Describing a hull design employed by modified sharpies, yachts and sailboats, and some high-speed motorboats, where the underwater portion has a V shaped section.
See Also:
sharpie
Term:
V-drive (n)
Definition:
A transmission mounted forward of the engine which reverses the direction of the shaft so that it can exit aft. This arrangement is used in some small powerboats so that the engine may be mounted all the way aft to free up cockpit space.
See Also:
Z-drive
Term:
vaka (n)
Definition:
The main hull of a catamaran or proa.
See Also:
proa, catamaran
Term:
variable pitch (adj)
Definition:
Referring to a propeller’s blades, having the capability to rotate so as to change the angle of the blade to the water. In practice this capability offers the operator of the vessel the option of reducing or increasing the thrust of the propeller, or reducing the drag of the propeller when the vessel is under sail and the engine is shut down
Term:
variation (n)
Definition:
The known difference between True North and Magnetic North at a specific chart location, expressed as an angle east or west of True North.
See Also:
deviation, compass error
Term:
varnish (n)
Definition:
A glossy finish used on fine woodwork to protect without hiding the handsome grain and color of the wood.
Term:
varnish (v)
Definition:
To apply a varnish finish to woodwork.
Term:
vector (n)
Definition:
1) The direction and speed of a current of water, employed in course calculations. 2) A course or compass direction as it applies to an airplane, but not used in this sense at sea.
See Also:
course
Term:
vee bottom (adj)
Definition:
Describing a boat designed with the hull in the shape of a vee.
See Also:
V bottom
Term:
veer, veering (v)
Definition:
1) Changing direction of the wind clockwise; as in: “The wind is veering into the East.” 2) To lead a line around a bitt or block, thereby changing its direction for a purchase. 3) To indicate that the relative wind is changing direction toward the stern, as in “Ease the sheets; the wind is starting to veer.” 4) To let out rope. “You can veer out about 20 feet of the dinghy painter so it will tow better.”
An opening that allows fresh air to circulate below.
See Also:
dorade
Term:
vent (v)
Definition:
To exhaust stale air or gasses, as from a submarine.
Term:
ventilate (n)
Definition:
To open vents or fans so that gasses may be expelled and fresh air can circulate below.
See Also:
blower
Term:
ventilation (n)
Definition:
The ability of a closed space to exchange fresh air for foul. “If the ventilation is good, there will never be a problem with mildew.”
Term:
ventilator (n)
Definition:
A horn shaped device that draws stale air out from belowdecks.
See Also:
dorade, charlie noble
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Term:
verge (v)
Definition:
To move toward the horizon, referring to the sun.
Term:
vernier (n)
Definition:
A geared knob on a sextant for fine adjustment of the sight.
See Also:
sextant
Term:
vertigo (n)
Definition:
A state of being dizzy from the action of the ship.
See Also:
seasickness
Term:
Very light (n)
Definition:
A fireball shot into the sky as a warning or signal of distress.
Term:
Very pistol (n)
Definition:
A handgun used to launch flares into the sky as a warning or signal of distress, named for Edward Very (1847-1910) an American Naval officer who designed a breech loading, short barrel pistol to launch marine flares.
See Also:
flare gun
Term:
vessel (n)
Definition:
Any craft that is capable of floating and moving on the water.
Term:
VHF (n)
Definition:
Very High Frequency. Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 megahertz.
See Also:
marine radio, radio
Term:
victor (n)
Definition:
The phonetic term used on radio transmissions to represent the letter "v".
See Also:
phonetic alphabet
Term:
victory ship (n)
Definition:
A production cargo ship built during the last part of WWII as an improvement over the liberty ship.
