Wind Oar vocabulary

Glossary

Masthead Image

fair

"a fair curve": when building a boat a " fair" line is one that is smooth as it can be as it follows the path it takes around the hull of a boat. A line that is fair is free of extraneous bumps or hollows.
freeboard

the distance between the water line and the deck when boat is loaded. Boats using sheltered waters can have low freeboard while seagoing vessels need high freeboard
garboard

the strake (plank) immediately adjacent to the keel in a traditional wooden boat.
(the first plank on)
lofting

Scaling boat design prints to full scale patterns through complex mathematics to assure accuracy of curves
painter

a short rope tied to the bow of a small boat, used to pull boat up on beach, or tie to dock, or to larger boat.
quarterknee

Curved piece of wood forming a brace between the side and transom of a small wooden boat. On a Bevin's Skiff, these pieces are functional and decorative.
starboard

The right side of the boat. Towards the right-hand side of a vessel facing forward. [1] Denoted with a green light at night. Derived from the old steering oar or steerboard which preceded the invention of the rudder. Note the starboard oar managed by the coxswain in this image.
rabbet

A rabbet or rebate is a recess or groove cut into the edge of a piece of machinable material, usually wood. When viewed in cross-section, a rabbet is two-sided and open to the edge or end of the surface into which it is cut.
see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbet
scarf joint

a joint connecting two pieces of timber in which the ends are beveled so they fit over one another (making two pieces into one)
transom

The aft of a boat that connects the port and starboard sections of the hull.