Chapter 1: Know Your Boat
The Many Parts of a Boat

Boats come in many styles and shapes, but the names of the different parts remain consistent. Every boat operator should know the following terms and definitions.

Vessel Parts from Side View

• Bow: Front of a vessel
• Stern: Rear of a vessel
• Starboard: Right side of a vessel
• Port: Left side of a vessel
• Hull: Body of a vessel
• Gunwale: Upper edge of vessel's side (generally pronounced gunnel)
• Cleat: Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened
• Navigation lights include all-round white light and red and green sidelights

Vessel Parts from Front View

• Beam: Maximum width of a vessel
• Freeboard: Distance from water to lowest point of the boat where water could come on board
• Draft: Depth of water needed to float a vessel
• Propeller: Rotates and powers a boat forward or backward
• Keel: Main centerline (backbone) of a vessel or the extension of hull that increases stability in the water

Test Your Knowledge! Find out if you've learned the various parts of a boat with this interactive animation. (Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, follow this link to install the Flash Player.)