fathom
Nautical depth measurement equaling six feet.
fender
A cylindrical or round cushion used to protect the hull sides of a boat, typically used when tied up at dock.
fetch
To clear a buoy, point of land or object without having to make a tack.
fiberglass
Glass fibers either loose or woven, reinforced with resin and used in the construction of many boats.
fighting chair
A fix-mounted chair used to help land large gamefish on bluewater fishing boats equipped with a footrest, gimbal-mounted rod holder, safety harness and other fish-fighting gear.
fin keel
A keel shaped like the fin of a fish that is shorter and deeper than a full-length keel.
fishfinder
Electronic device that uses sonar to locate and display fish on a monitor.
fix
The position of a boat recorded in coordinates or bearings.
flare
A pyrotechnic device used to indicate distress. Also, the outward curvature of the sides on the bow of a boat.
flat-bottom boat
Type of boat or hull shape with very little or no deadrise.
flats boat
Type of small, inshore saltwater fishing boat with moderate deadrise and draft, usually equipped with a raised platform aft used by a guide pushing a long pole to silently maneuver the boat through shallow tidal water.
flying bridge
Raised, second-story helm station, often located above the primary helm.
following sea
Wave pattern running in the same direction as the boat.
foot
The bottom edge of a sail.
fore
Located at the front of a boat.
foredeck
Forward part of the main deck, ahead of the superstructure.
foul-weather gear
Jacket, pants and hat used during inclement weather.
founder
To sink.
four-cycle engine
A gasoline- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine that takes four cycles or strokes of the piston to complete its power phase. Also called four-stroke engine.
frame-mount hitch
Hitch fastened to the frame of a tow vehicle.
freeboard
Vertical distance between the waterline and the top of the hull side.
furling
Rolling or folding a sail on its boom.