BOATING HOMEPAGE
Boating Terms A - E
Boating Terms F - J
Boating Terms K - P
Boating Terms Q - Z
Boating Laws PDF
Float Plan Form
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Q | R |
S | T |
U | V |
W | X |
Y | Z
R
REEF - To reduce the sail area.
RIGGING - The general term for all the lines of a vessel.
RODE - The anchor line and/or chain.
ROLL - The alternating motion of a boat, leaning alternately to port and starboard; the motion of a boat about its fore-and-aft axis.
ROPE - In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store. When it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use, it becomes a line.
RUDDER - A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.
RUNNING LIGHTS - Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.
S
SCOPE - The ratio of the length of an anchor line, from a vessel's bow to the anchor, to the depth of the water.
SCREW - A boat's propeller.
SEA ANCHOR - Any device used to reduce a boat's drift before the wind.
SECURE - To make fast.
SHACKLE - A "U" shaped connector with a pin or bolt across the open end.
SHEAR PIN - A safety device, used to fasten a propeller to its shaft; it breaks when the propeller hits a solid object, thus preventing further damage.
SHEET BEND - A knot used to join two ropes. Functionally different from a square knot in that it can be used between lines of different diameters.
SHIP - A larger vessel usually used for ocean travel. A vessel able to carry a "boat" on board.
SHOAL - An offshore hazard to navigation at a depth of 16 fathoms (30 meters or 96 feet) or less, composed of unconsolidated material.
SLACK - Not fastened; loose. Also, to loosen.
SLOOP - A single masted vessel with working sails (main and jib) set fore and aft.
SPLICE - To permanently join two ropes by tucking their strands alternately over and under each other.
SPRING LINE - A pivot line used in docking, undocking, or to prevent the boat from moving forward or astern while made fast to a dock.
SQUALL - A sudden, violent wind often accompanied by rain.
SQUARE KNOT - A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.
STANDING PART - That part of a line which is made fast. The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.
STAND-ON VESSEL - That vessel which continues its course in the same direction at the same speed during a crossing or overtaking situation, unless a collision appears imminent. (Was formerly called "the privileged vessel.")
STARBOARD - The right side of a boat when looking forward.
STERN - The after part (back) of the boat.
STERN LINE - A docking line leading away from the stern.
STOW - To pack or store away; especially, to pack in an orderly, compact manner.
SWAMP - To fill with water, but not settle to the bottom.
T...
TACKLE - A combination of blocks and line to increase mechanical advantage.
THWART - A seat or brace running laterally across a boat.
TIDE - The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
TILLER - A bar or handle for turning a boat's rudder or an outboard motor.
TOPSIDES - The sides of a vessel between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck.
TRANSOM - The stern cross-section of a square-sterned boat.
TRIM - Fore and aft balance of a boat.
TRIMARAN - A boat with three hulls.
TRIPLINE - A line fast to the crown of an anchor by means of which it can be hauled out when dug too deeply or fouled; a similar line used on a sea anchor to bring it aboard.
TRUE NORTH POLE - The north end of the earth's axis. Also called North Geographic Pole. The direction indicated by 000° (or 360°) on the true compass rose.
TRUE WIND - The actual direction from which the wind is blowing.
TURNBUCKLE - A threaded, adjustable rigging fitting, used for stays, lifelines and sometimes other rigging.
U...
UNDERWAY - Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground
V...
V BOTTOM - A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a "V."
VARIATION - The angular difference between the magnetic meridian and the geographic meridian at a particular location.
VHF RADIO - A very high frequency electronic communications and direction finding system.
W...
WAKE
- Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind when moving across the waters.
WATERLINE
- A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a boat sinks when it is properly trimmed.
WAY
- Movement of a vessel through the water, such as headway, sternway, or leeway.
WHARF
- A man-made structure bonding the edge of a dock and built along or at an angle to the shoreline, used for loading, unloading, or tying up vessels.
WINCH
- A device used to increase hauling power when raising or trimming sails.
WINDWARD - Toward the direction from which the wind is coming. Opposite of leeward.
X...
There are no boating terms under this heading.
Y...
YAW - To swing off course, as when due to the impact of a following or quartering sea.
YAWL - A two-masted sailboat with the small mizzen mast stepped abaft the rudder post.
Z...
There are no boating terms under this heading.
