boat directions
in front of you
Forward
When a boat is moving, either by motor or wind
underway
A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed.
waterline
Over the side or out of the boat.
overboard
The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel. Knot: A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.
keel
the side of a ship or aircraft that is on the right when one is facing forward.
starboard
Refers to the front end of a boat.
Bow
These boats are generally less expensive to build and have a shallow draft (the part of the boat that's under the water). They can get up on plane easily but unless the water is very calm they tend to give a rough ride because of the flat bottom pounding on each wave. They also tend to be less stable and require careful balancing of cargo and crew. Examples of flat bottom boats might be Jon boats, small utility boats, and some high speed runabouts.
flat bottomed boats
A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.
rudder
An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover.
hatch
off to the left of the bow
Off the Port Bow
Refers to the rear right of a boat.
Starboard Quarter
The vee bottom tends to have a sharper entry into the water which provides for a smoother ride in rough water. They do, however, require more power to achieve the same speed. Many runabouts use the vee bottom design.
vee bottomed boats
A boat or a boat's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions. Secure: To make fast. Ship: A larger vessel usually thought of as being used for ocean travel. A vessel able to carry a "boat" on board. Starboard: The right side of a boat when looking forward. Stem: The forward most part of the bow. Stern: The after part of the boat. Swamp: To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
seaworthy
A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.
knot
off to the right of the bow
Off the Starboard Bow
The central part of a boating vessel.
amidships
These move easily through the water, especially at slow speeds. They do, however, tend to roll unless they are outfitted with a deep keel or stabilizers. Many trawlers, canoes and sailboats have round bottoms.
round bottomed boat
A seat across a boat on which a rower may sit.
thwart
The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
Heading
When are you moving towards the rear end of the boat
Aft
Refers to a boat moving in a backwards position (reverse).
Astern
Catamarans, trimarans, pontoon boats and some houseboats use a multi-hull design. The wide stance provides greater stability. Each of the hulls may carry any of the above bottom designs.
multi hulled boats
One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet. Navigation: The art and science of conducting a boat safely from one point to another.
nautical mile
A marine toilet.
head