Boat speed

The speed at which the hull moves through the water, as opposed to speed over ground.

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

Breastline

A short line led directly from the vessel to the dock, holding the hull close alongside.

Block

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

Beam

The greatest width of the vessel measured at its widest point.

Blanket

To interpose a sail or other object between the wind and another sail so the downwind sail…

Bus bar

A heavy copper or brass terminal strip to which multiple battery cables or circuits are co…

Bitter end

The very last part of a line — the end opposite the working end.

← Back to full glossary