Guy Wisdom For My Son No. 43 – Basic Boating Terminology

In many facets of life, knowing the correct terminology, lingo or jargon is always a plus.  A great example of this is when you are aboard a boat.  Here are some basic boating terminology to get you off on the right foot when on, around or speaking in regards to a boat.  As for your sea legs, you'll have to get that yourself.

Aboard – On or within the boat

Above deck – On the deck of the boat

Aground – The bottom of the boat touching or stuck on the ground

Ahead – When the boat is moving in a forward direction

Astern – Going backwards, opposite of ahead

Batten Down – Secure all loose objects to the deck or in the hull. This instruction may be used if the water becomes rough

Bearing – The angle between an object and a reference direction. Unless otherwise specified, the reference direction is usually the north

Below – When someone or something is beneath the deck

Bow – The foremost point of the hull of the boat

Bridge – The area or room where the ship’s navigational controls are stored along with any other equipment needed for the ship to operate

Cabin – This is where you and your fellow passengers can sit

Cast Off – To undo all mooring ropes and lines in preparation for sail

Galley – An onboard kitchen

Head – An onboard bathroom

Helm – The wheel controlling the rudder therefore steering the boat

Outboard – A detachable engine that is mounted at the back of the boat

Overboard – When a passenger or object falls over the side and out of the boat

Port – When looking towards the front of the boat, port is the left hand side of the boat

Rudder – Usually found at the stern of the boat, a rudder is a vertical plate or board that is used to steer the boat

Starboard – The right side of the boat when looking forward on the boat

Stern – The rear part of the boat, opposite to the stem

Underway – When the boat is moving

Guy Wisdom For My Son No. 41 – Emails

Don't type the recipients email address until after you've completely finished the message.

Guy Wisdom For My Son No. 38

When buying paint, stay away from the cheapest brand.  They never cover well or evenly and you’ll end up with double or triple work putting on extra coats.  Spring for the good stuff, it will cover better, dry evenly and it will probably do the job in one coat.

Guy Wisdom For My Son No. 24

When socializing, try to hold your drink in your left hand. This will keep your right hand from getting cold or wet from your glass and ready to shake hands as you meet people.

Guy Wisdom For My Son No. 23

When driving near dawn or dusk and the sun is behind you be sure to turn on your headlights. You will not need them but the on coming traffic is facing the sun and will be blinded to much of what is in front of them. By turning on your headlights you will be much more visible to them.

No. 21

When asked by a woman to help unfasten the back of a dress, clasp a necklace around her neck or help her in anyway where your hands may grace her skin, quickly blow into your hands and rub them together so they are a bit warmer to the touch.

Wisdom for my Son No. 19

If your car won’t start but makes a clicking sound when you turn the key it means it’s not getting enough voltage. Check your battery post clamps, just give them a jiggle and try it again. Remember to tighten and/or clean them when you get a chance.

Wisdom for my Son No. 18

When trying to drive a small nail it may be difficult to hold it the traditional way, between your thumb and index finger, while still efficiently striking the nail and not your knuckles. Instead, hold it between your index and middle fingers with your palm facing you and your knuckles against the surface. Firmly but gently tap the nail until it can stay in the surface by its self then move your hand away and drive it in the rest of the way with consecutively stronger swings. Also, hold the hammer near the end of the handle and not up high near the head.

Wisdom for my Son No. 17

Don't wear headphones while riding a bicycle. Riding a bicycle in the streets is just like driving, you need to know what's happening around you.

Wisdom for my Son No. 14

Good mechanics are hard to find, trustworthy mechanics are even harder to find. Learn to fix your own vehicle (I will teach you what I know). Invest in some good tools, do whatever research you can, recruit a best friend for help and take it one step at a time. To make things easier on yourself, keep your work area clean, make sure you have all the right tools and they are in good working order. Once the job is done, sit back and enjoy some beers. Also, always return the favor to your best friend when his vehicle needs repair.