New to Boating?

Boating has a specialized vocabulary, which can seem daunting, whether you're a first-time boat buyer or just beginning to learn about vessels. This terminology covers everything from the names of boat parts to seasonal maintenance and docking commands.

What This Beginner’s Glossary Covers

• Terms you’ll hear when buying a new or used boat

• Language used during maintenance, repairs, and storage

• Boating and navigation terms you’ll encounter at marinas or on the water

Want a quick reference? Scroll to the categorized list at the bottom of this post.

Basic Parts of a Boat

Overall Structure

• Hull – The main body of the boat that sits in the water

• Beam – The widest point of the boat

• Draft – The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull

• Transom – The flat back end of the boat

• Freeboard – The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level

Directional Terms

• Bow – The front of the boat

• Stern – The back of the boat

• Port – Left side (when facing forward)

• Starboard – Right side (when facing forward)

• Forward / Aft – Toward the front / Toward the back

Control and Navigation

• Helm – The steering station

• Console – The dashboard or control area

• Throttle – Controls speed and engine power

• Trim – Adjusts the angle of the motor to the water

• Chartplotter – GPS-based navigation screen used to track location and routes

Engine and Performance Terms

Outboard, Inboard, and Sterndrive

• Outboard – An engine mounted on the back of the boat, common for smaller boats

• Inboard – An engine housed inside the boat’s hull

• Sterndrive (I/O) – A hybrid of an inboard engine with an outboard drive unit

Speed and Handling

• RPM – Revolutions per minute, used to measure engine speed

• Planing – When the boat rises and skims across the water

• Wake – The trail of water left behind by the boat

• Idle – Low-speed engine mode

• Cavitation – When bubbles form around the propeller, reducing performance

Safety and Required Equipment

Essential Safety Gear

• Life Jackets / PFDs – Must be Coast Guard–approved and properly fitted

• Throwable Devices – Cushion or ring buoy for man-overboard situations

• Fenders – Bumpers used to protect your boat at the dock

• Bilge Pump – Removes water that collects in the boat

• Fire Extinguisher – Required onboard in case of emergency

Communication and Navigation Aids

• VHF Radio – Used to communicate with other boats and marinas

• Channel Markers – Help guide safe navigation through waterways

• Buoys – Floating markers indicating hazards or channel directions

• No-Wake Zones – Areas where you must slow down to prevent wakes

Docking and Maneuvering Terms

Common Dock Terms

• Mooring – Securing your boat in place using an anchor, lines, or a buoy

• Cleats – Metal fittings where ropes (lines) are tied

• Lines – Nautical term for ropes used in boating

• Fender Placement – Proper positioning of bumpers when docking

• Slip – A designated parking space for boats at a marina

On-Water Movements

• Anchoring – Dropping an anchor to keep the boat in place

• Drifting – Letting the boat move with the wind or current

• Tacking / Coming About – Changing direction under sail

• Turning Radius – How tightly the boat can turn

Trailer and Transport Terms

For Boaters Who Tow

• Trailer Winch – A Device that pulls the boat onto the trailer

• Tongue Weight – Downward force on the hitch

• Bunks and Rollers – Support the boat’s hull during transport

• Trailer Lights and Wiring – Required for safe, legal trailering

Seasonal Services and Maintenance Terms

Service Language You’ll Hear

• Winterization – Prepping the boat for off-season storage

• Shrink Wrap – Protective plastic cover for winter storage

• Commissioning – Preparing the boat for spring/summer use

• Tune-up – Routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacement

• Lift / Haul-Out – Removing the boat from the water for service or storage

Boat Options Glossary

Here's a breakdown of popular boat types you might see in listings:

• Bowrider – Open bow for seating and lounging

• Cabin Cruiser – Enclosed cabin, often with sleeping space

• Catamaran – Twin-hull boat, stable and spacious

• Center Console – Open deck with helm in the center, great for fishing

• Cuddy Cabin – Small enclosed cabin near the bow

• Deck Boat – Wide, open deck, ideal for entertaining

• Downeast Boat – Traditional New England-style cabin cruisers

• Dual Console – Two consoles with a walk-through in the middle

• Express Boat – Sleek, fast boat with some cabin space

• Fishing Boat – Explicitly designed for angling

• House Boat – Livable boat with full-size amenities

• Inflatable Boat – Lightweight, portable dinghies

• Personal Watercraft – Jet ski-style watercraft

• Pontoon Boat – Flat deck on two or three tubes, great for groups

• Runabout – Small motorboat for casual cruising

• Towboat – Designed for watersports like wakeboarding

• Walkaround – Fishing boat with accessible bow walkway

Need Help Choosing the Right Boat?

Whether you’re shopping for a new model, considering a used boat, or just learning the basics, our team at Petzold’s Marine Center is here to help.

Browse our new boats or used inventory, check out our entire selection of boats for sale page, or get in touch to ask questions and schedule a walkthrough.

Want to go deeper on service or seasonal prep? Learn more about our winter storage and financing support.