Terminology

Question 1

bow

Answer 1

front of a vessel

Question 2

cleat

Answer 2

metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened

Question 3

gunwale (pronounced gunnel)

Answer 3

upper edge of vessel’s side

Question 4

hull

Answer 4

body of a vessel

Question 5

port

Answer 5

left side of a vessel

Question 6

starboard

Answer 6

right side of a vessel

Question 7

stern

Answer 7

rear of a vessel

Question 8

beam

Answer 8

maximum width of a vessel

Question 9

freeboard

Answer 9

distance from water to lowest point of the boat where water could come on board

Question 10

draft

Answer 10

depth of water needed to float a vessel

Question 11

keel

Answer 11

main centerline/backbone of a vessel or the extension of hull that increases stability in the water

Question 12

displacement hull

Answer 12

moves through the water by pushing the water aside and are designed to cut through the water with very little propulsion.

Question 13

planing hull

Answer 13

designed to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied.

Question 14

What type of hull do jet-skis have? displacement, or planing?

Answer 14

planing

Question 15

What three modes do planing hulls operate in?

Answer 15

Displacement mode - when it cuts through water like a displacement hull
Plowing mode - when bow starts raising, throwing a large wake. This mode should not be maintained.
Planing mode - when boat starts gliding on top of water