In order to navigate safely at sea, it is very important to know the basic parts of the boat and their functions. Each part of the boat plays a vital role for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. We can list the basic parts of the boat as follows:

Bow
Aft (Pupa)
Sancak
Scaffolding
Body (Hull)
Deck
Captain's Lodge
Warehouse
Borda
Arma
Bilge
Handrail

What is Bow?

The bow is the front (head) of the boat and is usually the most noticeable part. The bow splits the water and allows the boat to move forward and at the same time increases the speed and maneuverability of the boat by resisting the wind. This results in a more controlled and safe navigation.

The bow is also included in our company's slogan “Let your bow be clear”. The expression “Let your bow be clear” means that the front part of the boats is always smooth and ready, so that the voyages will be smooth and safe.

What is Stern?

The stern is the rear (aft) side of the boat and plays a critical role for the stability of the boat. Also, in motor boats, the engine is located in the stern area. This part helps to determine the direction of the boat.

In sailing, the stern also refers to the direction in which the wind blows from the back. Therefore, stern navigation is a type of navigation that takes the wind from behind. In boats, there is usually a rudder in the stern section, which allows the boat to be steered. There may also be seating areas, storage areas and some boats may have fishing equipment in the stern section.

What is Starboard?

Starboard refers to the right side of the boat.

What is Port?

Port refers to the left side of the boat. The ropes used when the boat docks are usually on this side.

So why is it called starboard-port instead of right-left side? Nautical terms are specialized terms to ensure accurate and effective communication. There are several reasons why the terms starboard and port are used in shipping instead of right and left sides:

International Standard: Maritime terms are internationally standardized. These terms are understood and used by seafarers all over the world. This facilitates communication in global maritime traffic.
Avoiding Confusion: Positions on board are fixed. While the terms “right” and “left” can change depending on the direction one is facing, “starboard” and “port” always refer to the fixed directions of the vessel. This avoids confusion, especially in emergency situations.
Historical Roots: These terms have their roots in old maritime terms. The term “starboard” comes from the Old English word “steorbord” and originates from the fact that the rudder is usually located on the right side of the boat. The term “port”, on the other hand, refers to the side where ships dock in a harbor. In the past, ships used to approach the harbor from the left side because the rudder was usually on the right side.

What is Hull?

The hull is the part of the boat that remains in the water.

What is Deck?

The deck is the flat, walkable area at the top of the boat. It is the area that the crew and passengers walk on, and it is also where many boat equipment and accessories are mounted.

What is the bridge?

The wheelhouse is the place where the boat is controlled. The wheelhouse contains all the control and navigation equipment necessary for the captain to safely manage the boat. It is considered the brain of the ship. The basic equipment in the wheelhouse are as follows:

Rudder: The main control device used to determine the direction of the boat.
Control Panels: Panels that control the boat's engine, electrical system and other vital systems.
Navigation Equipment: Devices such as GPS, radar, compass and chart plotter are equipment that help the captain navigate accurately and safely. This equipment allows to follow sea traffic, water depth and weather conditions.
Radio, Radio and Communication Systems: VHF radio and other communication devices used to communicate with other vessels when needed. These systems enable the master to communicate with the coast guard and other maritime authorities, especially in emergencies.
Instrument Panels: It consists of indicators showing the boat's speed, fuel status, engine temperature and other important information. This panel allows the captain to continuously monitor the condition of the vessel.

What is Hold?

The hold is the compartment where items are stored and transported on boats. This section is of great importance, especially on ships and boats that carry cargo.

What is Broadside?

Borda is a term that refers to the sides of the boat that remain above water. In shipping, the right and left sides of the boat are called starboard and port. Both sides are commonly known as the broadside.

What is Rigging?

Rigging is the general name for the ropes, cables and hardware used to support and control sails and masts on sailing boats. The rigging area usually includes the following components:

Mast: Long vertical masts on which the sails are hung.
Boom: The part mounted horizontally at the bottom of the mast that holds the bottom edge of the sail taut.
Sails: Large pieces of fabric that allow the boat to move using the wind. There are various types of sails such as mainsail, genoa or jib.
Stays and Staysails: Taut ropes that support the masts from the front and back.
Shrouds: Ropes that support the masts from the sides and keep the masts upright. Shrouds prevent the masts from tipping sideways.
Spreaders: Horizontal supports that make the masts more stable. Gussets increase the stability of the mast by allowing the crosses to be placed at a wider angle.
Winches: Mechanical devices used to adjust the tension of sails and ropes. Winches allow ropes to be easily wound and loosened.
Pulley and Lock Systems: These are the systems used for guiding and securing the ropes. Pulleys allow the ropes to change direction, while locks secure the ropes.
Spinnakers and Cleats: Ropes used to control and adjust the sails. Spinnakers adjust the direction of the sails, while halyards are used to pull the sails to the mast.
Balance: Weights used to keep the masts at the right angle.

What is Bilge?

Bilge is the area at the bottom of the boat where the water inside the boat collects. This water can come from a variety of sources: seawater intrusion, rainwater, engine cooling water or water from fresh water systems used on the boat. The bilge should be checked regularly to maintain the safety and performance of the boat. Timely removal of water and dirt accumulated in the bilge increases the safety of navigation and reduces the overall maintenance cost of the boat.

What is Handrail?

A handrail is a railing on the deck of the boat, placed to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers.

What are the Parts of a Boat?