Captain's Log

Nautical Terms

TermDefinition
Altitude AdjustmentOur 52’ cockpit motor yacht
AnchorageSomewhere favorable to drop anchor
BathymetryTopography of the ocean floor
BeamThe width of the boat at its widest point
Bow/Fore DeckFront of the boat
CleatA metal fitting used to tie boats to docks
DisplacementThe water displaced by a boat, equal to the weight of the boat
Draft/DrawThe distance between the waterline and deepest point of the boat
FenderRubber airbags used to hold boats off of hard surfaces like docks or other boats to avoid damage
GalleyKitchen
HatchWindows
HeadBathroom
ICWIntracoastal Waterway
KeelCenter line of a vessels hull, can be weighted to increase stability
KnotsA measure of speed for watercraft, 1 knot = 1.15mph
LinesRopes
ListA boat’s lean to one side or the other, weight isn’t properly distributed
Pilothouse/HelmWhere the boat is steered/controlled from
PortLeft
PropsThe propulsion device that moves watercraft
SalonLivingroom
ScopeThe angle of the anchor chain between the anchor and the bow of the boat
SkiffA small boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from a larger boat
SnubberA device used to lower the scope of the chain and take tension off of the windlass
StageTo prepare to cross, anchoring close to the crossing point in preparation of travel
StarboardRight
StateroomBedroom
Stern/Aft DeckBack of the boat
TideRise and fall of the oceans caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon
WakeWaves caused by a vessel disturbing water it moves through, intensifies with speed
WindlassA winch used to retrieve anchors