Get Started>Boating Basics>Glossary of Terms

Boating Glossary of Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

camber: Curvature of a sail.
can buoy: Cylindrical navigation buoy with a flat top, generally green in color.
capsize: To flip a boat over.
capstan: A winch used for hauling heavy objects such as anchors.
cast off: To unfasten all lines in preparation for departure.
casting platform: Elevated deck clear of obstruction used by anglers to make casts, often equipped with pedestal chairs.
catamaran: A twin hulled boat, either power or sail.
catboat: Small, simple sailboat with one mast and sail set far forward.
cavitation: Inefficient low-pressure pockets on propellers form bubbles that collapse against the blades resulting in premature wear.
center console boat: Fishing boat with the helm station located amidships for maximum walk-through space around the perimeter of the boat.
centerboard: A keel-like pivoting device, typically in a trunk, that can be lowered or raised to act as a keel.
channel: The navigable portion of a waterway.
chart plotter: Electronic navigation device that displays charts for use in plotting a course.
chart recorder: An electronic depth sounder that records bottom structure data on paper.
charts: Paper or electronic navigation maps.
chine: Portion of the hull where the bottom and sides intersect (can be rounded or angled).
chopped fiberglass: Fiberglass strands cut and simultaneoulsy mixed with resin by and applied to a boat mold by using a chopper gun.
chumming: Placing fish or fish parts in the water to attract gamefish.
class I hitch: Trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity up to 2,000 pounds; available as a bumper mount, step bumper or bumper/frame mount.
class II hitch: Frame-mounted trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
class III hitch: Frame-mounted trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
class IV hitch: Frame-mounted trailer hitch with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.
cleat: Hardware piece on a boat or a dock to which lines are attached.
clew: The after-most corner of a sail.
close-hauled: Sailing as close to the wind as possible.
coaming: A raised edge, as around the cockpit or around a hatchway, to keep water out.
Coast Guard safety package: Basic safety gear required by federal law consisting of personal flotation device, throwable flotation device, visible distress signals, fire extinguisher and a horn, whistle or bell.
cockpit: Deck space for the crew of a boat, typically recessed.
COLREGS: Coast Guard term for the navigation rules of the road; full name is International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
come about: To tack or change heading relative to the wind.
companionway: Entryway from the deck to the belowdeck cabin area.
convertible: A bluewater fishing boat typically more than 35 feet long with a full cruising salon, a fish-fighting cockpit and many other saltwater fishing features.
coring material: Any of a variety of lightweight materials used between layers of fiberglass laminates to add strength.
Corinthian: Amateur yachtsman.
counter rotation: The act of two propellers spinning in opposite directions on a single shaft.
coupler: Component on a boat trailer that connects to the hitchball.
course: Direction in which a boat is steered.
cruiser: A boat with overnight accommodations.
cuddy cabin: Belowdecks accommodations in the bow area for overnighting and stowage.
cure: Hardening process for resin-soaked fiberglass laminates.
curtains: Attachable front and side enclosures that protect the helm area from weather.
cutter: Single-masted sailboat similar to a sloop, but with the mast farther aft to allow for a double headsail.

GET STARTED