Superyacht Glossary Of Terms
Glossary
Yacht Maintenance Glossary
A curated list of common terms, acronyms, and technical language used in yacht and superyacht maintenance. Each entry links to relevant services offered by 6Sigma Yacht Maintenance.
A
AIS (Automatic Identification System):
A tracking system used on yachts and ships for collision avoidance and vessel monitoring.
Antifouling:
A marine paint or coating applied to a yacht’s hull to prevent organisms like barnacles and algae from attaching. [See: Antifouling & Painting Services]
Autopilot:
Electronic system that automatically steers a yacht along a set course.
B
Battery Management System (BMS):
Electronics that monitor and protect yacht batteries, especially lithium-ion systems. [See: Electrical Systems & Electronics]
Biofouling:
The accumulation of aquatic organisms such as algae, barnacles, and mussels on hull surfaces.
Brightwork:
Polished wood or metal surfaces on a yacht that require regular cleaning and varnishing.
C
Caulking:
A waterproof sealant used to fill seams in decks, especially teak decks. [See: Teak Deck Care & Restoration]
Chart Plotter:
An electronic navigation device displaying charts and GPS data.
Compliance (Maritime):
Meeting international safety and equipment regulations (IMO, ISM Code, flag-state requirements).
D
Deck Sealing:
Application of oils or sealants to protect wooden decks from weathering.
Drag (Hull):
Resistance caused by water friction against the hull, increasing fuel consumption.
DSC (Digital Selective Calling):
A function of VHF radios allowing automated distress signals.
E
Electrical Distribution System:
The onboard wiring and power supply that distributes electricity across the yacht. [See: Electrical Systems & Electronics]
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon):
A safety device that sends a distress signal and GPS location to rescue authorities when activated. [See: Safety Equipment Inspection & Servicing]
F
Flag State:
The country under which a yacht is registered, which sets compliance rules for safety and equipment.
Fouling:
Marine growth on a hull that slows speed and increases fuel consumption. [See: Hull Cleaning & Polishing]
Fuel Efficiency:
The distance a vessel can travel per unit of fuel — heavily affected by hull condition.
G
Gelcoat:
The outer resin finish on fiberglass hulls, providing shine and protection.
Generator:
Auxiliary engine that produces electrical power on board. [See: Mechanical & Engine Maintenance]
GPS (Global Positioning System):
Satellite-based navigation system used in all modern marine electronics.
H
Hull:
The watertight body of the yacht, below and above the waterline. [See: Hull Cleaning & Polishing]
Hydraulics (Marine):
Systems powered by pressurised fluids, often used for stabilisers, thrusters, and winches.
Hydrodynamics:
The study of fluid resistance; critical in yacht hull design and fuel efficiency.
I
IMO (International Maritime Organization):
The UN agency setting international shipping and safety standards.
Interior Detailing:
Specialist cleaning and refurbishment of yacht interiors for luxury presentation. [See: Interior Detailing & Refurbishment]
ISM Code (International Safety Management Code):
Regulations ensuring safety procedures on yachts and ships.
L
LED Lighting:
Energy-efficient lighting commonly installed in yacht interiors and exteriors.
LOA (Length Overall):
The maximum length of a vessel measured from bow to stern.
Life Raft:
Emergency inflatable raft carried on yachts for evacuation. [See: Safety Equipment Inspection & Servicing]
M
Marine Growth:
Biological accumulation on a yacht’s hull (see: Fouling, Biofouling).
Multihull:
Yachts with two or more hulls (catamarans, trimarans).
Maintenance Plan:
Scheduled yacht servicing program, often customised for superyachts. [See: Custom Superyacht Maintenance Plans]
N
Navigation Lights:
Required lights that indicate a yacht’s direction and status at night.
NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association):
Standard protocol for marine electronics integration.
O
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
Genuine parts and equipment supplied by the original brand.
Oil Analysis:
Testing engine oil for contaminants to predict wear or failure. [See: Mechanical & Engine Maintenance]
P
Polishing (Hull):
Buffing and treating the hull’s surface to restore shine and reduce drag.
Preventive Maintenance:
Planned servicing to prevent breakdowns and extend yacht lifespan.
Propulsion System:
Engines, propellers, shafts, and drives powering yacht movement.
R
Radar:
Electronic system detecting vessels and obstacles for navigation.
Refit:
Major yacht repair or upgrade, often involving engines, interiors, and electronics.
Resale Value:
The market value of a yacht when resold — influenced by maintenance quality.
S
Safety Compliance:
Adherence to maritime safety rules set by IMO and flag states.
Starlink Maritime:
Satellite internet service for yachts offering high-speed global coverage.
Superyacht:
Generally defined as a luxury yacht over 24m in length. [See: Custom Superyacht Plans]
T
Teak Decking:
Durable hardwood used on yacht decks, requiring periodic restoration. [See: Teak Deck Care & Restoration]
Tender:
Small boat carried by a yacht to ferry passengers and supplies.
TOC (Table of Contents):
Structured outline used in long-form content for easy navigation.
V
VHF (Very High Frequency Radio):
Marine radio system for communication between vessels and ports.
Voltage System (Marine):
Typical yachts operate on 12V/24V DC and 220V/110V AC systems.
W
Waterline:
The line on the hull separating submerged and visible sections.
Winch:
Mechanical device for hauling sails or loads, often powered by hydraulics.
Wiring Loom:
A structured set of cables for yacht electrical systems.