A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

Chapter 3

Vessel Operation

THE ANATOMY

OF A

BOAT

Some boat parts have familiar names, such as “windshield,” while other parts

have names unique to boating. To operate a boat safely, it’s necessary to learn

the names and locations of the parts of a boat, because you will come across

them in manuals, in discussions with other boaters, and on navigation signs

and charts. If you do not know the definition of any part, look it up in the

glossary at the end of the workbook.

transom

stern light

(white)

steering wheel

combination light

(red/green)

cleat

gunwale

windshield

outboard motor

STERN

PORT

STARBOARD

BOW

beam

waterline

draft

propeller

chine

rail

freeboard

Vessel Parts from Side View

Vessel Parts from Front View