halyard
Line used to hoist a spar or sail.
harbor master
The person at a harbor in charge of anchorages, berths and harbor traffic.
hard chine
A sharp-angle at the intersection of the hull's side and bottom.
hard over
Turning the steering wheel or tiller all the way in one direction.
hard-top
A large fiberglass roof or platform over the helm area.
hatch
A deck opening.
hauling
To lift a boat from the water.
hawse pipe
Fittings in the deck or gunwale through which the anchor rode or dock lines run.
head
Toilet facilities or room where they are located.
head seas
Waves coming from the direction a boat is heading.
heading
The direction a boat is pointed.
headsail
Any sail set forward of the mast.
headway
Forward motion of a boat in the water.
heave
To pull on a line. Also to throw a line.
heaving to
Setting the sails so the boat makes little headway, either used in a storm or a waiting situation.
heel
To temporarily tip or lean to one side.
helm
Area of a boat where operational controls are located.
high-performance boat
A type of boat capable of running at high speeds, often equipped with high-horsepower and exotic propulsion systems, sometimes used for racing.
hike
To lean out on the windward side of a sailboat to achieve optimal speed by offsetting heeling.
hitch
Steel framework on a tow vehicle used to hook up a trailer.
hitch ball
The ball-shaped component of the hitch that fits into the trailer coupler.
holding tank
Storage tank for gray water.
houseboat
A large, flat-bottom boat with square sides and house-like characteristics, such as comfortable furniture and living accommodations.
hull
The structural body of the boat that rests in the water.