Boat Nomenclature
Trimaran
A boat that has THREE fairly shallow-draft v‑shaped hulls joined by the boat's upperworks.
Catamaran
A boat that has TWO fairly shallow-draft v‑shaped hulls joined by the boat's upperworks.
Transom
A flat termination to a stern, above the waterline.
Displacement Hull
A hull that displaces a significant volume of water when under way. (Plows through the water.) Example: This hull is used mostly on sailboats and many powerboats like fishing boats.
Planing Hull
A hull that skims the water, rather than a large hull that displaces water. (Skims on the surface of the water.) Example: This hull is used on high-powered "racing" boats.
Pulpit
A platform that overhangs the bow and provides room to handle the forward sail or anchor.
Flying Bridge
A small, often open deck or platform above the pilothouse or main cabin, having duplicate controls and navigational equipment.
Bowsprit
A spar projecting from the bow of a sailing vessel, for holding the tacks of various jibs or stays and often supporting a jib boom.
Port (window)
A window in a vessel, particularly sailboats.
Hatch
An opening, usually rectangular, in the deck through which passengers can pass, and cargo can be loaded or unloaded.
Powerboats
Boats that are propelled by a motor or engine.
Sailboats
Boats that use a sail to catch the wind that will make the boat move with the help of the winds power and direction it is going.
Keel
Central fore-and-aft structural member in the bottom of a hull, extending from the stem to the sternpost and having the floors or frames attached to it, usually at right angles; sometimes projecting from the bottom of the hull to provide stability.
Rudder
Installed near the propeller controls the direction of travel of the boat.
Personnel Boat
Small craft used for transporting Navy personnel.
Helm
Steering gear for the boat, which may be inside or outside of a cabin.
Cabin
Structures placed on the hull that correspond to the superstructure of a ship.
Draft
The depth to which a vessel is immersed.
Beam
The extreme width of a boat.
Waterline
The part of the outside of a ship's hull that is just at the water level.
Mizzenmast
The third mast from forward in a vessel having three or more masts, or the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy.
Propeller or Screw
They transmit power to the propeller or screw under the stern via the propeller shaft. Most powerboats have three-bladed propellers, while some sailboats have two-bladed propellers.
Gig
Traditional-looking powerboat used to carry senior officers and other ship's officers.
