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Boating Glossary of Terms

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fathom: Nautical depth measurement equaling six feet.
fender: A cylindrical or round cushion used to protect the hull sides of a boat, typically used when tied up at dock.
fetch: To clear a buoy, point of land or object without having to make a tack.
fiberglass: Glass fibers either loose or woven, reinforced with resin and used in the construction of many boats.
fighting chair: A fix-mounted chair used to help land large gamefish on bluewater fishing boats equipped with a footrest, gimbal-mounted rod holder, safety harness and other fish-fighting gear.
fin keel: A keel shaped like the fin of a fish that is shorter and deeper than a full-length keel.
fishfinder: Electronic device that uses sonar to locate and display fish on a monitor.
fix: The position of a boat recorded in coordinates or bearings.
flare: A pyrotechnic device used to indicate distress. Also, the outward curvature of the sides on the bow of a boat.
flat-bottom boat: Type of boat or hull shape with very little or no deadrise.
flats boat: Type of small, inshore saltwater fishing boat with moderate deadrise and draft, usually equipped with a raised platform aft used by a guide pushing a long pole to silently maneuver the boat through shallow tidal water.
flying bridge: Raised, second-story helm station, often located above the primary helm.
following sea: Wave pattern running in the same direction as the boat.
foot: The bottom edge of a sail.
fore: Located at the front of a boat.
foredeck: Forward part of the main deck, ahead of the superstructure.
foul-weather gear: Jacket, pants and hat used during inclement weather.
founder: To sink.
four-cycle engine: A gasoline- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine that takes four cycles or strokes of the piston to complete its power phase. Also called four-stroke engine.
frame-mount hitch: Hitch fastened to the frame of a tow vehicle.
freeboard: Vertical distance between the waterline and the top of the hull side.
furling: Rolling or folding a sail on its boom.

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