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engine to an outboard port and then released into atmo-
sphere.
EYE SPLICE - A permanent loop spliced in the end of a
line.
FAST - Said of an object that is secured to another.
FATHOM - Six feet.
FENDER - A device (usually constructed of rubber or plas-
tic) positioned so as to absorb the impact between ves-
sels or dock.
FETCH - The unobstructed distance that the wind can
blow over the water to create waves.
FLARE - 1. Outboard curve of the hull as it comes up the
side from the waterline; the reverse of tumble home. 2. A
pyrotechnic device used for emergency signaling.
FLAT - A small deck that is built below decks, specifically
to support a piece of equipment.
FLEMISH - To coil down a line or rope on deck in a flat,
circular, concentric arrangement.
FLOTSAM - Floating wreckage, trash or debris.
FLUKE - The palm of an anchor.
FOAM CREST - The top of the foaming water that speeds
toward the beach after a wave has broken, commonly
referred to as "white water."
FOLLOWING SEA - A sea (waves) moving in the same
direction as a vessel.
FORE-AND-AFT - A line, or anything else, that runs par-
allel to the longitudinal center line of a boat.
FOREFOOT - The portion of a vessel's keel that curves
upward to meet the stem.
FOREPEAK - A compartment in the bow of a boat.
FORWARD - Toward the bow.
FREEBOARD - The minimum vertical distance from the
surface of the water to the gunwale.
FREQUENCY - The number of crests passing a fixed
point at a given time.
Vista 248/268 Owner's Manual
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FRONTS - Where opposing warm and cold air masses
meet, generally producing a band of wet, stormy weather
wherever they meet.
GALLEY - The kitchen area of a boat.
GALVANIC CORROSION - A potential electrical difference
exists between dissimilar metals immersed in a conduc-
tive solution (e.g., salt water). If these metals touch or
are otherwise electrically connected, this potential differ-
ence produces an electron flow between them. The at-
tack on the less corrosion resistant metal is usually in-
creased and the attack on the more resistant metal is
decreased, as compared to when these metals are not
touching.
GANGWAY - The area of a ship's side where people board
and disembark.
GASKET - A strip of sealing material, usually rubber, set
along the edge of a water or gas tight door, port, cover or
hatch.
GELCOAT - The thin outer layer of pigmented plastic cov-
ering a fiberglass vessel.
GLAND - The movable part of a stuffing box, which when
tightened, compresses the packing.
GROUND - Electrical term meaning the electrical poten-
tial of the earth's surface, which is zero.
GROUND SPEED - A vessel's speed made good over
the earth's surface along a course or track.
GROUND TACKLE - The anchor, anchor rodes, and other
fittings that are used to secure a vessel at anchor or
dockside.
GUNWALE - 1. The line where the upper deck and the
hull meet. 2. The upper edge of a boat's side.
HALYARD - A line used to hoist a flag or pennant.
HATCHES - Cover on hatchways.
HATCHWAYS - Access ways through decks.
HARDTOP - A permanent cover over the cabin or cockpit.
HAWSER - A heavy rope or cable used for mooring or
towing.
Glossary
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