A

• Aft: The rear part of a vessel.
• Abeam: At a right angle to the centerline of the vessel.
• ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council): An organization that develops safety standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of boats and yachts.
• Amidships: The middle section of a vessel, equidistant from the bow and stern.
• Anchor: A device used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, preventing it from drifting.
• Anodic: Referring to the anode in an electrochemical cell, where oxidation occurs.
• Autopilot: A navigation system that automatically controls the course of a vessel.

B

• Ballast: Weight added to a vessel to improve stability.
• Beam: The width of a vessel at its widest point.
• Bimini Top: A type of canvas cover supported by a frame, providing shade and protection from the sun.
• Bilge: The lowest compartment on a vessel where water collects.
• Boot Stripe: A decorative stripe painted along the hull, typically above the waterline.
• Bow: The front part of a vessel.
• Bonding System: A method of connecting metal parts of a vessel to reduce corrosion and improve electrical grounding.
• Bulwarks: The raised sides of a vessel’s deck that provide protection from water and wind.

C

• Cathodic Protection: A technique to prevent corrosion by making the vessel the cathode of an electrochemical cell.
• Cavitation: The formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid due to pressure changes, which can cause damage to propellers and other components.
• Chartplotter: An electronic device that integrates GPS data with nautical charts for navigation.
• Chine: The point where the bottom of the hull meets the sides, affecting the boat’s stability and handling.
• Compass: A navigational instrument that shows direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic poles.
• Composite: A material made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties.
• Core: The inner material used in composite construction to provide strength and reduce weight.
• Corrosion: The gradual destruction of materials (usually metals) by chemical reaction with their environment.
• Crevice Corrosion: A localized form of corrosion that occurs in confined spaces where stagnant water is present.

D

• Draft: The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel).
• Deadrise: The angle between the horizontal plane and the bottom of the hull, affecting stability and performance.
• Deep Vee: A hull design characterized by a sharp V-shaped bottom, providing better performance in rough waters.
• Delamination: The separation of layers in a composite material, often due to moisture intrusion or poor bonding.
• Dog: A device used to secure doors or hatches on a vessel.
• Doubler Plate: A reinforcing plate added to strengthen areas of a hull or structure.

E

• Electronics: Various electrical devices used for navigation, communication, and monitoring on a vessel.
• EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon): A device that transmits a distress signal to search and rescue services.
• Electrolyte: A liquid that conducts electricity and can facilitate corrosion processes.
• Epoxy Resin: A type of synthetic resin used for bonding and coating, known for its strong adhesive properties.
• Orthopthalic Resin: A type of polyester resin commonly used in boat construction for its good mechanical properties and resistance to water.
• Isopthalic Resin: A polyester resin that offers improved corrosion resistance and durability compared to orthopthalic resin.
• Vinylester: A type of resin that combines the properties of epoxy and polyester, providing excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion.

F

• Fiberglass: A composite material made from glass fibers and resin, commonly used in boat construction.
• Field of Vision: The area that can be seen from a specific point, crucial for navigation.
• Flashing Light: Used for signaling purposes; can be used in various situations, such as distress signals.
• Freeboard: The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level.

G

• Galvanic Corrosion: A type of corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact in a corrosive environment.
• Galvanized: Referring to steel that has been coated with zinc to prevent corrosion.
• Gel Coat: A layer of resin applied to the surface of fiberglass to provide a smooth, glossy finish.
• GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information.
• Galley: The kitchen area on a vessel.

H

• Hull: The main body of a vessel, excluding masts, rigging, and superstructure.
• Hydraulic Steering: A steering system that uses hydraulic fluid to assist in steering the vessel.
• High Water Alarm: A safety device that alerts the crew when the water level in the bilge rises above a predetermined level.
• Hawse Pipe: A tube through which an anchor chain passes from the deck to the water.

I

• Inverter: A device that converts DC (direct current) power from batteries into AC (alternating current) power for onboard electrical systems.
• Intercom: A communication system that allows crew members to communicate within the vessel.
• Intergranular Corrosion: Corrosion that occurs along the grain boundaries of a metal, often due to improper heat treatment.

L

• Load Line: A marking on the hull indicating the maximum safe loading level.
• LWL (Length Water Line): The length of the vessel at the waterline.
• List: The tilt of a vessel to one side, usually caused by uneven weight distribution.

M

• Magnetic Variation: The angle between magnetic north and true north, which must be accounted for in navigation.
• Microbial Corrosion: Corrosion caused by the activity of microorganisms.
• Mooring: The process of securing a vessel to a fixed object or anchor.
• Masthead Light: A white light located on the fore part of the vessel, visible from all directions.
• Marlin Tower: A raised platform on a fishing boat, providing a higher vantage point for spotting fish.

N

• Navigation Lights: Lights displayed on vessels to indicate their position and direction at night.
• NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association): A standard for communication between marine electronics.
• Nobility: A term sometimes used to refer to high-quality or premium features in yacht design.

O

• Outboard Motor: A propulsion system mounted externally on the transom of a boat.
• Overhang: The part of the hull that extends beyond the waterline.
• Outriggers: Extensions from the side of a vessel, often used to stabilize the boat or to provide additional support for fishing gear.
• Powerhead: The upper portion of an outboard motor that contains the engine and power components.

P

• Pitting Corrosion: A localized form of corrosion that leads to the creation of small holes or pits in the metal surface.
• Port: The left side of a vessel when facing forward.
• Radar: A system that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects, commonly used for navigation and collision avoidance.
• Rudder: A flat piece of material used to steer a vessel.
• Scupper: An opening in the side of a vessel that allows water to drain out.
• Sea Cock: A valve used to control the flow of water into or out of a vessel.
• Sea Strainer: A device that filters debris from the water intake before it enters the engine or other systems.
• Shear Line: The line where the hull meets the deck, affecting the boat’s aesthetics and water flow.
• Sole: The floor of a boat’s cabin or cockpit area.
• Strake: A longitudinal strip or ridge along the hull that helps improve water flow and stability.
• Stringer: A structural member that provides support to the hull and helps maintain its shape.
• Tabbing: The process of applying fiberglass cloth and resin to bond and reinforce joints in fiberglass construction.
• Toe Rail: A narrow rail along the edge of the deck that provides a place for crew to brace their feet and helps keep water on deck.
• Rub Rail: A protective strip along the hull’s edge that absorbs impacts and protects the boat’s sides.

R

• Rust: The common term for iron oxide, a product of corrosion on ferrous materials.
• Seaworthiness: The condition of a vessel being fit for sea travel.
• Transducer: A device that converts one form of energy into another, commonly used in sonar and fish finders.
• VHF Radio: A type of radio communication system used for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication.

T (continued)

• Triboelectric Corrosion: Corrosion that occurs due to the friction between two dissimilar materials, leading to an electrochemical reaction.

U

• CFR Title 33 Part 183: The section of the Code of Federal Regulations that establishes construction and equipment requirements for recreational vessels, ensuring safety standards for design, performance, and equipment.

W

• Watertight: A compartment or area that is sealed against water ingress.
• Weather Deck: The upper deck exposed to the elements.
• Zinc Anode: A sacrificial anode made of zinc, used in cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces.