Understanding the Parts of Your Boat

 

The following are a basic list of common terms that you may encounter if you're new to boating. Knowing these terms can help in the ordering of parts, and will make you look cooler with your family and friends.

Bow

This is the forward most part of the boat.

Stern

The rear of the boat.

Port

Facing forward, port is on your left.

Starboard

Starboard, or stbd for short, is on the right side of the boat if you're facing forward.

Forward

Anything near, or toward the front of the boat is considered to be forward.

Aft

The opposite of forward, anything near or toward the stern is considered aft.

Helm

The helm is wherever your boat is steered from. When driving, the captain is said to be "at the helm".

Transom

The transom is the rear end of the boat. If you have an outboard engine, it hangs on the transom. An I/O has a hole in the transom to accommodate the drive system.

Gunwale

This is usually shortened to gunnel. It is considered to be the sidewalls of your boat, as seen from inside the boat. Essentially, from the floor of the boat to the top of the rail is the gunnel.

Freeboard

This is considered to be the distance from the water to the top of the gunwale (side of the boat).