Boating Glossary of Terms

aerate: To force air and oxygen into livewells to keep fish or bait alive. Also, to force air under the running surface of a hull.
aft: The rear of the boat.
aft cabin: Sleeping quarters beneath the aft or rear section of the boat (sometimes called a mid cabin when located beneath the helm).
alee: The side of a boat or object away from the direction of the wind.
aloft: Above deck in the rigging.
aluminum fish boat: Small, lightweight, durable trailerboat constructed of aluminum that is either welded or riveted; generally used for freshwater fishing.
amidships: Center section of a boat.
anchorage: A location intended or suited for anchoring.
anti-fouling paint: A special paint applied to a boat's hull to prevent marine growth.
apparent wind: The direction and velocity of wind as felt in a moving boat.
astern: The direction toward or beyond the stern.
athwart: Perpendicular to a boat's centerline
aweigh: An anchor that is off the bottom.
axle ratio: The relationship of revolutions of a tow vehicle's axle to that of its driveshaft or transaxle, e.g. 2.74:1.