Boating Terminology

  • Port Beam: The widest part of the boat on the port side is called the port beam.
  • Port Bow: The port surface of the vessel’s hull that curves inward to the stern is called the port bow.
  • Port Quarter: The port surface of the vessel’s hull that is located behind the beam is called the port quarter.
  • Starboard Beam: The widest part of the boat on the starboard side is called the starboard beam.
  • Starboard Bow: The starboard surface of the vessel’s hull that curves inward to the stern is called the starboard bow.
  • Starboard Quarter: The starboard surface of the vessel’s hull that is located behind the beam is called the starboard quarter.
  • Aft: Anything at, near, or toward the stern of the boat is considered to be aft.
  • Ahead: Anything in front of the boat, including objects or a destination, would be considered ahead.
  • Astern: Anything behind the boat, including objects or locations, would be considered astern.
  • Draft: The distance between the waterline and the deepest part of the boat is called the draft.
  • Forward: Anything at, near, or toward the bow of the boat is considered to be forward.
  • Freeboard: The distance measured from the waterline to the upper deck edge where water could enter the boat is called the freeboard.
  • Waterline: Where the boat’s hull meets the water’s surface is called the waterline.