YPI Yachting Glossary
All the yachting terms explained...from A to Z
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
| kedge anchor | A secondary, lighter anchor. Traditionally shaped anchor having flukes perpendicular to the stock of the anchor and connected by a shank. These are less common than modern anchors such as the plow and lightweight anchors. |
| kedging | To kedge off. A method of pulling a boat out of shallow water when it has run aground. A dinghy is used to set an anchor, then the boat is pulled toward the anchor. Those steps are repeated until the boat is in deep enough water to float. |
| keel | A weighted extension of a boat running below it that prevents the boat from sliding sideways. |
| keel stepped | A mast that is stepped (placed) on the keel at the bottom of the boat rather than on the deck. Keel stepped masts are considered sturdier than deck stepped masts. |
| keelson | A beam attached to the top of the floors to add strength to the keel on a wooden boat. |
| ketch | A sailboat with two masts. The shorter mizzen mast is aft of the main mast, but forward of the rudder post. A similar vessel, the yawl, has the mizzen mast aft of the rudder post. |
| kick-up | A rudder or centerboard that is able to kick-up when it hits a solid obstacle |
| king plank | The center plank on a wooden deck. |
| king spoke | The top spoke on a wheel when the rudder is centered. |
| kite | Sometimes used to indicate spinnaker. |
| knees | Supporting braces used for strength when two parts are joined. |
| knockabout | A type of schooner without a bowsprit. |
| knocked down | A boat that has rolled so that she is lying on her side or even rolled completely over. A boat with appropriate ballast should right herself after being knocked down. |
| knot | A speed of one nautical mile per hour. A method of attaching a rope or line to itself, another line or a fitting. |