Glossary

Basic Terminology

Bow…………………………………………..Front
Stern…………………………………………Back
Port…………………………………………..Left
Starboard……………………………………Right
Amidship…………………………………….Any Cross Section
Midship………………………………………Cross Section at Widest Point
Freeboard…………………………………..Difference between the water and deck
Keel………………………………………….Main longitudinal support of a ship
Stern Post…………………………………..Timber that comes up from the keel on the stern
Stem…………………………………………Timber that comes up from the keep at the bow
Transom……………………………………..Pieces of timber that come off of the stem
Treenail/Trunnel……………………………Wooden Peg
Beam…………………………………………Width

Boat Types

Flat Bottom…………………………………Vessel constructed with a flat bottom
Curved Bottom…………………………….Vessel constructed with a more wine glass shape
Deadrise…………………………………….Vessel constructed with a ‘V’ shaped bottom