All across the country, boating is growing in popularity as people discover the fun and enjoyment that this recreational pastime offers. Although boating provides hours of enjoyment, it can also be very dangerous if the participants are not aware of the safety factors that must be considered. It is the intent of this curriculum to lay out the basics that must be considered in order to make your boating experience a pleasant one.
Here are important boating terms you should know.
PORT - The left side of a boat looking forward.
STARBOARD - The right side of a boat when looking forward.
BOW - The forward part of a boat.
STERN - The after part of the boat.
ABEAM - At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat.
AFT - Toward the stern of the boat.
FORWARD - Toward the bow of the boat.
BEAM - The greatest width of the boat.
FREEBOARD - The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.
DRAFT - The depth of water a boat draws
KEEL - The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel.
PROPELLER - is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust.
WATERLINE - is the line where the hull of a ship meets the surface of the water.