Are you about to purchase a boat? While you don’t need to be a sea-faring expert, it’s important that you have a general understanding of the parts of a boat so you can refer to and fix them as need. Use this anatomy of a boat guide to learn the terminology that’s most crucial to know.
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Ballast
A ballast is any heavy material placed low in the hull to provide greater stability and performance. Weight can come from water, metal, stones, or a heavy object.
Berth
This is a bed or bunk located inside the boat.
Bilge
The bilge is the lowest part of the boat. This area often collects water, especially if there is rain or a leak in the hull.
Bilge Pump
This is a mechanical pump used to remove water from the bilge.
Bow
The bow is the front end of the boat. Some boats have two or even three bows.
Cabin
This is a room located inside the boat. It’s usually a comfortable covered area used for sleeping, rest, and relaxation, as well as escaping sun or rain.
Casting deck
A casting deck is an area located on the deck of the boat that is used specifically for casting fishing lures and bait. It’s usually an open area without obstructions.
Cleat
This is a fitting on the side of the boat used to tie the vessel to docks. Usually metal, they can also be made from hard plastic or wood.
Cockpit
The cockpit is an enclosed, often protected place where the boat is steered and controlled.
Console
This is a raised platform on the deck of a boat that usually holds the helm, cockpit, and other components of the vessel. Boats are often categorized as center or dual console.
Deck
The deck is the flat, top surface that sits at the upper portion of the helm.
Draft
This is the point at which the water surface touches the hull. If the boat hull goes down a foot from the water’s surface, it is known to have a “12-inch draft.”
Flybridge
The flybridge is an area above the boat cabin that often houses a second steering wheel. It’s used to provide better visibility and can sometimes hold a social space on larger luxury boats.
Galley
The galley is a boat’s kitchen.
Gunwale
This is the outmost, top edge of the boat hull where the hull and deck meet.
Hatch
A hatch is an opening on the floor of the deck or in the cabin that serves as a window or door.
Helm
This is the area where a boat is steered. A helm can include a steering wheel as well as engine controls and other features.
Hull
The hull is the outer body of the boat.
Livewell
This is a tank that holds fish. It often has a feature that circulates water to keep fish or bait alive.
Propeller
The propeller is the device that rotates to provide propulsion for the craft. Propellor size and design have a strong impact on boating performance.
Stern
The stern is the rear part of the boat.
Swim Platform
A swim platform allows easy access into and out of the water.
Transom
This is a wall at the back of the boat. The outboard motors are attached to the transom.
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These are the main parts of a boat that you need to know. Now that you understand the anatomy of a boat, browse our world-class vessels from Scout! If you’re ready to purchase a new craft, Scout Boats offers luxury vessels that are engineered to deliver a high-quality boating experience. Plus, you can customize your selection to include features for fishing, entertainment, sporting, and more with our Build Your Scout tool. Create the boat of your dreams today!
