BOATING HOMEPAGE
Boating Terms A - E
Boating Terms F - J
Boating Terms K - P
Boating Terms Q - Z
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F...
FAST - Said of an object that is secured to another.
FATHOM - Six feet.
FENDER - A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FIGURE EIGHT KNOT - A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.
FLAME ARRESTER - A safety device, such as a metal mesh protector, to prevent an exhaust backfire from causing an explosion; operates by absorbing heat.
FLARE - The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal.
FLYING BRIDGE - An added set of controls above the level of the normal control station for better visibility. Usually open, but may have a collapsible top for shade.
FOLLOWING SEA - An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
FORE AND AFT - In a line parallel to the keel.
FORWARD - Toward the bow of the boat.
FOULED - Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.
FOUNDER - when a vessel fills with water and sinks.
FREEBOARD - The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.
G...
GAFF - A spar to support the head of a gaff sail.
GALLEY - The kitchen area of a boat.
GANGWAY - The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.
GEAR - A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL - A term, from the Navigational Rules, used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
GRAB RAILS - Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
GROUND TACKLE - Anchor, anchor rode (line or chain), and all the shackles and other gear used for attachment.
GUNWALE - The upper edge of a boat's sides.
H...
HARBOR - A safe anchorage, protected from most storms; may be natural or man-made, with breakwaters and jetties; a place for docking and loading.
HATCH - An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover.
HEAD - A marine toilet. Also the upper corner of a triangular sail.
HEADING - The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
HEADWAY - The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway.
HEAVE TO - To bring a vessel up in a position where it will maintain little or no headway, usually with the bow into the wind or nearly so.
HEEL - To tip to one side.
HELM - The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.
HITCH - A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.
HOLD - A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.
HULL - The main body of a vessel.
HYPOTHERMIA - A life-threatening condition in which the body's warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature and the entire body cools.
I...
INBOARD - More toward the center of a vessel; inside; a motor fitted inside the boat.
J...
There are no boating terms under this heading.
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