BOATING HOMEPAGE
Boating Terms A - E
Boating Terms F - J
Boating Terms K - P
Boating Terms Q - Z
Boating Laws PDF
Float Plan Form

Glossary of Boating Terms -  K thru P

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

K...
KEDGE - To use an anchor to move a boat by hauling on the anchor rode; a basic anchor type.
KEEL - The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel.
KETCH - A two-masted sailboat with the smaller after mast stepped ahead of the rudder post.
KNOT - A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour. A fastening made by interweaving rope to form a stopper, to enclose or bind an object, to form a loop or a noose, to tie a small rope to an object, or to tie the ends of two small ropes together. .

 

L...
LEEWARD - The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward.
LEEWAY - The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current.
LINE - Rope and cordage used aboard a vessel.
LOG - A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed.
LUBBER'S LINE - A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward; parallel to the keel when properly installed.

 

M...
MAST - A spar set upright to support rigging and sails.
MONOHULL - A boat with one hull.
MOORING - An arrangement for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a pier.
MOORING BUOY - A buoy secured to a permanent anchor sunk deeply into the bottom.

 

N...
NAUTICAL MILE - 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.

 

O...
OUTBOARD - Toward or beyond the boat's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.
OUTDRIVE - A propulsion system for boats with an inboard engine operating an exterior drive, with drive shaft, gears, and propeller; also called stern-drive and inboard/outboard.
OVERBOARD - Over the side or out of the boat..

 

P...
PAINTER- A line attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing or making fast.
PAY OUT - To ease out a line, or let it run in a controlled manner.
PENNANT (sometimes PENDANT) - The line by which a boat is made fast to a mooring buoy.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) - PDF is official terminology for life jacket. When properly used, the PDF will support a person in the water. Available in several sizes and types.
PIER - A loading/landing platform extending at an angle from the shore.
PILOTING - Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc.
PITCH - 1. The alternate rise and fall of the bow of a vessel proceeding through waves; 2. The theoretical distance advanced by a propeller in one revolution; 3. Tar and resin used for caulking between the planks of a wooden vessel.
PITCHPOLING - A small boat being thrown end-over-end in very rough seas.
PLANING HULL - A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
PORT - The left side of a boat looking forward. A harbor.
PROPELLER - A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw in propelling a vessel.

 

Q — Z >