Discover The Different Parts Of A Sailboat: Illustrated Guide

You might have spent countless hours dreaming about your first sailing adventure, and with good reason. Sailing is amazing! But before learning how to sail, it’s necessary to learn and understand the different parts of a sailboat.
Whether you’re just starting out or want to brush up on your sailing knowledge, this illustrated guide is perfect for you.
A sailboat consists of hundreds of parts, each with its own term and function. From stern to bow, keel to mast, each part of a sailboat and its equipment plays a vital role in making it seaworthy and able to sail.
In this guide, we’ll go through most of the sailboat components so you can better understand what they are and their function. We’ll begin with the main components, move to the basic features, and finish with our interior and equipment.

Hull – The main structure
A sailboat’s hull is the vessel’s main body or structure. The shape is essential to the boat’s performance and stability, and many different designs exist.
One of the primary functions of the hull is to displace water and provide buoyancy, which keeps the boat afloat. The hull is also the platform that holds the boats living compartments and all its equipment.
As the main structure of the boat, it must be strong enough to withstand the forces of the water and any rough weather conditions that mother nature might throw at it.
The most commonly used hull materials include fiberglass (GRP), steel, aluminum, and wood. Each material has pros and cons and can play a part in a sailboat’s strength, expected lifespan, and required maintenance.
You can learn more about a sailboats lifespan in this article.
A monohull is a type of sailboat that has a single hull. Monohulls are classified into two categories based on weight and shape: planing and displacement hulls.
Sailboats with more than one hull are called multihulls. There are two types of multihulls: catamarans, which have two, and trimarans, which have three. These boats are typically designed with planing hulls.
Keel – The fin under the boat
The keel of a sailboat is a structural fin that extends downward from the bottom of the hull. It is crucial in providing stability and balance to the boat and allowing it to sail in different directions to the wind.
There are several types of keels, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Still, they all serve the same fundamental purpose of making the boat able to sail smoothly through the water. Standard keel designs include:
- Fin Keel
- Bulb Keel
- Long Keel
- Wing Keel
- Bilge Keel
- Lifting Keel
Some sailboats have a retractable centerboard functioning as their keel, allowing them to take the boat into shallower areas.
Rudder – To steer the boat
The rudder is a flat surface that sits perpendicular to the waterline. It is connected to the boat by a pivot point, allowing it to swivel left and right. When the steering wheel or tiller is turned, the rudder moves in the opposite direction, which creates drag in the water, causing the boat to turn. The size and shape of the rudder can vary depending on the size and type of boat.
The most commonly seen rudder designs:
- Full skeg-supported
- Semi skeg-supported
- Balanced
- Twin
Skeg-supported rudders are structurally one of the most reliable and robust constructions, but they are less efficient than a balanced rudder performance-wise. Balanced rudders pivot around their vertical center and give less drag in the water and higher maneuverability at the cost of being a more vulnerable construction.
Twin rudders are often seen on modern performance sailboats with a wide stern. When the sailboat heel over, the leeward rudder gets better track through the water than a single rudder placed at the vessel’s center line. Contrary to some misconceptions, they can’t be controlled individually, even if the boat has two steering wheels.
Spar – Supporting the sails
The spar is a general term for a pole made of a solid material like wood, metal, or composite and is used to support a boat’s sail. The mast, boom, spreaders, and poles are defined as spars.
Mast and Rig – Holding the sails
The mast is the long vertical spar that extends upward from the deck of a sailboat and holds the sails. It is the tallest part of the boat and is typically made of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber. The mast is held in place by stays and shrouds, which form the sailboat’s standing rigging.
Depending on the rig the boat is manufactured with, there are several different types of masts. For example, a sloop-rigged sailboat will have only one main mast, while a ketch-rigged vessel will have a smaller additional mizzen mast placed further aft from the main mast.

There are two types of rigging:
The Standing rigging consists of the stays and shrouds that keep the mast or masts in place.
The Running rigging is the lines we use to hoist, lower and control the sails.
Boom – Supporting the mainsail
The boom is a horizontal beam extending from the mast and supporting the mainsail’s tack and clew (bottom two corners). It is attached to the mast by a hinge called a Gooseneck.
We use the boom to control the shape and angle of the mainsail to optimize its efficiency and power. Some booms also have a Vang or Rod-Kicker installed to assist in trimming the mainsail.
Sails – What makes it a sailboat
Depending on the rig type and setup of the boat, most vessels have at least two sails in addition to a light wind sail. The mainsail flies behind the mast, on top of the boom. Although it may not always be the largest sail on the vessel, we commonly refer to it as “the main.”
The headsail(s), located in front of the mast, are often of different sizes and shapes, and many sailboats have more than one. The jib and genoa are two of the most common types. Many types of sails are used for different sail plans and situations, and you can learn more about them in this guide.
Now that we had a look at the main parts that make a sailboat..well, a sailboat, let us dive deeper and look at the rest of the boat.
The starboard and port side of a boat
Learning the parts of the boat is very important, but we also need to know how to orient ourselves on the vessel. Using the words “left and right” on onboard often leads to confusion.
If you are at the bow and shouting back to the skipper, “Go left!” he won’t know if you are referring to his left or left. This is where the terms “Port” and “Starboard” makes better sense.

When facing the front of the boat or the bow, your left side of the boat is the port side. If you turn around and face the back of the boat or the stern, your right-hand side will be the port side.
The port side of a vessel is also identified by a red light. This allows you to see a vessel’s direction by looking at its navigation light, even at night.
Logically, the boat’s starboard side will be your right-hand side when you face forward toward the bow.
The starboard side is marked by a green navigation light. Like the red light on the port side, it will be easily identifiable at night for other vessels.
Windward
The windward side of the boat is the side facing the wind. If the wind comes from your right-hand side while facing forward, the starboard side is the windward side. This will be the boat’s high side as the wind heels the boat over.
Leeward
Leeward is opposite of windward, and the side of the boat is in the wind’s lee. This will be the lower side of the ship while sailing as the wind heels the boat over.
Terms on different basic parts of a sailboat

Bow
The boat’s bow is the front part and is typically shaped like a “V” to cut through the waves. Larger vessels often have a locker for their anchor chain in this section holding the anchor positioned at the front.
Midship
The midship section is the center of the boat. Some refer to this part as amidships.
Stern
The stern is the rear or back part of the boat. It is also referred to as the aft. I’ve had French crew calling the stern the butt of the vessel, which is funny but also correct!
Beam
The beam is the widest part of the boat. Also referred to as the sides on the middle.
Transom
The transom is a flat surface across the stern of the boat.
Waterline
The waterline is the part where the hull (body) of the boat meets the water. Many vessels have a painted stripe to mark the waterline, indicating how loaded the ship is. If you have too much stuff on board, the waterline goes underwater, and it is time to do some housekeeping!
Freeboard
The freeboard is the vertical part of the ship side between the water and the deck. When you see a blue boat like Ellidah, the freeboard is the blue part.
Deck
The deck is the “floor” of the boat when you are outside. You have probably heard the term “All hands on deck!” The front deck is the deck space in front of the mast. Side decks are obviously the decks on the boat’s sides.
The mid-deck is between the cockpit and the mast. The aft deck is the deck behind the cockpit. Sailboats with aft cockpits often don’t have any aft decks, but some have a swimming platform instead.
Cockpit
The cockpit is the boat’s steering position and where you will find the helm.
Helm
The helm is the position the helmsman use to steer the boat. Smaller sailboats often use a tiller to navigate, while most bigger yachts have one or two steering wheels.
Main parts below deck (inside the boat)
To make it all fun, we don’t use regular “landly” words for the things on our boats. There is a nautical term for everything, but many mix them up.
You’re already on your way to becoming knowledgeable in the mystical nautic language of sailors. Let us look at the interior to highlight and learn about the main parts below the deck.

The Companionway
The companionway is the “front door” of the boat. This is where the steps lead from the cockpit or deck down below. It is usually opened and closed using a hatch, two doors, or a plate.
The Galley
The galley is the boat’s kitchen. This is where sailors prepare their delicious meals.
The Saloon
The saloon is basically the boat’s living room and usually where you find the settee and dinette. Often where delicious meals from the galley are served together with refreshing beverages in good company.
Settee
The settee is the sofa or couch in a boat. It is also used as a sea berth to sleep in when sailing.
Dinette
The dinette is the area where you can sit down at a table and eat your dinner. Also perfect for consuming rum and a game of cards in good company.
Cabin
A cabin is often used as a bedroom in a boat but is not necessarily where you sleep. Many boats have more than one cabin.
Berth
A berth is a place in the boat where you can sleep. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a bed and can often include the sleeping space in the saloon. Sea-berth usually refers to a sleeping position where you are tucked well in and can sleep when the boat is heeling over and moving around.
Head
There are no toilets on a boat, only heads. If your skipper tells you to go and clean the head, getting out the shampoo won’t do you any good…
Nav station
The navigation station is usually a chart table and a console with mysterious instruments like radios, switchboards, and complicated electronics. This is where adventures are planned and the skipper’s favorite seat onboard.

Bilge
The bilge is a space in the bottom of the hull where water collects and sometimes a storage space for all sorts of things. It usually contains a bilge pump to pump out water that finds its way into the boat in various places.
V-berth
A v-berth is a bed in the front cabin shaped like a V.
Bulkhead
A bulkhead is a wall inside the boat, usually supporting the structure.
Hardware and Equipment
Sailboats come equipped with a variety of different hardware and equipment. While the specific items may vary from boat to boat, there are some essentials that nearly every sailboat has.

Winch
A winch is a metal drum that gives you a mechanical advantage and is used to control and tighten lines. These can be operated by turning a line around it and pulling manually or by a winch handle to get more force.
Most modern winches are so-called “self-tailing,” which means it locks the line on so you can winch the line without holding on to it. Some boats even have electrical winches operated by a button.
Cleat
A cleat is a fitting used to fasten a rope to. Most boats have at least 6 of these. One on each side on the bow, midship and stern. These are used to secure the boat to a mooring buoy or key.
Many ships have more cleats than this for various lines and ropes, and they can be used for anything as they are strong points fitted to the hull.
Sprayhood
The sprayhood is the boat’s windshield that protects the people in the cockpit from sea spray. Some vessels have a canvas sprayhood that can be folded down or taken off. Others have solid sprayhoods, often called a hard dodger or a doghouse.
Bimini
The bimini is the cockpit’s “roof.” It protects you from the elements and gives you shelter from spray, rain, and burning sun rays! A bimini can be made of canvas or hard material. A hard bimini can also be called a hardtop.
Dinghy
A dinghy is a little boat you use to get from the mothership to shore when you are at anchor, also called a tender or annex. It can be everything from a small inflatable rubber kayak to a RIB or even a solid boat.
An essential and valuable piece of kit as it is the daily driver for most cruisers. Very much like the car of a land crab, used for all commuting on the water and hauling important stuff like beer, rum, and food onboard. Dinghies often have electric or petrol engines, which we call outboards.
Dinghies are also great to use for watersports such as wakeboarding!

Fenders
Like Captain Ron said in the movie, fenders are the rubber bumper things you hang off your boat to prevent it from scratching against something like the pontoon or another ship. It is conveniently also used to sit on or as a backrest while relaxing on deck.
Boat Hook
A boat hook is a long stick with a hook at the end. Used to grab lines, items, and stuff that is too far to reach by hand, like cushions flying overboard. Also convenient as a tool to push the boat away from another craft or the key. Most vessels have them on board.
Guard Rail
The guard rail can be a flexible wire or a solid metal rail surrounding the boat to prevent us from falling overboard. Some also use a net as an addition for increased safety.
Pushpit
The pushpit is a metal guard rail around the stern of the boat. This is where the guard rail is secured on the stern. A common place to mount the BBQ, life raft, and the outboard for the dinghy.
Pulpit
The pulpit is the metal guardrail on the bow. This is where the guard rail is secured onto the bow.
Stanchion
The stanchions are the metal bars that keep the guard rail in place around the boat between the pushpit and the pulpit.
Arch
An arch is a typical structure made of stainless steel on the back of a boat. Often used to mount a variety of items like antennas, radars, solar panels, wind generators, etc. Also very handy to use for lifting up the dinghy and its outboard.

Ground Tackle
The ground tackle consists of several things:
- Your anchor
- Your anchor chain
- The link between the two
- The connection between the chain and your boat
It includes all equipment holding your boat to the ground. Larger boats sometimes have two anchors on the bow.
Windlass
A windlass is a winch that hoists and lowers the anchor and chain. Most boats have one on the bow and some on the stern. These incredible things can be electrical or manual (some are both) and are essential to anchor your boat when not in a port or marina.
VHF Radio
VHF stands for “Very High-Frequency Radio.” It broadcasts on the VHF network and allows you to communicate with others around you. Sadly, you won’t be able to tune in to your favorite radio show on these.
Still, they are essential for contacting other boats and port authorities. It is also the radio you will transmit an emergency mayday over in case of emergency. VHF radios sometimes require a license, depending on the country you are in.
Chartplotter
A Chartplotter is a navigation computer that shows various information on a screen, like charts, routes, radar images, etc. It is another vital equipment that helps you navigate and maneuver the boat.
Final words
I hope this guide has been helpful and not too overwhelming for you. We’ve covered many of the parts of a sailboat and its terms and functions, but this article only touches on the basics. If you want to keep learning about sailing, I have written several other guides to help you get started.
Now that you have a basic understanding of sailboats, it’s time to take the next step and dive into a sailboat’s standing rigging.
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