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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

halyard: Line used to hoist a spar or sail.
harbor master: The person at a harbor in charge of anchorages, berths and harbor traffic.
hard chine: A sharp-angle at the intersection of the hull's side and bottom.
hard over: Turning the steering wheel or tiller all the way in one direction.
hard-top: A large fiberglass roof or platform over the helm area.
hatch: A deck opening.
hauling: To lift a boat from the water.
hawse pipe: Fittings in the deck or gunwale through which the anchor rode or dock lines run.
head: Toilet facilities or room where they are located.
head seas: Waves coming from the direction a boat is heading.
heading: The direction a boat is pointed.
headsail: Any sail set forward of the mast.
headway: Forward motion of a boat in the water.
heave: To pull on a line. Also to throw a line.
heaving to: Setting the sails so the boat makes little headway, either used in a storm or a waiting situation.
heel: To temporarily tip or lean to one side.
helm: Area of a boat where operational controls are located.
high-performance boat: A type of boat capable of running at high speeds, often equipped with high-horsepower and exotic propulsion systems, sometimes used for racing.
hike: To lean out on the windward side of a sailboat to achieve optimal speed by offsetting heeling.
hitch: Steel framework on a tow vehicle used to hook up a trailer.
hitch ball: The ball-shaped component of the hitch that fits into the trailer coupler.
holding tank: Storage tank for gray water.
houseboat: A large, flat-bottom boat with square sides and house-like characteristics, such as comfortable furniture and living accommodations.
hull: The structural body of the boat that rests in the water.

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