Buoy

A floating aid to navigation, anchored in position to mark channels, dangers, or stations.

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Related B-terms

Bow line

A mooring line led from the bow of the vessel to the dock or pontoon.

Ballast

Weight — usually carried low in the keel — that lowers the centre of gravity and gives the…

Block

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

Boltrope

A length of rope sewn inside the foot or luff of a sail so the sail can be slid into a gro…

Bow

The forward end of the vessel.

Boat speed

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

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