steerboard", or rudder, was attached to the right side. The words left and right, like front and back should not be used unless you are engaging in heated political discussions -- something that is best avoided aboard a boat because of the tight confines.

Knowledge Is Power: Do Your Due Diligence

A bumper sticker that stated "be the dog you think you are" was something I saw the other day. Although I don't know what type of dog she thinks that I am, she looks at me every time she gets to the boat. She needs me to lift her over the gunnel into the cockpit and then clip her leash onto her heavy-duty carabiner so that she doesn't get too excited and fall overboard from the seagulls overhead. This seems like good advice. It reminds me of a Chinese fortune-cookie I received recently. "In any moment. Be what you should be." Boat captains have to know the rules and safety guidelines for boating before they get on the water.


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