Block

The marine term for a pulley — a sheave in a housing through which a line runs.

Test your knowledge

Know your nautical terms? Play the free SkipperCheck daily maritime quiz — COLREGs, navigation, VHF radio, seamanship. Earn points, climb the global leaderboard.

Play the Daily Quiz →

Related B-terms

Barometer
A pressure-measuring instrument whose readings are used to monitor and predict weather tre…
Boat hook
A shaft with a hook and a blunt end, used for snagging mooring lines, retrieving overboard…
Burdened vessel
The former term (replaced in modern COLREGs usage by 'give-way vessel') for the vessel obl…
Boat speed
The speed at which the hull moves through the water, as opposed to speed over ground.
Beating
Working to windward by sailing a succession of close-hauled tacks.
Bottom
The underwater surface of the hull.
← Back to full glossary
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo