4-19GlossaryAFT: To the rear of the boat near the stern. Generally used to givedirections.BEAM: The widest portion of the hull.BILGE: The lowest portion inside the boat. This is generally thesection directly below the engine compartment.BOW: The forward portion of the boat.BULKHEAD: Vertical portion in a boat.CHINE: The intersection of the sides and bottom of a “V” bottom boat.DEADRISE: The degree of angle from the keel to the chine.DECK: Upper structure which covers the hull.DRAFT: Vertical distance from the waterline of the boat to the lowestpart of the boat.FibECS II: An engine mounting method, using fiberglass instead of othermaterials such as aluminum or steel; patented by MalibuBoats West, Inc. that provides major reduction in noise andvibration.FIBERGLASS: Fibers similar to wool or cotton, but made from fibrous glass.Glass fiber forms include cloth, yarn, mat, milled fibers,chopped strands, roving, and woven roving.GELCOAT: A surface, either colored or clear, providing a cosmeticenhancement and exposure improvements to a fiberglasslaminate.GUNNEL: The upper edge of a boat’s side.HELM: Device attached to rudder for steering a vessel.HULL: The bottom section of the boat.KEEL: The lowest most portion of the bottom of the boat.LIFTING STRAKES: Strips molded or attached to the surface of a hull designed tocreate lift as speed and pressure increase with the static water.PORT: To the left side of the boat, when facing the bow.STARBOARD: To the right side of the boat, when facing the bow.STERN: To the rear of the boat.STRINGER: Longitudinal members that are fastened inside the hull of theboat which provide structural integrity.TRANSOM: The area forming the stern, or rear, of a boat.WAKE: The track or path a boat leaves behind while in motion.