Boat terminology reference book?

[Krunch]

Can anyone recommend a good reference book and/or website that defines all the different words that are used to describe different parts of a boat or ship, as well as the characteristics that distinguish (just for one example) a sloop from a yawl?

I've been reading a couple of Chappelle's books, but constantly find myself clueless and unable to visualize anything because I don't know what part of the boat or what construction member he's talking about.

As a lifelong powerboater who knows almost zero about sailing (beyond the mast and boom) I'm especially confounded by sailing vessel terminology.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

"The Sailor's Word Book" by Admiral Smyth is comprehensive.

Before splashing out on a copy try the Project Gutenberg version, here:

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/26000

[D Happ]

There is a Boating Dictionary at Merisafe.com. It isn't going to tell you all the pieces of wooden boats but it has most of the basic sailing terms defined.


http://www.marisafe.com/resources/boatdictionary.asp?mode=browse&term=A

[Oldersalt]

If you can find a copy, get the old paperback by Royce called "Sailing Illustrated." A wild, disorganized collection of everything about sailboats, including drawings of most kinds of rigs, from full-rigged ship to little boats. I always had it near me for years when I was first getting into sailing.

Enjoy!
Mike Bennett

[donald branscom]

Some things are not in the books.

Like...."throw a lizard on that halyard" That is a small piece of line tied from the halyard to a railing to keep the halyard from slapping the mast all night long, or all summer long and driving your neighbors crazy.

A slapping halyard also loosens the fittings on a mast and that is why you often see neglected boats with screws and pins from the mast laying on the deck!

But if you are lucky some no good for nothing liveaboard (joking)will come along and throw a lizard on your halyards, just shut that noise up. Just like roller fullers that get loose in the winter. Also bow sprits that bang the dock boxes because there are no spring lines on the boat.

There is a poetic line that goes... "She lies quietly all put away."
Remember that.

That will not be in any book either.

[Peerie Maa]

Wikipedia has some, or Capt. H Paash's Illustrated Marine Encyclopaedia of 1890 is a gem

[Thorne]

Much depends on what sort of boat. For trad boats the above references are great, but for modern racing or cruising you may hear a different series of terms -- pointy end, Mexican takedown, Maui bag, racing stripes, etc...

http://www.mgb67.com/sailing2.htm

[Jay Greer]

While there are a lot of dictionarys and encylopedias that have been written over the years, the writings of L. Francis Herreshoff contain a wealth of practical information without being too essoteric. And, they are a good read as well!
However, if you are seeking information on a component such as a "Hench" or the manuver known as "Club Hauling", which is not hoisting a cool on at the club bar, then you need something like "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor" or "Hamersly's Nautical Encylopedia of 1884". Again, if you are seeking to learn how to play "A puff card" then you need to seek one o the latest descriptions of modern sailboat racing of which there are many.
Jay
Jay

[donald branscom]

....kitchen ???

dandywick double roller

[Krunch]

Thanks, everyone, for all the replies. I appreciate the help.