Glossary

HYPOTHERMIA – A physical condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

IN-LINE FUSE – A type of protective fuse located in the power wire of a direct current (DC) circuit usually near the battery.

KEEL – The lowest portion of the boat; extends fore and aft along the boat’s bottom.

LINE – All rope in a boat or on the dock is referred to as “line.”

LIST – Leaning or tilt of a boat toward the side.

MAKING WAY – Making progress through the water.

MARINE CHART – Seagoing maps showing depths, buoys, navigation aids, etc.

MID SHIP (AMIDSHIP) – In the vicinity of the mid-length of a boat, technically the exact half way between the bow and the stern.

MOORING – An anchor, chain, or similar device that holds a boat in one location.

NAVIGATION AID – Recognizable objects on land or sea such as buoys, towers or lights which are used to fix position to identify safe and unsafe waters.

NMMA – National Marine Manufacturer’s Association

NO-WAKE SPEED – The speed at which a boat travels to produce an imperceptible wake.

PFD – Personal flotation device.

PITOT TUBE – See SPEEDOMETER PICKUP TUBE.

PLANING HULL – A hull designed to lift, thereby reducing friction and increasing efficiency.

PORPOISE – A condition in which the bow bounces up and down caused by trimming the engine too far out.

PORT – (1) The left side of a boat when facing the bow. (2) A destination or harbor.

PRIVILEGED BOAT – Term used for the boat with the right-of-way.

PROPELLER PITCH – Theoretical linear distance the propeller would move ahead during one complete revolution of it were turning with zero slippage.

RIGHT-OF-WAY– Term for the boat that has priority in meeting or crossing situations. The stand on or privileged boat.

RUB RAIL – The rubber extrusion that is fastened over the hull and deck joint.

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