1Bow
The forward end of the hull, from the stem back to where the topsides straighten.
The yacht in 3D: turn her and click any part
Drag to turn her, click a part to name it, or pick one from the list below and she turns to show you.
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The boat drawn here is a masthead sloop with a fin keel and wheel steering, the most common cruising yacht you will step aboard. Where a name differs between British and American usage, both are given.
Hull and underwater body
2Stem
The leading edge of the bow, the part that meets the water first.
3Transom
The flat or curved surface across the stern that closes the hull aft.
4Topsides
The sides of the hull above the waterline.
5Waterline
Where the hull meets the water when the boat floats at her designed trim.
6Freeboard
The height from the waterline up to the deck edge; more freeboard means a drier boat.
7Rubbing strake
A protective moulding along the deck edge that takes the knocks alongside.
8Keel
The ballasted fin under the hull: it carries weight low and resists sideways drift.
Fin keel
A deep, narrow keel: good upwind, needs more water under the boat.
Long keel
A keel running much of the hull length: steadier on course, slower to turn, harder to berth astern.
Centreboard
A plate that lifts into a case instead of a fixed keel, for shallow water.
9Ballast
The weight cast into or bolted under the keel that keeps the boat upright.
10Rudder
The blade at the stern that steers the boat by deflecting the water flow.
11Rudder stock
The shaft that carries the rudder blade up into the hull to the steering gear.
12Skeg
A fixed fin ahead of the rudder that supports and protects it.
13Propeller
Turned by the engine shaft to drive the boat under power.
Propeller shaft
The shaft from the gearbox to the propeller.
Stern gland
The seal where the shaft leaves the hull; it keeps the water out.
Seacock
A valve on a hole through the hull; it can be shut if a hose fails.
Through-hull fitting
The fitting that passes a pipe through the hull for water in or out.
Antifouling
Paint below the waterline that slows weed and shell growth.
Sacrificial anode
A block that corrodes instead of the shaft and propeller: zinc in salt water, magnesium in fresh, aluminium in both.
14Bathing platform
The step at the transom for getting aboard from the water or the dinghy.
Boarding ladder
The ladder that folds down from the transom or the side.
Bilge keels
Twin shallow keels that let the boat dry out upright.
Steering quadrant
The fitting on the rudder stock that the steering cables pull on.
Deck and deck fittings
1Deck
The working surface you walk on, from the foredeck aft to the cockpit.
2Coachroof
The raised structure over the cabin, giving headroom below.
3Coaming
The raised edge around a cockpit or hatch that keeps water out.
4Foredeck
The deck forward of the mast, where anchor work is done.
5Sidedeck
The walkway along each side between coachroof and toe rail.
6Toe rail
The low rail at the deck edge that stops a foot, and a boot, from sliding off.
7Anchor locker
The compartment in the bow for the anchor chain.
8Bow roller
The roller at the stem that the anchor chain runs over.
9Windlass
The winch that hauls the anchor chain; hand or electric.
15Anchor
Holds the boat to the seabed; its type suits the bottom you anchor on.
In the rules Rule 30
Anchor chain
The chain, or chain and rope, between anchor and boat; the length you let out is the scope.
10Cleat
A horned fitting to make a mooring line fast quickly and release it under load.
Bitts
A strong pair of posts, or a samson post, for mooring and towing lines; smaller yachts use cleats instead.
11Fairlead
Guides a rope so it leads cleanly and does not chafe.
12Guardrails
The wires around the deck that stop you going over the side.
13Stanchion
The upright post that carries the guardrails.
14Bow pulpit
The rail around the bow, a handhold when working the foredeck.
15Stern pushpit
The rail around the stern; the lifebuoy usually lives here.
16Forehatch
The hatch over the forward cabin, also a way out if the companionway is blocked.
17Companionway
The main way down below, closed by washboards and a sliding hatch.
Washboards
The boards that close the companionway against water and weather.
18Deck hatch
A hatch for light and air over the saloon or a cabin.
19Portlight
A window in the coachroof or hull side; the opening kind lets air in.
20Dorade box
A vent that lets air below while keeping spray out.
Scupper
A drain that lets water off the deck or out of the cockpit.
21Genoa track
The rail on the sidedeck carrying the car that leads the headsail sheet.
22Mainsheet traveller track
The athwartships track that lets the mainsheet block move across the boat.
Nonskid
The moulded or applied texture that gives grip on a wet deck.
23Grabrail
The rail along the coachroof you hold on the way forward.
Mooring warps
The ropes that hold the boat to the pontoon: bow, stern and springs.
Spring
A mooring line led fore or aft that stops the boat surging along the berth.
Fenders
Hung over the side to keep the topsides off the pontoon or another boat.
Spars
16Mast
The main spar that carries the sails; the steaming light sits on its forward face part way up, not at the top.
In the rules Rule 23
17Masthead
The top of the mast: halyard sheaves, wind vane, aerial, and on most yachts the anchor light or a tricolour.
In the rules Rule 25
18Mast step
The socket the mast heel sits in, on the keel or on the coachroof.
Mast heel
The bottom end of the mast.
19Mast partners
The reinforced opening where a keel-stepped mast passes through the deck.
20Spreaders
Struts that push the shrouds outboard so they hold the mast straight.
21Boom
The horizontal spar along the foot of the mainsail.
22Gooseneck
The hinge that joins the boom to the mast.
23Boom vang
Pulls the boom down to keep the mainsail from twisting; also called a kicking strap.
24Topping lift
Holds the boom up when the mainsail is down.
Spinnaker pole
Holds the tack of the spinnaker out to windward, squared off with the guy.
Bowsprit
A spar forward of the bow that carries the tack of a downwind sail.
Pole topping lift
Holds the spinnaker pole up.
Pole downhaul
Holds the spinnaker pole down against the topping lift.
Standing rigging
25Forestay
The wire from the masthead to the bow that stops the mast falling aft.
26Backstay
The wire from the masthead to the stern; tensioning it bends the mast and flattens the main.
27Shrouds
The wires each side that hold the mast up athwartships.
Cap shroud
The shroud that runs over the spreader tip to the masthead.
Lower shroud
The shroud from the deck to the mast below the spreaders.
Running backstay
An adjustable stay set up on the windward side to support the mast.
28Turnbuckle
The screw fitting that tensions a stay or shroud; also called a rigging screw.
24Chainplate
The strong point on the hull or deck the shrouds are fastened to.
Swage terminal
The pressed fitting at the end of a wire; the usual place a stay fails.
Running rigging
29Halyard
The rope that hoists a sail.
Main halyard
Hoists the mainsail.
Jib halyard
Hoists the headsail.
30Mainsheet
Controls how far the boom, and the mainsail, is let out.
25Jib sheets
The two ropes that trim the headsail, one each side.
Outhaul
Pulls the clew of the mainsail aft along the boom to flatten it.
Cunningham
Pulls down on the luff of the mainsail, moving the draft forward as the wind builds.
Reefing line
Pulls the reef cringle down to the boom when you shorten sail.
Furling line
Rolls the headsail away around the forestay.
26Winch
A geared drum that gives you the pull to trim a loaded sheet or halyard.
Winch handle
The removable handle for the winch; take it out before it goes over the side.
27Rope clutch
Holds a rope under load so the winch can be used for the next one.
31Block
A pulley that changes the direction of a rope or gives purchase.
28Mainsheet traveller
The car on the track that sets the boom angle without changing sheet tension.
Genoa car
The slider on the track that sets the sheeting angle of the headsail.
Preventer
A line from the boom forward that stops an accidental gybe.
Guy
Controls the spinnaker pole and the tack of the spinnaker.
Sails
32Mainsail
The sail set on the after side of the mast, along the boom.
33Headsail
The sail forward of the mast: a jib if it is small, a genoa if it overlaps.
Spinnaker
A big light sail for running downwind.
Gennaker
An asymmetric downwind sail, easier to handle short-handed than a spinnaker.
Storm jib
A small, strong headsail for heavy weather.
Trysail
A small mainsail set instead of the reefed main in a storm.
34Batten
A stiffening strip in the leech that holds the sail shape.
Reef points
The row of cringles and ties used to shorten the mainsail.
Luff
The leading edge of a sail.
Leech
The trailing edge of a sail.
Foot
The bottom edge of a sail.
Head
The top corner of a sail, where the halyard is made fast.
Tack
The forward lower corner of a sail.
Clew
The after lower corner of a sail, where the sheet is attached.
Bolt rope
The rope sewn into the luff or foot that runs in the mast or boom groove.
Telltales
Short yarns on the sail that show whether the airflow is attached.
35Headsail furler
The drum at the bow that rolls the headsail away around the forestay.
Lazy jacks
Lines that catch the mainsail as it comes down onto the boom.
Lazy bag
The cover along the boom that holds the lowered mainsail; some makers call theirs a stack pack.
Mainsail cover
Protects the sail from sun when the boat is left.
36Tricolour
One masthead lantern with red, green and white sectors, used under sail instead of separate lights.
In the rules Rule 25
37Anchor light
An all-round white light at the masthead, shown when anchored.
In the rules Rule 30
Cockpit and steering
29Cockpit
Where the boat is steered and worked; the crew lives here on passage.
In the rules Rule 5
30Wheel
Turns the rudder through cables or a hydraulic ram.
Tiller
A bar straight onto the rudder stock; simple, direct, common on smaller boats.
31Steering pedestal
The column that carries the wheel, the compass and the engine controls.
Binnacle
The housing that holds the steering compass at the helm.
32Steering compass
The compass the helmsman steers by; it has its own deviation card.
33Instruments
Log, echo sounder and wind gear: speed through the water, depth, wind angle.
34Chartplotter
Shows position on an electronic chart; it does not replace a lookout.
In the rules Rule 5
Autopilot
Steers a set course; it never keeps a lookout for you.
In the rules Rule 5
35Throttle and gear lever
Sets engine revs and ahead, neutral or astern.
Engine panel
Start switch, oil and charge warning lights, hours.
36Cockpit locker
Stowage under the cockpit seats for fenders, warps and sails.
37Cockpit seats
Where the crew sit; on passage the leeward one is the comfortable one.
Cockpit table
Folds out from the pedestal or the sole.
Cockpit drains
Let a filled cockpit empty itself over the side.
38Navigation lights
Under sail: sidelights and a sternlight, or a tricolour at the masthead. Under engine you are a power-driven vessel and add the masthead light.
In the rules Rule 25
38Sprayhood
The folding shelter over the companionway; also called a dodger.
Bimini
The awning over the cockpit against sun and rain.
Radar arch
The frame aft carrying radar, aerials and solar panels.
Emergency tiller
Fits straight onto the rudder stock when the steering gear fails.
Cone (day shape)
The black cone, point down, shown when motor-sailing; the most often forgotten signal.
In the rules Rule 25
Engine and systems
39Engine
The auxiliary diesel: it drives the propeller and charges the batteries.
Fuel tank
Diesel for the engine; dirty fuel is the usual reason an engine stops.
Raw water strainer
Catches weed before it reaches the engine cooling pump.
Batteries
The service bank runs the boat, the engine battery starts it.
Battery switch
Isolates the batteries; off when you leave the boat.
Alternator
Charges the batteries while the engine runs.
39Switch panel
Breakers for lights, pumps, instruments and radio.
Shore power inlet
Feeds the boat from the pontoon and runs the charger.
Fresh water tank
Drinking and washing water; the capacity sets the length of your passage.
Water pump
Pressurises the fresh water system.
Calorifier
The water heater, warmed by the engine or shore power.
Bilge pump
Gets water out of the bilge; there should be a manual one you can reach.
Holding tank
Holds waste from the heads until it can be discharged legally.
Gas locker
A sealed locker that drains overboard, because gas is heavier than air.
Fuel filter and water separator
Catches water and dirt before they reach the engine; the usual reason an engine stops.
Gas regulator
Reduces bottle pressure to what the stove needs.
Gas solenoid
An electric valve at the bottle so the gas can be shut off from the galley.
Bilge alarm
Sounds when the water in the bilge rises; a hose failure is quiet until it is not.
Below deck
40Forepeak
The cabin in the bow; noisy and lively at sea, fine in harbour.
41Saloon
The main cabin: table, settees and the place the crew gathers.
Saloon table
Folds or drops; it needs fiddles to hold plates at an angle.
42Galley
The kitchen: stove, sink and fridge, usually near the companionway.
Stove
Gimballed so it stays level as the boat heels.
Sink
Draining above the waterline so it does not siphon back.
Fridge
Top-loading, so the cold does not fall out when you open it.
43Heads
The toilet compartment; the seacocks belong to it.
44Aft cabin
The cabin under the cockpit, the quietest berth at sea.
45Navigation station
Chart table, radio, instruments and the electrical panel.
In the rules Rule 5
Berth
A bunk; at sea a sea berth needs a lee cloth to hold you in.
Cabin sole
The floor below deck.
46Bilge
The lowest space inside the hull, where water collects and is pumped out.
Bulkhead
A transverse wall that stiffens the hull and divides the cabins.
Floors and grid
The transverse structure inside the hull; on a glassfibre yacht it is a moulded grid rather than separate frames.
Stringer
A fore and aft structural member of the hull.
Hanging locker
The wardrobe for oilskins and clothes.
Safety gear
40Liferaft
Step up into it, never down: you leave the boat only when she is going under.
Lifejacket
Worn on deck at night, in bad weather and when alone on watch.
Safety harness
With a tether, it keeps you attached to the boat.
41Jackline
The webbing along the deck you clip the tether to before leaving the cockpit.
42Lifebuoy
Thrown to someone in the water; usually on the pushpit with a light.
Danbuoy
A floating pole with a flag that marks the spot where someone went over.
Fire extinguisher
One near the galley and one near the engine, both reachable without crossing the fire.
Flares
Distress signals; check the expiry dates before the season.
In the rules Rule 37
EPIRB
Sends your identity and position to search and rescue by satellite.
First aid kit
Kept dry and reachable, with a list of what is in it.
43VHF radio
Talks to other vessels, marinas and the coastguard; channel 16 is for distress and calling.
AIS
Shows nearby vessels and the closest point of approach, which is how you judge risk of collision; it never replaces a lookout.
In the rules Rule 7
47Radar reflector
Makes a small boat easier to see on another vessel's radar.
Fog horn
Sounds the signals for a vessel under way or at anchor in restricted visibility.
In the rules Rule 35
Bell
A bell is required from 20 m, a gong as well from 100 m; a smaller yacht needs some other efficient sound signal.
In the rules Rule 33
Day shapes
A ball at anchor and three balls aground: the daytime equivalent of the lights.
In the rules Rule 30
What people ask about the parts of a boat
What is the front of a boat called?
The bow. Its leading edge, the part that meets the water first, is the stem. The back is the stern, and the flat surface across it is the transom.
What is the steering wheel on a ship called?
The wheel, or the helm. On a yacht it sits on a pedestal that also carries the compass in its binnacle and the engine controls. Smaller boats use a tiller straight onto the rudder stock.
What are the ropes on a sailboat called?
Ropes that hoist a sail are halyards, ropes that trim a sail are sheets. The wires that hold the mast up are standing rigging: forestay, backstay and shrouds.
What is the difference between standing and running rigging?
Standing rigging holds the mast up and does not move: stays, shrouds, turnbuckles and chainplates. Running rigging moves every time you sail: halyards, sheets, the vang, reefing and furling lines.
What is the pointy part at the bottom of a sailboat?
The keel. It carries ballast low down to keep the boat upright and resists sideways drift; a fin keel is deep and narrow, a long keel runs much of the hull length.
What are the parts of a sail called?
The three edges are luff, leech and foot; the three corners are head, tack and clew. Battens stiffen the leech and telltales show whether the airflow is attached.