Feeling the sea breeze blow through your hair, soaking up sun rays, exploring the open waters: these are all things new boaters fantasize about.
But before you can enjoy your boat, you have to know your way around it. Not only that, but you must also be prepared for what and who you’ll come across while boating.
If you’re a new boater, read on for some boating terminology you need to memorize before you take off from the docks.
Anatomy of a Boat
These features are present on almost all boat models. Knowing the anatomy of a boat is essential to your understanding of navigating and dock your vessel.
- Back Light: all-round (shines from every angle) white navigation light located in the back of the boat
- Cleat: metal fittings at the front of the boat where a rope can be fastened
- Gunwale: upper-edge of the side of the boat
- Hull: the body of the boat
- Sidelights: red and green navigation lights located at the front of the boat
- Transom: where the propellor(s) attaches at the backend of the boat
Common Types of Boats
The following are the most common types of boats you’ll come across while on the open waters. These boats are designed for recreational use.
- Fishing Boats: boats designed to improve efficiency when fishing for all sorts of fish
- Runabouts: also called “bowriders”
- Sailboats: any boat in which the boater uses a sail to capture any available wind to propel the boat forward in place of a propellor engine
- Towboats: specifically designed to tow water skiers and wakeboarders
The best boat for you depends on what you intend to use a boat for.
Nautical Symbolism
Symbolic nautical tattoos offer a unique insight into the lives of seafarers. Sailor tattoos can tell you a lot about a fellow seafarer you come across while out on the water before you even speak a word.
Common nautical tattoos include:
- Swallow(s): one swallow tattooed for every 5000 nautical miles the sailor has traveled
- Nautical Star: represents the north star
More Boating Terminology
Boating terminology is so specific that it even has its own words for the front, back, left, and right.
- Bow: the front side of the boat
- Port: the backside of the boat
- Starboard: the right side of the boat
- Stern: the left side of the boat
These terms come in handy when understanding navigation rules: a set of actions used by boaters to prevent any collision.
Enjoy Your Boating Experience
You must know your way around your boat before you first take it out for a spin. Additionally, knowing specific boating terms will help you when you encounter other boaters while out on the water. Now that you understand basic boating terminology, you are ready to enjoy the open waters to the fullest extent as a new boater.
Our website provides you with breaking news and keeps you up to date with all the hottest fashion, music, and entertainment. Browse our blogs for more boating-related information.
