The Language of Boating

First of all different types of boating have different languages. Sailing for example has a different language than power boating. A small boat that is taken along with the larger boat and used for shorter trips and errands is called a tender on a power boat and a dinghy on a sailboat. The small flag that flies from a pole on your -bow pulpit- is called a- burgee. The -bow- is the front of the boat while the-stern- is the back of the boat-also called the -aft. Starboard- and -port- are commonly used terms meaning the right and left side. The very front of the boat where it cuts through the water will get a dirty brown colored -mustache-in river water. It also makes a large spray of water as it cuts through the water. This is called -pushing water. The- scupper-is an opening for draining water off the side walkways. At opposite ends of the boat are the -bow pulpit- and the- swim platform. The- fly bridge-is the area on top of the boat wher there is a -helm- or driving area located. There are no ropes on a boat they are called -lines. The fly bridge is covered by a -bimini. This is usually a canvas covered top or shade for protection. The maps of the lake or river or body of water you are studying or following are referred to as -charts. The channel markers you are looking to follow are referred to as -cans. When you stop to anchor you usually put out the anchor with a motor called a -windlass. The opening in the bow to allow air to enter the boat is called the -hatch. And the final term today is -bilge. This is the very bottom of the boat where you hope fluids will not gather but they do and then they are pumped out with a bilge pump. TODAYS CHORES include :finishing cleaning the I-glas, checking the patch job on the tender, cleaning the a/c strainer, pumping the bilge, doing some buffing and waxing, and checking the running and anchoring lights. Thanx for checking in Tom