Glossary Archive

The compass permanently mounted adjacent to the helmsman which he uses as a reference to keep the boat on a given course    

A mechanical device used in steering systems on boats, consisting of a quadrant-shaped gear connected to the rudder to control the direction of the vessel.  A steering quadrant is a component of a boat's steering system, translating the movement of the steering wheel into a turning motion of the rudder. It is typically attached to...

The forward most part of the hull

The rear or aft-most part of a vessel. The stern is a critical part of any boat or ship, as it is the section located at the very back of the vessel, opposite the bow (the front). Historically, the stern was often ornately decorated, especially on older sailing ships, but in modern vessels, it is...

A stern drive is a propulsion system commonly used in recreational motor vessels. It consists of an inboard engine connected to a steerable drive unit mounted on the boat's transom. The drive unit includes a propeller that provides thrust to propel the boat forward, while the steering mechanism allows for directional control. Stern drives are...

A white navigational light mounted at the rear of a vessel, visible from directly behind and within a specified arc, used to indicate the vessel's position and heading to other boats during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. A stern light is an essential component of a vessel's navigation lighting system, as mandated by the International Regulations...

A mooring line used to secure the aft (stern) of a vessel to a dock, quay, or another fixed structure. A stern line is an essential component of a vessel's mooring system, specifically designed to stabilise and secure the rear (stern) of the boat when it is docked. It is typically one of several lines...

A mooring line that runs diagonally from the stern of a vessel to a point further forward on a dock or another vessel to help control fore-and-aft movement.  A stern spring is an essential mooring line used to prevent a vessel from surging forward or aft while docked. It is secured at the stern of...

The crosspiece fitted at right angles to an anchor’s shank that helps the anchor turn onto its side so a fluke can dig into the seabed. The stock’s job is to control how the anchor lands when it reaches the seabed. By holding one side up, it prevents the anchor lying flat and encourages one...

A knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to stop it from passing through a hole; most commonly a figure of eight knot.