AFT- At or near the stern of the boat

Beam-The width of the boat, right angle to the centerline

Bilge-The lowest point of a boat's interior hull

BowThe front or forward part of the vessel

Draft-the minimum depth of water in which the vessel will float

Forward-the direction toward the bow or front when aboard a boat

Freeboard-The distance (vertical) ffom the waterline to the gunwale

Gunwale-The upper edge of the side of the boat

Hull-The body of the vessel, not including the superstructure , rigging or masts

Keel-The main structural menber of a vessel

PFD-Personal Floatation Device or Life Jacket, Preserver or Vest

Port-The left side of the vessel

Starboard-The right side of the vessel

Stern-The back or rear section of a vessel, the aft portion.

Transom-Where an outboard motor is attached, the transverse part of the stern

Waterline-The intersection of the water's surfacea and the vessel's hull

USCG-The United States Coast Guard

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