Boating Terminology

Parts of a Boat

Boat Parts - Top Down View showing bow, stern, port, starboard

Boat Anatomy - Side View showing hull, draft, freeboard, transom, gunwale, keel

Understanding boat terminology is essential for safe operation and clear communication on the water.

The bow is the forward part of the boat - the front end that cuts through the water. The stern is the rear of the boat where the engine or outboard motor is typically located.

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5 more sections, 7 more key terms, plus chapter quizzes and the 25-question final exam — with unlimited retakes.

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Key Terms Preview

Bow

The forward (front) part of a boat

Stern

The rear (back) part of a boat

+ 7 more key terms in the full lesson

Directional Terms