aerate
To force air and oxygen into livewells to keep fish or bait alive. Also, to force air under the running surface of a hull.
aft
The rear of the boat.
aft cabin
Sleeping quarters beneath the aft or rear section of the boat (sometimes called a mid cabin when located beneath the helm).
alee
The side of a boat or object away from the direction of the wind.
aloft
Above deck in the rigging.
aluminum fish boat
Small, lightweight, durable trailerboat constructed of aluminum that is either welded or riveted; generally used for freshwater fishing.
amidships
Center section of a boat.
anchorage
A location intended or suited for anchoring.
anti-fouling paint
A special paint applied to a boat's hull to prevent marine growth.
apparent wind
The direction and velocity of wind as felt in a moving boat.
astern
The direction toward or beyond the stern.
athwart
Perpendicular to a boat's centerline
aweigh
An anchor that is off the bottom.
axle ratio
The relationship of revolutions of a tow vehicle's axle to that of its driveshaft or transaxle, e.g. 2.74:1.