UNDERSTANDING COMMON BOATING TERMINOLOGY

By MSW -

 

Whether you are new to the boating life, or an experienced boater, the need for a good understanding of boating terminology is a vital necessity. Knowing how your boat works, the function of each part of the vessel, how to address issues when they arise, and a basic understanding of boating safety is knowledge every boat owner should have. 

Being able to properly communicate with those on your boat in case of an emergency situation is crucial to the safety of everyone on board. In the event that you need to call for help, knowing common boat terms will come in handy when speaking with dock staff and even the coast guard when the need arises.
Firstmate Controls knows the importance of boating safety and would like to share with you some common boating terms every boat owner should know.

COMMON BOATING TERMS:



HULL:

The Hull is the bottom part of the boat that sits partially in the water. With a V-hull boat, the hull is made of fiberglass and shaped like a V. With a pontoon boat, the hull is made of pontoons and a frame on which the sides and the floor sit.

BOW:

Refers to the front end or most forward part of a boat. You will typically find seating with an open bow, but if the bow is closed, there is usually a cabin below. (You can remember "bow" as the front, because when you take a bow, you're leaning forward.)

STERN:

Refers to the rear of a boat. This is where the engine is on most boats, along with seating and sometimes a swim platform and ladder.

FORWARD:

This refers to the area towards the front or bow of the boat. When you are moving towards the front end of a boat, this is called going "forward."

MIDSHIPS:

The central part of a boating vessel.

AFT:

This means moving towards the rear or stern of the boat.

HELM:

The Helm of the boat is where the steering wheel and controls are located for the captain to operate the vessel.

TRANSOM:

The Transom is the area of the boat where the motor is attached and is located on the stern of the boat.

PORT:

When on the boat and looking forward at the bow, the Port side is the left-hand side of the boat and is where the red side light is located. The words port and left both have four letters which makes them easier to remember.

STARBOARD:

When on the boat and looking forward at the bow,  the Starboard is the right-hand side of the boat and is where the green sidelight is located. 

UNDERWAY:

When a boat is moving, either by motor or wind, this is called being "underway."

AHEAD:

Refers to a boat moving in a forward direction.

ASTERN:

Refers to a boat moving in a backward position (reverse).

TRIM:

To trim the motor means to move it up or down. This is used when in shallow water to protect the lower unit from hitting the ground by trimming the motor up.


NAVIGATION LIGHT:

Navigation light refers to all of the lights used on a boat while operating at night. These serve two important functions, one to make sure your boat is visible when operating at night, and the other to show who has the right of way when approaching another boat. The red and green sidelights indicate the right of way. If you are approaching a boat and see a red light you do not have the right of way, if you see green you can proceed.

ANCHOR LIGHT:

This light can be found on any type of boat, located on the highest point of the boat or off the stern, and should be used when the boat is anchored at night.

DOCKING LIGHT:

These are the brightest lights on a vessel and should only be used when docking at night, not while the boat is underway as they are too bright and present a distraction to other boaters.


We hope this blog has been helpful and informative. By learning and familiarizing yourself with these common boating terms, you will be more easily able to communicate with those who are on your boat, and those in the boating or water safety industry. This will make boat ownership much easier and enjoyable along with conversations with other boat owners. Just remember, the more you know about your boat and boating safety, the better prepared you are when you're out on the water.

Another great way to better prepare for a great boating experience is to have a Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control System installed for your dock lift. Our remote systems can be customized to fit any lift size, and make docking, launching, loading, and unloading a breeze! For more information about our marine electronic equipment, visit our website at www.FirstmateControls.com or call us at 866-570-9707. Happy Boating!

Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!



Firstmate Controls 
410 Century Business Drive
Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707



Location: Labadie, MO 63055, USA

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