Hunter 27 the EDGE User manual

Operator's Manual
27
27
the EDGE
the EDGE

Operator's Manual

HUNTER 27 theEDGE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Section Topic Page
1) Warranty Registration Form.......................................... 1
2) Hunter Warranty............................................................ 2
3) Certification................................................................... 10
4) Brief History................................................................... 11
5) Glossary of Sailing Terms............................................. 12
6) Explanation of Symbols and Labels.............................. 17
GENERAL HANDLING AND OPERATION
Section Topic Page
7) Safe Boating Tips........................................................... 18
8) Preliminary Care and Maintenance Checklist ................ 21
9) Pre-Departure Checklist................................................. 27
10) Float Plan....................................................................... 28
11) After Sailing Check List.................................................. 29
12) Trailer Launching and Retrieving ................................... 30
13) Docking and Anchoring.................................................. 33
14) Mast Raising and Lowering System............................... 34
15) Getting Ready to Sail / Sail Mode .................................. 36
16) Getting Ready to Power / Power Mode.......................... 39
17) Stove and Toilet............................................................. 42
18) Pumps and Water System ............................................. 43
19) Electrical System............................................................ 44
20) Environmental Considerations ....................................... 45
MAINTENANCE
Section Topic Page
21) Outboard Engine Maintenance...................................... 47
22) Protecting Your Rigging................................................ 48
23) Trailer Maintenance ...................................................... 49
24) General Care................................................................. 51
25) Storage and Winterization............................................. 53
26) Electrolysis and Galvanic Protection............................. 55

HUNTER 27 theEDGE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
II
DESCRIPTION OF MODEL
Topic Page
Ballast Tank Arrangement Drawing.............................................. 56
Dimensions and Capacities Spreadsheet..................................... 57
Standing Rigging Specs Spreadsheet.......................................... 58
Running Rigging Specs Spreadsheet........................................... 59
Sailplan Drawing .......................................................................... 60
Lightning Warning Drawing.......................................................... 61
Deck Plan and Hardware Drawing ............................................... 62
Deck Hardware and Listing Spreadsheet..................................... 63
Interior Plan Drawing.................................................................... 64
Mast Arrangement Drawing.......................................................... 65
Strut Assembly Drawing............................................................... 66
Standing Rigging Drawing............................................................ 67
Boom Details and Reefing Layout Drawing.................................. 68
Reefing Instructions...................................................................... 69
Mainsheet Purchase Layout Drawing........................................... 70
Rope Vang Details Drawing......................................................... 71
Standard Jib Sheet Arrangement Drawing................................... 72
Optional Furling Details Drawing.................................................. 73
Mast Raising Details Drawing ...................................................... 74
Rudder Arrangement Drawing...................................................... 75
Centerboard Raising Details Drawing .......................................... 76
Optional Jib Furling Line Layout Drawing..................................... 78
SYSTEMS AND CIRCUITS
Topic Page
Plumbing Layout Drawing ............................................................ 79
Sheer Thru Hull Locations Drawing.............................................. 80
Optional Fresh Water Layout Drawing ......................................... 81
Typical Thru Hull Fittings Drawing................................................ 82
Deck Lighting Layout Drawing...................................................... 83
Mast Wiring Layout Drawing ........................................................ 84
Emergency Tiller Components..................................................... 85
Emergency Tiller Operation.......................................................... 86
Label Reorder List........................................................................ 87

1. WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM
1
WELCOME TO THE
HUNTER MARINE FAMILY
Congratulations on ownership of your boat theEDGE, manufactured by Hunter Marine. We have engineered and
constructed your boat to the high standards of Hunter Marine, the NMMA, and the ABYC. In order to experience the
best performance and most enjoyment from your boat you should be familiar with its various elements and their
functions. For your boating pleasure and safety, please take time to study this manual.
Hunter stands behind the quality of your boat with a warranty, which you should review. To ensure the validity of your
warranty, please complete the attached card and send it to us within ten (10) days of the purchase date. Section 15 of
the U.S. Federal Boat Safety Act requires registration of a boat’s first owner. The warranty data should also be
recorded in the space below for your own reference.
In addition, please complete the warranty cards for your engine, stove, head, electric water pump and other
accessories. These are enclosed in the manufacturers’ manuals that are packaged with your Operator’s Manual.
This manual has been compiled to help you operate your boat properly and safely. It contains details of the boat,
equipment supplied or fitted, systems, and information on operation and maintenance. Please read it carefully, and
familiarize yourself with the boat before using it. If this is your first sailboat, or you are changing to a type of boat with
which you are not familiar, please ensure that you obtain proper handling, safety and operating experience before you
assume command of the boat. Your dealer, national sailing federation or yacht club can advise you of local sea
schools or competent instructors, such as the ASA (www.ASA.com) or US Sailing (www.USSailing.org). In addition, the
US coast guard can be contacted for important boating and safety information at http://nws.cgaux.org.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND TRANSFER TO THE NEW OWNER IF YOU SELL THE
CRAFT.
OWNER INFORMATION CARD
THE HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE STARBOARD AFT SIDE
OF THE HULL OR TRANSOM. THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROVIDED IN ALL NECESSARY
CORRESPONDENCE.
HULL NO. DATE DELIVERED TO OWNER
YACHT NAME
OWNER NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY STATE/COUNTRY ZIP CODE
HOME PORT
ENGINE MODEL SERIAL NO. PROPELLER SIZE
DEALER PHONE
STREET ADDRESS
CITY STATE/COUNTRY ZIP CODE

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
2
Hunter offers a limited warranty on every Hunter boat sold through an authorized Hunter dealer. A copy of this warranty
is included here, and in your User's Manual. If for some reason you are not able to understand, read, or view this
manual, please contact your local dealer for a replacement copy.
We stand behind the quality of your boat with a warranty, which you should review. To ensure the operation and
validity of your limited warranty, please complete the attached card and send it to us within ten (10) days of the
purchase date. Section 15 of the U.S. Federal Boat Safety Act requires registration of a boat’s first owner. The
warranty data should also be recorded in the space below for your own reference.
The following warranties apply to all 2011 Model Year boats produced by
HUNTER MARINE CORPORATION:
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
Hunter Marine warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the limited warranty period that
any part manufactured by Hunter will be free of defects caused by faulty workmanship or materials for a period of
twelve (12) months from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser under normal use and service. During this
period, as the sole and exclusive remedy, Hunter's obligation under the warranty is limited to the repair or replacement
of any such defective part.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR HULL STRUCTURE AND BOTTOM BLISTER WARRANTY
Hunter warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the limited warranty period that the hull of
each boat will be free from structural defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date
of delivery to the first-use purchaser under normal use and service.
This limited warranty applies only to the structural integrity of the hull and the supporting pan/grid or stringer system.
Hulls, pan/grid or stringers modified in any way or powered with engines other than the type and size installed or
specified by Hunter are not covered by this limited warranty. As the sole and exclusive remedy, Hunter's obligation
under the warranty is limited to repair or replacement of any such defective part.
Hunter also warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the limited warranty period that the
boat will be free from gelcoat blistering on underwater surfaces of the hull, excluding the keel and rudder, for a period
of five (5) years from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser under normal use and service. During this period,
Hunter will supply or reimburse an authorized Hunter dealer for all of the parts and labor required to repair a blistered
underwater surface of the hull. The labor cost reimbursement will be based on the Labor Allowance Schedule
established by Hunter from time to time; however, if the repair is performed by a non-Hunter dealer, the repair cost
must be authorized by Hunter in advance and be based on a reasonable number of hours as determined by Hunter.
Hunter will not pay transportation, hauling, launching, bottom paint, storage, dockage, cradling rental, rigging and
derigging, or other similar costs. It is recommended that the repair be done during a seasonal haul-out for service or
storage.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND HAND OVER TO THE NEW
OWNER IF YOU SELL THE CRAFT

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
3
You should also complete the warranty cards for your engine, stove, head, electric water pump and other accessories.
These are enclosed in the manufacturers’ manuals that are packaged with your Operator’s Manual.
VOIDED WARRANTIES
The following circumstances will void the bottom blister limited warranty:
1. If the gel-coat has been sanded, sandblasted, or subjected to abrasion or impact.
2. If the instructions provided in the Hunter Operator’s Manual are not followed according to Hunter’s required bottom
preparation procedures.
RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO WARRANTIES
These limited warranties do not cover:
1. Paint, sealants, adhesives, window glass, Gelcoat, upholstery damage, plastic finishes, engines, engine parts,
bilge pumps, stoves, blowers, pressure water pumps, propellers, shafts, rudders, controls, instruments, keels and
equipment not manufactured by HUNTER. Any warranty made and issued by the manufacturer of such items will
be, if and where available, provided to the first use purchaser.
2. Problems caused by improper maintenance, storage, cradling, blocking, normal wear and tear, misuse, neglect,
accident, corrosion, electrolysis or improper operation.
3. Boats used for commercial activities including charter.
HUNTER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. NEITHER HUNTER NOR THE SELLING
DEALER SHALL HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OF USE OF A BOAT,
LOSS OF TIME, INCONVENIENCE, COMMERCIAL LOSS, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES.

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
4
THESE LIMITED WARRANTIES ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND ARE EXPRESSLY IN
LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHETHER ARISING BY
LAW, CUSTOM, CONDUCT, OR USAGE OF TRADE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN THE EVENT
THAT IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE FOUND TO EXIST UNDER THE LAW OF A PARTICULAR STATE,
NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXCLUSION CONTAINED HEREIN, THE DURATION OF ANY SUCH IMPLIED
WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED
HEREIN. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO HIM OR
HER WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY OR FUNCTION OF THE BOAT. ANY ORAL STATEMENT OR PRINTED
MATERIAL ADVERTISING THE BOAT WHICH SPEAKS TO ANY PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE
BOAT OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS SHALL BE CONSIDERED AND CONSTRUED AS AN ESTIMATED
DESCRIPTION ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS AN EXPRESS WARRANTY OR AS THE BASIS OF
THE BARGAIN FOR THE BOAT OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS.
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE INCURRED ARE EXCLUDED
AND PURCHASER’S REMEDY IS LIMITED TO REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY PART(S). SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES
YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO
STATE.

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
5
OWNER INFORMATION CARD
THE HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS IS LOCATED ON THE STARBOARD AFT SIDE OF THE
HULL OR TRANSOM. THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROVIDED IN ALL NECESSARY
CORRESPONDENCE.
HULL NO._________________________________________________________________
DATE DELIVERED TO OWNER________________________________________________
YACHT NAME______________________________________________________________
OWNER NAME_____________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS_________________________________________________________
CITY_______________ STATE/COUNTRY______________ ZIP CODE________________
HOME PORT_______________________________________________________________
ENGINE MODEL___________ SERIAL NO.______________ PROPELLER SIZE_________
DEALER PHONE___________________________PHONE__________________________
STREET ADDRESS_________________________________________________________
CITY_______________ STATE/COUNTRY______________ ZIP CODE________________
CUSTOMER SERVICE / WARRANTY___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
6
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
These limited warranties shall not be effective unless the HUNTER Warranty Registration Form and Pre-Delivery
Service Record, which are furnished with each new boat, are filled out completely and returned to HUNTER within ten
(10) days of delivery.
Return of the Warranty Registration Form to HUNTER, signed by both Dealer and Owner, is critical. Warranty
coverage cannot be initiated until the completed form is received at HUNTER.
All repairs and/or replacements will be made by an authorized Hunter dealer, or at the option of Hunter, at the Hunter
plant. If the repairs are of such a nature that the warranty work must be performed at the HUNTER plant, transportation
costs to and from the HUNTER plant shall be paid by the owner. The labor cost reimbursement will be based on a
Labor Allowance Schedule established by HUNTER and where not applicable, on a reasonable number of hours as
determined by HUNTER. Any repairs and replacements must be approved in advance by an authorized HUNTER
service representative.
TRANSFER OF LIMITED WARRANTIES
For 1995 and later hull numbers, the limited warranties will be transferred to a subsequent purchaser of the boat if:
1. A notice of the transfer of ownership of the boat is given by the subsequent purchaser in writing to Hunter within
thirty (30) days of the transfer.
2. The notice shall include the name, address and telephone number of the subsequent purchaser, the date of
purchase, the hull number and the name of the seller of the boat.
Hunter will mail to the subsequent purchaser notice of the expiration dates of the limited warranties (see form letter,
attached). The transfer of the ownership of the boat will not extend the expiration dates of the limited warranties.
.

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
7
SAMPLE FORM LETTER
March12,2008
Mr. John Smith
1456 Joy Street
Sarasota, FL 34266
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for providing written notice of transfer of ownership. We are pleased you have selected a Hunter sailboat, and we will
make every effort to assure Hunter ownership will be a satisfying experience for you.
Based on the information you have provided, we are pleased to notify you of the expiration dates of the limited warranties:
• The limited one-year New Boat warranty expires (d)_____________________.
• The limited five-year Hull Structure and Bottom Blister warranty expires (d)_______________________.
Should you require assistance at any time during ownership, we encourage you to contact your Hunter dealer or to call us directly
at 386-462-3077.
Please confirm the information at the bottom of the page and advise us if any corrections are required.
_________________________________________
CustomerServiceManager
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hull No: HUN____________________________________ Model:___________________________________
Telephone: (H)___________________________________(B)________________________________________
Date of Purchase:___________________________________________________________________________
Purchased From:Name:_________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________________
City/State____________________________________________________Zip____________________
Country____________________________
( ) Private Owner ( ) Dealer

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
8
Deck and deck floor-pans are covered
only by the one-year limited warranty.
Floor-pan sizes will vary by boat type and
size. They are not covered by the five-
year limited warranty
Footnote 1. All wooden bulkheads, modular components, floors, floor
supports , paneling, trim, coring materials, faceplates, countertops,
fiberglass tabbing, overlays, secondary bonding , sealants , adhesives,
gaskets and epoxies are covered only by the one-year limited warranty.
They are not covered by the five-year limited warranty.
Internal fiberglass pan
and fiberglass grid
system are covered by
the five-year limited
warranty.
All fiberglass tabbing, overlays ,
adhesives, epoxy and secondary
bonding are covered only by the
one-year limited warranty. They
are not covered by the five-year
limited warranty.
Internal fiberglass pan
and fiberglass grid
system are covered by
the five-year limited
warranty.
Hull to deck joint adhesives,
epoxies and sealants are
covered only by the one-year
limited warranty. Theyare
not covered by the five-year
limited warranty.
The fiberglass hull component
is covered by the five-year
limited warranty. Installed
items such as (but not limited
to) ports, shafting, thru-hulls,
vents and struts are not cov-
ered by the five-year limited
warranty. The rudder and
keelare excluded from all
warranties.
Rudder , keel and
centerboards (small
boats) are excluded
from all warranties.
Keel and centerboard
leaks at the attachment
point are excluded
from all warranties.
Footnote 3. Keel and rudder are not covered under
the blister warranty. They are not covered under
the one-year or five-year limited warranty’s.
Footnote 2. Voids located within the deck or hulls gelcoat
surface or build laminate are covered only by the one-year
limited warranty. They are not covered by the five-year limited
warranty.
GRAPHIC EXPLANATION OF WARRANTY COVERAGE

2. LIMITED WARRANTY
9
GRAPHIC EXPLANATION OF WARRANTY COVERAGE
All wooden bulkheads, modular
components, floors, floor sup-
ports , paneling, trim, coring
materials, faceplates, counter-
tops are covered only by the
one-year limited warranty. They
are not covered by the five-year
limited warranty.
All fiberglass tabbing, over-
lays, secondary bonding,
sealants, adhesives, gaskets
and epoxies are covered only
by the one-year limited
warranty. Theyare not
covered by the five-year
limited warranty.
Internal fiberglass pan
and fiberglass grid
system are covered by
the five-year limited
warranty.

3. CERTIFICATION
10
CE CERTIFIED
Hunter sailboats are manufactured in the United States and are certified by the IMCI to be in compliance with the
relevant parts of the Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC from the European Parliament. The CE mark means the
boat meets or exceeds the applicable current International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and
directives as stated on the CE certificate supplied with your craft. The builder’s plate, affixed to the boat, describes
various parameters involved in the design of the boat. Please refer to it regularly when operating the boat.
Following are the Design Categories, established by the Recreation Craft Directive, which are to be considered a
guideline of use application as per the Recreation Craft Directive’s criteria. Hunter Marine Corporation does NOT
establish these criteria, and the category indicated is only a reference to the assigned category. The safety of the
captain and crew of any vessel is not measurable by such categories, and you should not interpret these categories as
an indication of your safety in such condition. The skill of your captain and crew, proper preparation, appropriate safety
equipment for the given conditions and a well maintained vessel are critical to safe sailing.
CE CRAFT DESIGN CATEGORIES
Category A-“Ocean”:
Craft designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort Scale) and include
significant wave heights of 4m or more; for vessels that are largely self-sufficient.
Category B- “Offshore”:
Craft designed for offshore voyages where conditions include winds up to and including wind force 8 and
significant wave heights up to and including 4m may be experienced.
Category C- “Inshore”:
Craft designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers, where conditions up to
and including wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to and including 4m may be experienced.
Category D- “Sheltered Waves”:
Craft designed for voyages on small lakes, rivers and canals, where conditions up to and including wind force
4 and significant wave heights up to and including 0.5m may be experienced.
For additional information, contact: International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI)
Treves Centre, rue de Treves 45
1040 Brussels, Belgium
FX: (32) 2238-7700
NMMA CERTIFIED
Hunter sailboats are judged by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to be in compliance with the
applicable federal regulations and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and recommended practices in
effect at the time of manufacture.
For additional information, contact: National Marine Manufacturers Association
200 E. Randolph Dr., Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60611
PH: (1) 312-946-6200 FX: (1) 312-946-0388

4. BRIEF HISTORY
11
WARREN R. LUHRS
HUNTER MARINE’S OWNER AND FOUNDER
Warren Luhrs was born in East Orange, New Jersey in
1944 into a family with an established tradition in the
maritime and transportation Industries. His great-
grandfather, Henry, was a railroad and clipper-shipping
pioneer in America, while his great-uncle John helped
build the famous St. Petersburg to Moscow railroad for
Czar Alexander II.
Henry Luhrs owned shares in twenty-two different ocean-
going vessels – barks, brigs, and schooners - and was
the principal owner of the bark Sophia R. Luhrs, named
for his wife. He was also a partner with Albert Sprout, who
managed the shipyard where the Sophia R. Luhrs was
built in Melbridge, Maine.
Warren Luhrs’ father, Henry, worked at a small boat
manufacturer in Morgan, New Jersey, and later started
his own company, continuing the Luhrs’ family sea
tradition during the great depression. During World War II
he repaired boats and installed ice sheathing on the bows
for the Coast Guard.
After the War, Henry built 27-foot fishing boats and in
1948 began to construct custom-built pleasure craft. He
then turned to skiffs and in 1952 incorporated as Henry
Luhrs Sea Skiffs, where he constructed lapstrake sea
skiffs using assembly-line techniques. Henry personally
“shook down” his prototypes on family trips up the
Hudson River to Lake Champlain.
The sea skiff is a class of boat that has been very
popular, owing to its seaworthiness. It features a sharp
bow, which reduces pounding in surf or choppy seas, and
a hull whose forward section is rounded below the
waterline to increase stability in rough water or a following
sea. Such skiffs can either be smooth sided or of a
lapstrake construction.
Inspired by Henry Ford, Henry Luhrs aimed to give the
average man the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of
boating by building an affordable and reliable boat. He
was both designer and engineer, and his progressive new
models exhibited his talent for innovation. He successfully
changed the line of the bow from straight to curve at a
time when the industry trend was a straight square effect,
and he is believed to be the first designer-builder to
popularize a small boat with a fly bridge.
In 1960, Luhrs acquired the Ulrichsen Boat Company of
Marlboro, New Jersey. It was here that Luhrs’ Alura
fiberglass division was located. In 1965, Henry sold his
company to Bangor Arrostook Railroad, which was to
become the recreational conglomerate Bangor-Punta. It
was also during this period that Silverton of Tom’s River,
New Jersey was purchased by John and Warren Luhrs.
Today, Warren R. Luhrs and his brother John own the
Luhrs Group of marine manufacturers, which consists of
Silverton Marine, Mainship Motor Yachts, and Luhrs
Fishing Boats with its Alura division, as well as Hunter
Marine, which exclusively manufactures sailboats.
In January of 1996, the Luhrs family transferred a portion
of the Luhrs Group to its employees through an ESOP
program.

5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
12
A
Aback: describes a sail when the
wind strikes it on the lee side.
Abaft: towards the boat’s stern.
Abeam: at right angles to the
centerline of the boat.
Aft: at or near the stern.
Amidships: the center of the boat,
athwartships and fore and aft.
Anti-fouling: a poisonous paint
compound used to protect the
underwater part of a hull from marine
growths.
Apparent wind: The direction and
speed of the wind felt by the crew. It
is a combination of true wind and that
created by the movement of the boat.
Astern: behind the boat; to go astern
is to drive the boat in reverse.
Athwartships: at right angles to the
fore and aft line of the boat.
B
Back: when a wind backs, it shifts
anticlockwise.
Back a sail: to sheet it to windward
so that the wind fills on the side that
is normally to leeward.
Backstay: a stay that supports the
mast from aft and prevents its forward
movement.
Ballast: extra weight, usually lead or
iron, placed low in the boat or
externally on the keel to provide
stability.
Ballast keel: a mass of ballast bolted
to the keel to increase stability and
prevent a keel boat from capsizing.
Batten: a light, flexible strip fed into a
batten pocket at the leech of the sail
to support the roach.
Beam: 1, the maximum breadth of a
boat; 2, a transverse member that
supports the deck; 3, on the beam
means that an object is at right
angles to the centerline.
Bear away: to steer the boat away
from the wind.
Bearing: the direction of an object
from an observer, measured in
degrees true or magnetic.
Beat: to sail a zigzag course towards
the wind, close-hauled on alternate
tacks.
Delay: to make fast a rope around a
cleat, usually with a figure-of-eight
knot.
Bend: 1, to secure a sail to a spar
before hoisting; 2, to moor a boat; 3,
a sleeping place on board.
Bight: a bend or loop in a rope.
Bilge: the lower, round part inside the
hull where the water collects.
Block: a pulley in a wooden or plastic
case, consisting of a sheave around
which a rope runs. It is used to
change the direction of pull.
Boot-topping: a narrow colored
stripe painted between the bottom
paint and the topside enamel.
Bottlescrew: see Rigging screw.
Broach: when a boat running
downwind slews broadside to the
wind and heels dangerously. It is
caused by heavy following seas or
helmsman’s error.
Broad reach: the point of sailing
between a beam reach and a run,
when the wind blows over a quarter.
Bulkhead: a partition wall in a boat
normally fitted athwartships
C
Caulk: to make the seams between
wooden planks watertight by filling
with cotton, oakum or a compound.
Cavitation: the formation of a
vacuum around a propeller, causing a
loss in efficiency.
Center-board: a board lowered
through a slot in the keel to reduce
leeway.
Center-line: center of the boat in a
fore and aft line.
Center of effort (COE): the point at
which all the forces acting on the sails
are concentrated.
Center of lateral resistance (CLR):
the underwater center of pressure
about which a boat pivots when
changing course.
Chain pawl: a short lug which drops
into a toothed rack to prevent the
anchor chain running back.
Chain plate: a metal plate bolted to
the boat to which the shrouds or
backstays are attached.
Chart datum: reference level on a
chart below which the tide is unlikely
to fall. Soundings are given below
chart datum. The datum level varies
according to country and area.
Chine: the line where the bottom of
the hull meets the side at an angle.
Cleat: a wooden, metal or plastic
fitting around which rope is secured.
Clevis pin: a locking pin through
which a split ring is passed to prevent
accidental withdraw.
Clew: the after, lower center of a sail
where the foot and leech meet.
Close-hauled: the point of sailing
closest to the wind; see also beat.
Close reach: the point of sailing
between close-hauled and a beam
reach, when the wind blows forward
of the beam.
Close-winded: describes a boat able
to sail very close to the wind.
Coaming: the raised structure
surrounding a hatch, cockpit, etc.,
which prevents water entering.
Cotter pin: soft, metal pin folded
back on itself to form an eye.
Course: the direction in which a
vessel is steered, usually given in
degrees; true, magnetic or compass.
Cringle: 1, a rope loop, found at
either end of a line of reef points; 2,
an eye in a sail.
Centerboard: centerboard is
retractable. The mechanism of
centerboard allows the keel to be
raised to operate in shallow waters.
D
Dead run: running with the wind
blowing exactly aft, in line with the
center-line.
Deviation: the difference between
the direction indicated by the
compass needle and the magnetic

5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
13
meridian; caused by object aboard.
Displacement: 1, the weight of water
displaced by a boat is equal to the
weight of the boat; 2, a displacement
hull is one that displaces its own
weight in water and is only supported
by buoyancy, as opposed to a
planning hull which can exceed its
hull, or displacement, speed.
Downhaul: a rope fitted to pull down
a sail or spar.
Draft: the vertical distance from the
waterline to the lowest point of the
keel.
Drag: 1, an anchor drags when it fails
to hole; 2, the force of wind on the
sails, or water on the hull, which
impedes the boat’s progress.
Drift: 1, to float with the current or
wind; 2, US the speed of a current
(rate UK); 3, UK: the distance a boat
is carried by a current in a given time.
Drogue: a sea anchor put over the
stern of a boat or life raft to retard
drift.
Drop keel: a retractable keel which
can be drawn into the hull, when
entering shallow waters and
recovering on to a trailer.
E
Eye of the wind: direction from
which the true wind blows.
F
Fair: well-faired line or surface is
smoother with no bumps, hollows or
abrupt changes in directions.
Fairlead: a fitting through which a
line is run to alter the lead of the line.
Fathom: the measurement used for
depths of water and lengths or rope.
1 fathom = 6 ft. or 1.83m.
Fid: a tapered tool used for splicing
heavy rope and for sail-making, often
hollow.
Fiddle: a raised border for a cabin
table, chart table etc., to prevent
objects falling off when the boat
heels.
Fix: the position of the vessel as
plotted from two or more position
lines.
Forestay: the foremost stay, running
from the masthead to the stemhead,
to which the headsail is hanked.
Freeboard: vertical distance between
the waterline and the top of the deck.
G
Genoa: a large headsail, in various
sizes, which overlaps the mainsail
and is hoisted in light to fresh winds
on all points of sailing.
Gimbals: two concentric rings,
pivoted at right angles, which keeps
objects horizontal despite the boat’s
motion, e. g. compass and cooker.
Go about: to turn the boat through
the eye of the wind to change tack.
Gooseneck: the fitting attaching the
boom to the mast, allowing it to move
in all directions.
Goosewing: to boom-out the
headsail to windward on a run by
using a whisker pole to hold the sail
on the opposite side to the mainsail.
Ground tackle: general term used
for anchoring gear.
Guard rail: a metal rail fitted around
the boat to prevent the crew falling
overboard.
Gudgeon: a rudder fitting. It is the
eye into which the pintle fits.
Guy: a steadying rope for a spar; a
spinnaker guy controls the fore and
aft position of the spinnaker pole; the
foreguy holds the spinaker pole
forward and down.
Gybe: to change from one tack to
another by turning the stern through
the wind.
H
Halyard: rope used to hoist and
lower sails.
Hank: fitting used to attach the luff of
a sail to a stay.
Hatch: an opening in the deck giving
access to the interior.
Hawes pipe: see Navel pipe.
Head-topwind: when the bows are
pointing right into the wind.
Headfoil: a streamlined surround to a
forestay, with a groove into which a
headsail luff slides.
Heads: the toilet.
Headway: the forward movement of
a boat through the water.
Heave-to: to back the jib and lash the
tiller to leeward; used in heavy
weather to encourage the boat to lie
quietly and to reduce headway.
Heaving line: a light line suitable for
throwing ashore.
Heel: to lean over to one side.
I
Isobars: lines on a weather map
joining places of equal atmospheric
pressure.
J
Jackstay: a line running fore and aft,
on both sides of the boat, to which
safety harnesses are clipped.
Jury: a temporary device to replace
lost or damaged gear.
K
Keel: the main backbone of the boat
to which a ballast keel is bolted or
through which the centerboard
passes.
Kicking strap: a line used to pull the
boom down, to keep it horizontal,
particularly on a reach or run.
L
Lanyard: a short line attached to one
object, such as a knife, with which it
is secured to another.
Leech: 1, the after edge of a triangle
sail; 2, both side edges of a square
sail.
Leehelm: the tendency of a boat to
bear away from the wind.
Lee shore: a shore on to which the
wind blows.
Leeward: away from the wind; the
direction to which the wind blows.
Leeway: the sideways movement of
a boat off its course as a result of the
wind blowing on one side of the sails.

5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
14
Lifeline: a wire or rope rigged around
the deck to prevent the crew falling
overboard.
Limber holes: gaps left at the lower
end of frames above the keel to allow
water to drain to the lowest point of
the bilges.
List: a boat’s more or less permanent
lean to one side, owing to the
improper distribution of weight, e.g.,
ballast or water.
Log: 1, an instrument for measuring
a boat’s speed and distance traveled
through the water; 2, to record in a
book the details of a voyage, usually
distances covered and weather.
Luff: the forward edge of a sail. To
luff up is to turn a boat’s head right
into the wind.
Luff groove: a groove in a wooden
or metal spar into which the luff of a
headsail is fed.
Lurch: the sudden roll of a boat.
M
Marlin spike: a pointed steel or
wooden spike used to open up the
strands of rope or wire then splicing.
Mast Step: the socket in which the
base of the mast is located.
Measured mile: a distance of one
nautical mile measured between
buoys or transits/ranges ashore, and
marked on the chart.
Member: a part of the skeleton of the
hull, such as a stringer laminated into
fiberglass hull to strengthen it.
Meridian: an imaginary line encircling
the Earth that passes through the
poles and cuts at right angles through
the Equator. All lines of longitude are
meridians.
Mizzen: 1, the shorter, after-mast on
a ketch or yawl; 2, the fore and aft
sail set on this mast.
N
Navel pipe: a metal pipe in the
foredeck through which the anchor
chain passes to the locker below.
Noon Sight: a vessel’s latitude can
be found, using a sextant, when a
heavenly body on the observer’s
meridian is at its greatest altitude.
The sight of the sun at noon is the
one most frequently taken.
O
Off the wind: with the sheets slacked
off, not close-hauled.
On the wind: close-hauled.
Out haul: a rope used to pull out the
foot of a sail.
Overall length (LOA): the boat’s
extreme length, measured from the
foremost past of the bow to the
aftermost part of the stern, excluding
bowspirt, self-steering gear etc.
P
Painter: the bow line by which a
dinghy, or tender, is towed or made
fast.
Pintle: a rudder fitting with a long pin
that fits into the gudgeon to form a
hinged pivot for the rudder.
Pitch: 1, the up and down motion of
the bows of a boat plunging over the
waves; 2, the angle of the propeller
blades.
Point of sailing: the different angles
from which a boat may sail; the boat’s
course relative to the direction of the
wind.
Port: the left-hand side of the boat,
looking forward (opp. of starboard).
Port tack: a boat is on a port tack
when the wind strikes the port side
first and the mainsail is out to
starboard. A boat on the port tack
gives way to a boat on a starboard
tack.
Position line/ Line of position: a
line drawn on a chart, as a result of
taking a bearing, along which the
boat’s position must be i.e. Two
position lines give a fix.
Pulpit: a metal guard rail fitted at the
bows of a boat to provide safety for
the crew.
Pushpit: a metal guard rail fitted at
the stern.
Q
Quarter: the portion of the boat
midway between the stern and the
beam; on the quarter means about 45
degrees abaft the beam.
R
Rake: the fore and aft deviation from
the perpendicular of a mast or other
feature of a boat.
Range: 1, see transit; 2, of tides, the
difference between the high and low
water levels of a tide; 3, the distance
at which a light can be seen.
Rating: a method of measuring
certain dimensions of a yacht to
enable it to take part in handicap
races.
Reach: to sail with the wind
approximately on the beam; all sailing
points between running and close-
hauled.
Reef: to reduce the sail area by
folding or rolling surplus material on
the boom or forestay.
Reefing pennant: strong line with
which the luff or leech cringle is
pulled down to the boom when
reefing.
Rhumb line: a line cutting all
meridians at the same angle; the
course followed by a boat sailing in a
fixed direction.
Riding light to anchor light: an all-
around white light, usually hoisted on
the forestay, to show that a boat
under 50 ft. (15m.)is at anchor. It
must be visible for 2 mls. (3 km.).
Rigging screw: a deck fitting with
which the tensions of standing
rigging, e.g. stays, shrouds, etc. are
adjusted.
Roach: the curved part of the leech
of a sail that extends beyond the
direct line from head to clew.
Run: to run with the wind aft and with
the sheets eased well out.
Running rigging: all the moving
lines, such as sheets and halyards,
used in the setting and trimming of
sails.

5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
15
S
Scope: the length of rope or cable
paid out when mor anchoring.
Scuppers: 1, holes in the toe rail that
allow water to drain off the deck; 2,
drain cockpit through hull.
Seacock: a valve that shuts off an
underwater inlet or outlet passing
through the hull.
Seize: to bind two ropes together, or
a rope to a spar, with a light line.
Serve: to cover and protect a splice
or part of a rope with twine bound
tightly against the lay.
Serving mallet: tool with a grooved
head, used when serving a rope to
keep the twine at a constant and high
tension.
Set: 1, to hoist a sail; 2, the way in
which the sails fit; 3, the direction of
tidal current or steam.
Shackle: a metal link with a
removable bolt across the end; of
various shapes: D, U.
Sheave: a grooved wheel in a block
or spar for a rope to run on.
Sheet: the rope attached to the clew
of a sail or to the boom, enabling it to
be controlled or trimmed.
Shrouds: ropes or wires, usually in
pairs, led from the mast to the chain
plates at deck level to prevent the
mast falling sideways; part of the
standing rigging.
Sloop: a single-masted sailing boat
with a mainsail and one head sail.
Spar: a general term for any wooden
or metal pole, e.g., mast or boom,
used to carry or give shape to sails.
Spindrift: spray blown along the
surface of the sea.
Spinnaker: a large, light, balloon
shaped sail set when reaching or
running.
Splice: to join ropes or wire by
unlaying the strands and interweaving
them.
Split pin: see cotter pin.
Spreaders: horizontal struts attached
to the mast, which extends to the
shrouds and help to support the mast.
Stall: a sail stalls when the airflow
over it breaks up, causing the boat to
lose way.
Stanchion: upright metal post bolted
to the deck to support guardrails or
lifelines.
Standing part: the part of a line not
used when making a knot; the part of
a rope that is made fast, or around
which the knot is tied.
Standing rigging: the shrouds and
stays that are permanently set up and
support the mast.
Starboard: right-hand side of a boat
looking forward (opp. of port).
Starboard tack: a boat is the
starboard tack when the wind strikes
the starboard side first and the boom
is out to the port.
Stay: wire or rope which supports the
mast in a fore and aft direction; part
of the standing rigging.
Steerage way: a boat has steerage
way when it has sufficient speed to
allow it to be steered, or to answer
the helm.
Stem: the timer at the bow, from the
keel upward, to which the planking is
attached.
Sternway: the backward, stern-first
movement of a boat.
Stringer: a fore and aft member,
fitted to strengthen the frames.
T
Tack: 1, the lower forward corner of a
sail; 2, to turn the boat through the
wind so that it blows on the opposite
sides of the sails.
Tacking: working to windward by
sailing close-hauled on alternate
courses so that the wind is first on
one side of the boat, then on the
other.
Tack pennant: a length of wire with
an eye in each end, used to raise the
tack of a headsail some distance off
the deck.
Tackle: a purchase system
comprising of rope and blocks that is
used to gain mechanical advantage.
Tang: a strong metal fitting by which
standing rigging is attached to the
mast or other spar.
Tender of dinghy: a small boat used
to ferry stores and people to a yacht.
Terminal fitting: fitting at the end of
a wire rope by which a shroud or stay
can be attached to the mast, a tang
or a rigging screw/ turnbuckle.
Tide: the vertical rise and fall of the
oceans caused by the gravitational
attraction of the moon.
Toe rail: a low strip of metal or
molding running around the edge of
the deck.
Topping lift: a line runs from the
masthead to a spar, normally the
boom, which is used to raise it.
Topsides: the part of a boat’s hull
that is above the waterline.
Track:
1, the course a boat has made good;
2, a fitting on the mast or boom into
which the slides on a sail fit; 3, a
fitting along which a traveler runs,
used to alter the angle of the sheets.
Transit: two fixed objects are in
transit when seen in line; two transit
give position fix.
Traveler: 1, a ring or hoop that can
be hauled along a spar; 2, a fitting
that slides in a track and is used to
alter the angle of the sheets.
Trim: 1, to adjust the angle of the
sails, by means of sheets, so that
they work most efficiently; 2, to adjust
the boat’s load, and thus the fore and
aft angle at which it floats.
True wind: the direction and speed
of the wind felt when stationary, at
anchor or on land.
Turnbuckle: see Rigging screw.
U
Under way: a boat is under way
when it is not made fast to shore, at
anchor or aground.
Up-haul: a line used to raise
something vertically, e.g., the
spinnaker pole.

5. GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
16
V
Veer: 1, the wind veers when it shifts
in clockwise direction; 2, to pay out
anchor cable or rope in a gradual,
controlled way.
W
Wake: the disturbed water left astern
of a boat.
Waterline: the line along the hull at
which a boat floats.
Waterline length (WL): the length of
a boat from stem to stern at the
waterline. It governs the maximum
speed of displacement hull and
effects a boats rating.
Weather helm: ( opp. of lee helm).
Weather side: the side of a boat on
which the wind is blowing.
Wetted surface: the area of the hull
under water.
Whisker pole: a light pole used to
hold out the clew of a headsail when
running.
Winch: a mechanical device,
consisting usually of a metal drum
turned by a handle, around which a
line is wound to give the crew more
purchasing power when hauling taut
a line, e.g. a jib sheet.
Windage: those parts of a boat that
increase drag, e.g., rigging, spars,
crew, etc.
Windlass: a winch with a horizontal
shaft and a vertical handle, used to
haul up the anchor chain.
Windward: the direction from which
the wind blows; towards the wind
(opp. of leeward).
Y
Yawl: a two masted boat with a
mizzen stepped aft of the rudder
stock/ post.