Yachting Terminology and Jargon Buster

The rear of the boat.

Total height above the waterline of a yacht's superstructure, including aerials, radomes, etc. You need to know this before driving under a bridge.

Next to the side of a yacht. An 'alongside berth' is a place to park a yacht with its side (port or starboard) tied to the dock or quay.

An amphibious tender is a type of small boat that can operate both on water and on land. It is designed with features that allow it to transition seamlessly between water and land, often used for transporting passengers or cargo from a larger vessel to shore or remote locations.

An anchor is a heavy metal device used to secure a boat in place by gripping the seabed, ensuring stability and preventing drifting. The anchor is held in place by the horizontal pull of anchor chain along the seabed. 

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A small buoy that floats above a yacht's anchor, marking its position. It's attached to the yacht's anchor with a lightweight rope, known as a tripping line

A sheltered place in coastal waters that is suitable for anchoring

Toxic paint (usually copper-based) that is applied to the underwater parts of a yacht's hull to prevent it being 'fouled' by barnacles and seaweed.

[1] Behind, or at the back of a yacht. [2] Reverse.

A yacht's bow that is vertical from deck to the waterline, at the foremost tip and at the sides.

A type of boat rental arrangement where the boat is hired without a skipper/captain or crew.

A platform that extends from the back of a yacht's hull at sea level. Used for boarding the yacht from a tender as well as for swimming.

A relaxation area at the stern of a large yacht, next to the bathing platform. Usually has a cocktail bar, barbecue grill and sun loungers.

A beachlander is a type of specialized amphibious vessel designed to transport passengers and cargo from the water directly onto a beach or shore. It typically features a ramp or bow door that can be lowered to facilitate easy access and disembarkation.

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Direction, measured with a compass and given in degrees. A key element of navigation. A 'magnetic' bearing is read straight off the compass and is relative to the magnetic north pole. A 'true' bearing is a magnetic bearing that has been adjusted to allow for magnetic deviation, and is relative to the true (geographic) north pole.

The lower-level accommodation area(s) inside a yacht and below the main deck. Also often called 'down below'.

[1] A bed in a yacht; [2] a place to park a yacht in a harbour or marina (usually called a 'slip' in the US). 'Berthing' means parking.

This is either 'A loop in a rope' or 'a broad, open bay on a stretch of coast'

A canvas cover over the helm or cockpit area.

Forward portion of a boat.

A propeller embedded in a yacht's bow, pointing sideways and powered by an electric or hydraulic motor. It's used to steer the yacht accurately at slow speeds in tight, awkward spaces such as a small harbour.

A runabout boat with open-bow seating.

The control room of a ship or superyacht, containing the primary helm (driver's seat) and navigator's station.

Refuelling (and sometimes also taking on water).

A small flag, often triangular, flown from the side of a yacht's mast or superstructure. Usually flown to identify the yacht's owner as a member of a yacht club or owners' association.

A cabin refers to an enclosed space within the yacht that serves as a room for passengers or crew. Basic cabins on boats are typically equipped with essential amenities such as sleeping berths, and storage compartments. 

On large, luxurious yachts, cabins are often equipped with en-suite facilities, dressing rooms, and other amenities.

This can be either:

The chain or strong rope between a yacht and its anchor
or
A measure of distance: one tenth of a nautical mile, or 100 fathoms (600ft)

A yacht with two hulls also refered to as a Multihull.

Catamaran Yachts For Sale

A chartplotter is an electronic navigation device. It combines a GPS receiver with an electronic navigational chart display, enabling the user to accurately plot and follow their course. Chartplotters provide real-time information about a vessel's position, speed, and direction.

Navigation Equipment Guide

A classic tender refers to a traditional small boat that serves as a support vessel for transporting people and supplies between a larger yacht and the shore. Typically characterized by timeless design elements and craftsmanship, classic tenders often complement the aesthetics of the main yacht.

A sturdy metal fitting bolted to the deck of a yacht, used to attach mooring lines.

The top (exterior) surface of a yacht's superstructure.

The last stage of a yacht's build process, when all the technical systems are hooked up, tested and calibrated, and the yacht is made ready to go to sea.

The main staircase leading from a yacht's cockpit or salon to the accommodation on the lower deck(s).

Accommodation for a professional skipper or crew aboard a large yacht, separated from the owner and guest cabins. Usually in the aft part of the lower deck, next to the engine room.

Waves coming from several directions. You're guaranteed a bumpy, rolly ride.

The inside of a yacht's coachroof – in effect, the ceiling.

A dining table with seating around it, or on opposite sides.

A dinghy is a small, open boat, often used as a tender for transportation between a larger vessel and the shore. Dinghies can be inflatable or made of materials such as wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. They are commonly used for short-distance travel, water sports, fishing, and recreational activities, providing a convenient and portable means of transportation on the water.

A traditional hull shape that can't go fast but is very seaworthy and efficient at slow speeds, when it uses less fuel than a semi-displacement or planing hull that is driven at the same speed. Also called a full displacement hull. 

For more informaion read our guide on Yacht hull types explained or search for Displacement Hull yachts for sale 

A double bed.

The accommodation area inside a yacht, below the main deck. Also often called 'below decks'.

A yacht's bow that slopes forwards from the deck down to the waterline, rather than sloping aft. Named after the Dreadnought class of warship, which was common in the early 20th century.

A simple sonar device that calculates the depth of water underneath a yacht. Crucial for navigation.

Navigation Equipment Guide

The uppermost deck of a yacht where she can be steered from which is enclosed, either by glass, superstructure or removable fabric/vinyl panels.

Enclosed Flybridge Yachts For Sale

A flag flown off the rear end of a yacht to show its nationality. In some countries, such as the UK, Netherlands and Denmark, upper-class yacht owners who belong to exclusive clubs fly a 'defaced' ensign to advertise their superior social status. 

An increasingly popular style of superyacht or large motor yacht that is designed to cross oceans, cope with storms, cruise in remote areas and remain self-sufficient for long periods of time. Expedition yachts often have a helipad, huge fuel tanks, an icebreaker bow and a full displacement hull.

Expedition Yachts For Sale

A deck fitting that brings a rope, chain or cable into the correct alignment for a winch or windlass.

A soft, squishy air-filled bumper for use in harbour. Fenders are hung over the sides of a yacht to stop the hull from bashing or scraping against the dock or quay.

The most common basic hull material. Thin strands of glass are made into a mat and mixed with polyester resin. Fibreglass (also called glassfibre) is easily moulded to form the shape of a hull and is strong, durable and relatively inexpensive.

A sharp-pointed bow designed to cut through waves with the minimum of drag. The downside of a fine entry is less space for accommodation in the yacht's bow. The opposite is a 'broad entry', which many yachts have but the term is rarely used.

A parking space for a yacht in a marina, where one side of the yacht is tied to a short floating pontoon fixed at right angles to the main dock.

A fisher yacht is a type of yacht designed and equipped for fishing activities, often combining the luxurious amenities of a yacht with the functionality of a fishing boat. These yachts typically feature specialized fishing gear, storage for fishing equipment, and ample deck space for angling.

A type of sonar used by fishermen to locate their prey.

The process of getting a yacht ready for the season. Fitting out generally happens in spring.

An open-air upper deck on a yacht's cabin top with a secondary helm station, plus seating and lounging areas.

For more information read our guides on What is a Flybridge Yacht? and A Guide to Motor Yacht Types

A design feature found on many modern superyachts, giving owners and guests a commanding view of the sea from their cabins or deck.

Waves travelling in the same direction as the yacht, giving a relatively smooth ride.

Forward cabin – a cabin in the bow of a yacht. In medium-size yachts it's often the largest cabin on board. Comfortable in port but not when the yacht is under way, especially in choppy seas.

An open-air seating area built into a yacht's foredeck – like the bow rider seats in a small speedboat.

A traditional hull shape that can't go fast but is very seaworthy and efficient at slow speeds, when it uses less fuel than a semi-displacement or planing hull that is driven at the same speed. Also called a 'displacement hull'.

A yacht's kitchen.

A gentleman's launch is a type of small motorboat characterized by its elegant and classic design. Traditionally associated with luxury and sophistication, these launches typically feature woodwork, brass fittings, and a stylish, streamlined appearance. Gentleman's launches are often used for leisurely cruising and transportation to and from larger yachts, offering passengers a refined and nostalgic boating experience reminiscent of a bygone era of maritime elegance.

A fence (usually made of steel tubing) around the edge of a yacht's deck to prevent passengers falling into the sea.

Steel wires forming a fence around the edge of a yacht's deck to prevent passengers falling into the sea. Also known as lifelines.

A motorcruiser with an enclosed salon and no flybridge – but usually a nice big sunroof.

Waves hitting the yacht head-on. Progress against a head sea will be slow and probably uncomfortable.

A toilet or bathroom on a boat.

The steering wheel and driver's seat of a yacht, with all navigational instruments and control panels to hand.

A yacht designed to cruise in polar regions where it's likely to encounter sea ice and may have to navigate through pack ice. To be an ice class yacht, it must meet the hull strength specifications of a classification society such as DNV GL.

A jetty is a structure, typically made of wood, concrete, or metal, that extends from the shore into a body of water. Jetties are constructed to control the flow of currents and sediment and to protect the coastline from erosion. They often serve as a landing place for boats and yachts, providing a secure and sheltered area for docking.

A storage locker in the cockpit of a yacht.

The wires that form a fence around the edge of a yacht's deck to prevent passengers falling into the sea. Also known as guardwires.

The last resort for the crew or passengers of a sinking yacht. Liferafts are designed to inflate automatically when thrown into the sea, and should contain emergency rations to keep their occupants alive, pending rescue.

In the realm of luxury yachts, a master suite, or owner's suite, refers to the most lavish and spacious cabin on the vessel. This suite is typically reserved for the principal occupant or owner and is designed to offer the utmost comfort and privacy. It often includes an expansive bedroom, a private bathroom, and sometimes additional amenities such as a private lounge, dressing area, or even a study.

Another term for a superyacht, sometimes considered to be bigger than a superyacht. For more information read our guide on Yachts, Superyachts, Megayachts & Gigayachts

This can meen either: 
Parking – tying a boat to either a dock or a buoy, as opposed to anchoring
or
The buoy a yacht can be attached to.

For more information read our guide on Choosing the best place to keep your yacht

A rope used to tie a yacht to a dock or quay.

A motorcat, or motor catamaran, is a twin-hull design vessel, powered primarily by motors or engines. Catamarans are known for their stability, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency, making them popular choices for both leisure cruising and long-distance voyages.

A relatively weak tide – the one with the smallest range in the lunar tide cycle.

Waterproof jacket and trousers.

An open boat is a type of boat that lacks a cabin or any form of permanent roofed structure. These boats are typically characterized by their simple and unenclosed design, offering a spacious and versatile platform for various water-based activities. Open boats are commonly used for recreational purposes, such as fishing, day trips, and water sports.

A nasty patch of very steep, breaking waves generated by a fast tidal flow and often made much worse by a strong wind blowing in the opposite direction. It's usually uncomfortable to go through a patch of overfalls – and can be dangerous.

The biggest, best and most lavishly appointed cabin on board. Usually has the best view out, too.

A roped walkway fixed to the yacht to assist boarding from a dockside, usually at the stern. Yacht walkways can be fixed or telescopic and able adjust their height and often reach.

A picnic boat is a type of small recreational motorboat designed for leisurely outings and day trips. These boats are typically equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, a small table, and storage for picnic essentials, making them ideal for casual gatherings and relaxing excursions on the water. Picnic boats often feature a simple and functional design that prioritizes comfort and convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy the surrounding scenery and share meals while cruising along waterways or coastlines.

Also known as aquaplaning. When a yacht's hull reaches a certain speed, it starts rising up and skimming – planing – along the surface of the water, rather than pushing through it.

A floating dock.

A powerboat is a type of boat or watercraft that is powered by an engine, usually an outboard, inboard, or stern-drive motor. Powerboats come in various sizes and designs, ranging from small recreational vessels to larger, high-speed boats designed for racing or cruising. They are popular for activities such as water sports, fishing, and leisurely cruising, offering speed and maneuverability on the water.

A platform that folds down and outwards to give an owner's suite or VIP cabin a private deck outside the yacht for swimming or relaxation.

A bed that folds up against the side of the hull, (or a bulkhead or cabin wall) when it's not in use.

A large, fixed, overhead shower, usually situated near the bathing platform or beach club.

The chain or heavy-duty rope between a yacht and its anchor. Also called a cable.

Running lights on a yacht are a set of lights that aid in making the vessel more visible to other boats or ships whilst underway and making way, during periods of reduced visibility, such as at night or in poor visibility.

They include red and green lights on the port and starboard side respectively, with an arc of 112.5 degrees; a white 'steaming' light for the forward arc of 225 degrees (112.5 degrees on the port side through dead ahead to 112.5 degrees on the starboard side for a total of 225 degrees forward), in addition to a white light on the stern, with an arc of 135 degrees. 

A Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) rescue tender refers to a specific type of tender that adheres to international maritime safety regulations. These tenders are designed and equipped to meet rigorous safety requirements, making them suitable for use in emergency situations and rescue operations at sea.

The main communal living space inside a yacht – effectively the sitting room. Also called the saloon (UK).

A bow that curves and protrudes forward from the points at which it meets the waterline and the deck.

Ability to cope with rough weather at sea. A yacht with good sea-keeping qualities is 'sea-kindly'.

This can mean either;
A short trip to show a prospective buyer that a yacht is in good working order, or to demonstrate its performance and handling.
or
Part of the commissioning process for a new yacht, taking it to sea to check that everything works as it should.

A yacht with a standard, series-produced hull and a custom interior. The term is used loosely; many series production boatbuilders market themselves as semi-custom shipyards.

Semi Custom Yachts

A popular, general-purpose hull shape designed to perform efficiently at slow speeds, like a full displacement hull, and also at high speeds, like a planing hull. In truth, it's not quite as fuel-efficient as a full displacement hull and doesn't plane quite as well as a planing hull, but it does offer the best compromise between the two. Semi-displacement hulls also tend to be quite seaworthy. For more information read our guide Yacht hull types explained or search for a Semi-Displacement Yachts For Sale.

A shadow vessel, or support vessel, accompanies a larger yacht, providing additional storage, equipment, and logistical support. It serves as a practical solution for carrying tenders, water toys, helicopters, and other amenities that might not fit on the main yacht. The shadow vessel allows the primary yacht to maintain a sleek and uncluttered appearance while ensuring that all necessary equipment and recreational facilities are readily accessible to guests.

The classic motorboat drivetrain: a propeller shaft is joined to the engine's drive shaft at one end and the propeller is mounted on the other end. It passes through the hull via a waterproof stern gland and cutlass bearing.

Shaft Drive Engins

The first time a yacht is used at the beginning of a new boating season. The shakedown cruise is usually a short trip, undertaken to check that all systems are in full working order.

The narrow walkways outside a yacht's superstructure, usually leading from the cockpit to the foredeck.

The uppermost deck, usually found on a superyacht, without a helm station, that is enclosed on all sides and overhead but with access to an open deck.

The uppermost deck, usually found on a superyacht, without a helm station, that can open on all sides.