Seattle Sea Scouts - Ordinary - Boat Parts Identification

Seattle Sea Scout Fleet

of the Chief Seattle Council

Ordinary Requirement #6b - Parts of Small Boats

Requirement 6: (continued)

Know the identifying features and special advantages of 10 of the following types of boats...
Name the principal parts of the type of craft commonly used by your ship.
Know the proper display of boat flags and courtesy on small boats.
Demonstrate your ability to handle a rowboat.

Sailboat Parts Identification

Kayak Parts Identification

Grab Loops = Loops located at each end of the kayak that allow for easy carrying of the boat.
Cockpit = The cockpit is where the kayaker sits while kayaking.
Cockpit Rim = The rim serves as a way to secure a cockpit cover or spray skirt.
Seat = The seat is what the kayaker sits on.
Stern = The rear third of the kayak.
Amidships = The middle third of the kayak.
Bow = The forward third of the kayak.
Deck Hatch = Some kayaks have a compartment below deck. The access to the space is through the Deck Hatch.
Foot Brace = Provides leverage that allows for the legs to be used during the stroke.
Deck Rigging = Some kayaks have deck rigging that allows for items to be secured to the kayak.

Canoe Parts Identification

Stern Deck = An exposed partial deck on the stern of the canoe, usually attached to the gunwales.
Stern Seat = The seat located in the stern third of the canoe.
Stern Thwart = A support extending across width of canoe from gunwale to gunwale located on the rear third of the canoe.

Midship Thwart = A support extending across width of canoe from gunwale to gunwale located at the middle of the canoe.
Bow = The forward third of the canoe.

Stern Thwart = A support extending across width of canoe from gunwale to gunwale located on the front third of the canoe.
Stern Seat = The seat located in the bow third of the canoe.
Stern Deck = An exposed partial deck on the bow of the canoe, usually attached to the gunwales.

Amidships = The middle third of the canoe.
Gunwale = A strengthening rail, running the length of the canoe on each side, which is fastened to the top of the sides.
Length = The longest horizontal dimension of the canoe along the centerline.
Waterline = The line at which the water touches the sides of the canoe.
Waterline Length = The longest horizontal dimension of the canoe at the waterline.
Rocker = The lift on the ends of the boat measured from the bottom of the keel.
Freeboard = The distance between the waterline and the gunwale of the canoe.
Draft = The vertical distance from the waterline of the boat to the lowest point of the boat.

Tumblehome = The amount the sides of a canoe curves out and then returns inward from the perpendicular.
Depth = The distance from the canoe’s floor to the height of the gunwale measured at the boat’s center line.
Beam = The width of the canoe.
Bilge = The rounded portion of the canoe's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.
Other Canoeing Terms:

Aft = Toward the rear of the canoe.
Bowman = The paddler in the forward position.
Flare = The amount the sides of a canoe curve outward from the perpendicular.
Flotation = Material encased under bow and stern decks allowing the canoe to float
Forward = Toward the bow.
Keel = A longitudinal extrusion fastened to the canoe’s bottom, on its center line, to give strength, protection, and added control.
Leeward = From the canoe, the direction toward which the wind is blowing.
Portage = The carrying of a canoe or its contents over land from one body of water to another.
Rib = Frames on the inside of the hull to give additional strength.
Spray Rail = Longitudinal rails running slightly above the waterline on the outside, to deflect waves and chop.
Sternman = Paddler in the rear position.
Transom = The square stern in canoes designed for stern-mounted outboards.
Windward = From the canoe, the direction from which the wind is blowing.