Boat Lingo – Terminology and Definitions

Boat Lingo

Do you speak the lingo? Terminology and definitions commonly referred to in today’s boating world

If you are looking for boats for sale in Perth, it helps to know some of the terms you’ll see advertised.

Please forward any terminology or definitions you think we should be included in this list to info@motoryachtsunlimited.com.au

Anchor bridle
A device used to secure an anchor line/chain to the vessel cleats thus removing the stress from the anchor winch and reducing the jarring sensation when you are restricted in chain length. It also can be set up to reduce the noise of the anchor chain through the hull of the vessel making it easier to sleep at night

AIS
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is intended, primarily, to allow ships to view marine traffic in their area and to be seen by that traffic. This requires a dedicated VHF AIS transceiver that allows local traffic to be viewed on an AIS enabled chartplotter or computer monitor while transmitting information about the ship itself to other AIS receivers. Port authorities or other shore-based facilities may be equipped with receivers only, so that they can view the local traffic without the need to transmit their own location. All AIS transceivers equipped traffic can be viewed this way very reliably but is limited to the VHF range, about 10-20 nautical miles. Recommended but not mandatory for all recreational vessels

Boening Electrical System
Brand name – German company that manufactures onboard electronic electrical system designed to simplify and make more efficient the AC and DC circuitry on recreational and commercial vessels.The modular, decentralized system monitors, controls and visualises the conditions of ship data and systems necessary for safe operation.

Buyers agent
A marine broker who is contracted by a buyer to represent their best interests

Cavitation

C Zone
The CZone™ digital control & monitoring system is designed for manufacturers and installers of Marine, RV and Specialty Vehicles. It simplifies installation of electrical systems through the replacement of complicated, cumbersome wiring to switch and fuse panels, with state of the art, robust interfaces and light NMEA 2000 network cable. It also provides the end user a sophisticated solution through the automation of complicated. Commonly used on Riviera Motor Yachts. Distributed in Australia via BLA.

Counter rotating props
Technology originally developed for the propulsion of torpedos. Designed to stop the rotational torque of the propeller on the vessel. In recreational boats this system is commonly referred to as a Duoprop (Volvo Penta brand name) or Bravo 3 (Mercruiser brand name). Counter rotating in line propellers.

Charter vessel
A vessel built to relevant local or international survey requirements that can be hired out for commercial or recreational use

Dripless Shaft Seals
A modern version of propeller shaft packing. Designed to keep the engine room dry. This system is water cooled and lubricated via the main engine cooling systems. Example – PSS

DPS
Volvo Penta Pod Drive brand name (Dynamic Positioning System). A vessel positioning system designed to hold a vessel in position using the vessels propulsion system via GPS

EJS
Brand Name – Twin Disc. (Electronic Joystick System). The system coordinates the thruster and shaft drive gearboxes to assist and simplify manoeuvring of vessels via a remotely located joystick. Demo Maritimo C60

Electrolysis

Head
Toilet/WC/Bathroom

Listing
This could be a vessel that is on the market for sale with a marine broker, or a vessel that has an extraordinary lean to one side

Marine broker
Anyone engaged in the sale of vessels as a profession

Motor yacht
A luxury marina size vessel

Marine Brokers Institute of WA
The first body incorporated in Australia (1986) established to regulate the marine broking industry by providing its members with a strict code of ethics and code of practise by which to operate so as to provide an exceptional customer experience

Marine WA
An association representing recreational boat owner in WA

Osmosis

Pod drives
A pivoting propulsion system protruding from the underside of the hull. Examples: Volvo Penta IPS, Cummins Zeus Drive.
Pod drives vs shaft drives

Prop Speed
Brand name. A coating painted onto the propellers, rudders and shafts of a vessel making it difficult for barnacles to adhere to

Pleasure boat
Or motoryacht (Motor yacht). A vessel used primarily for recreational purposes

Propeller tunnel
A semi circular intrusion under the hull which partially encapsulates the shaft and propeller. Designed to reduce the shaft angle in relation to the hull and improve efficiency. Also used as a means of protecting the propeller

Roll Stabilisation
A stabilised yacht significantly enhances comfort and rest for both crew and guests, which means individuals are a lot more rested making better decisions and more enjoyable experiences. The marine industry has a number of stabilisation systems available to eliminate ‘boat roll’. However with a large number of options all demonstrating different advantages and disadvantages knowing which is best for the yacht can be difficult. Examples: Seakeeper Gyro, Veem Gyro, Naiad

Selling agent
A marine broker who represents the sellers best interests

Super Yachts Australia
Superyacht Australia is an organisation of businesses providing products and services to the Superyacht industry. The companies who are members of Superyacht Australia are proud of their businesses and strive to provide quality workmanship and the highest level of customer service for your vessel, the owner and crew. The Superyacht network is spread across Australia with regional cluster groups concentrating around our main Ports making it a one stop shop for any visiting vessel.

Super Yacht
A vessel of 26m in length or over for private or charter use

Shaft drives
Commonly referred to as an inboard drive. A shaft protruding from the underside of the hull with a propeller on the end

Stern drive engines

Stern drives
A gearbox and propulsion system which protrudes from the transom of a vessel. Commonly referred to a leg.

Surface piercing drive
A shaft and propeller protruding from the transom of a vessel. Gearbox located inside the vessel. For example – Arneson Drive or Levi Drive

Skyhook
Zeus Pod Drive brand name. A vessel positioning system designed to hold a vessel in position using the vessels propulsion system via GPS

Trim Tabs
Devices mounted on the transom or rear of the hull which can be adjusted to alter the trim of the vessel. Examples: Bennett Trim Tabs, Volvo Penta QL Trim Tabs

Bow thruster

Thrusters
Propulsion devices used for moving a vessel sideway. Thruster are generally independent of the main drive system. Often referred to as bow or stern thrusters. Thrusters can be electric or hydraulic

Vacuum Infusion
The process is resin infusion and it is already in use by leading-edge boatbuilders such as Princess Yachts, Riviera, Echo Yachts, Sunseeker etc. Resin infusion, also called vacuum infusion, is the ticket to modern fibreglass boat construction….read more

A generic term for a power or sailing boat, be it for commercial or pleasure use

Xenta controls
An electronically operated system linking thrusters and shaft drives to a helm mounted joystick. Designed to simplify manoeuvring

Yacht Controller wireless remote

Yacht Controller
An electronically operated system linking thrusters and shaft drives to a wirelessly controlled hand held portable device. Designed to simplify manoeuvring