Boat Accessories, Parts, & Products

While different boats will have slightly different parts, the basics remain the same. The information below specifically focuses on boat parts and does not include details relative to ships.

To start, we’ll focus on the areas and sections of a boat. 

1. Aft – Aft describes the general location near the back end of a boat or toward the stern of a vessel.
2. Bow – The bow is the front end of the boat. The bow cuts through the water and provides a smooth ride for the boat and its occupants. The bow also helps to deflect waves away from the boat, which can improve its stability and prevent rollover in rough conditions.
3. Forward – The area of the boat towards the front of the boat or bow.
4. Port – The left side of the boat.
5. Starboard – The right side of the boat
6. Stern – The stern is the back end of a boat. The stern is where the engine is typically located.

1. Beam – The beam of a boat is its width at its widest point. For most boats, this is at the midship section. The beam plays an important role in determining the stability and carrying capacity of the vessel. A wider beam means that the boat will be more stable, but it will also require more power to move through the water. Conversely, a narrower beam will make the boat easier to maneuver, but it will be less stable.
2. Bilge – The bilge is the lowest indoor space on a boat, where water and other liquids collect. The bilge pump removes water from the bilge and pumps it overboard.
3. Bulkhead – A bulkhead is a wall or partition that divides a hull into compartments. Bulkheads can also provide additional strength to the hull.
4. Cabin – A cabin is an enclosed space on a ship or boat, typically located below deck, where people can sleep or take shelter from the weather. They are usually equipped with basic furniture, such as beds, storage shelves, and a small table. In some cases, cabins may also have a private bathroom.
5. Casting Deck – A casting deck is a platform on a boat used for fishing. It is usually located at the front of the boat. The casting deck provides a stable surface for casting. 
6. Cockpit – A boat’s cockpit is where the helmsman, or person steering the boat, stands. The cockpit is usually enclosed on larger boats, but the cockpit may be open on small boats. The cockpit is typically equipped with instrument panels and controls, as well as seating for the crew.
7. Console – A console is an area on a boat where the captain or helmsman stands while steering. The console usually houses the boat’s controls and instruments. In some cases, the console may also be equipped with seating, storage, or other features.

Deck – A deck is a flat surface area on a boat that typically provides space for passengers or cargo. Decks are located on the stern, bow, or midship of a vessel. Most decks are constructed from wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. Some deck features include chairs, fishing space, railings, and storage compartments.

There are three main sources of power that move boats through the water.

The most basic way to move a boat is to use oars or paddles to row through the water. Paddling requires some effort on the part of the person paddling, but it is relatively simple and straightforward.

Wind is also another force used to propel boats. Sails are used to harness the power of the wind providing an effective and efficient way to move a boat.

Motors are also used to push boats through the water. 

There are four main types of motors:

1. Inboard Motor – An inboard motor is a type of boat engine mounted inside the vessel’s hull, in contrast to an outboard motor, which is mounted on the outside of the hull.
2. Outboard Motor – An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes the engine, gearbox, and propeller, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom.
3. Sterndrive – A sterndrive is a type of engine mounted near the stern (back) of the boat. The engine is connected to the propeller via a long driveshaft that runs through the hull. Sterndrives are also referred to as inboard/outboard motors.
4. Jet Drive – A jet drive is a propulsion system for boats. It uses a jet of water to push the boat forward. Jet drives are most commonly used in jet skis.

Some of the most popular boating products and accessories in our extensive selection of marine products include the following: 

• GPS Fish Finders - Find fish and plot your course with PartsVu’s selection of state-of-the-art GPS fish finders. These fish finders utilize the latest sonar and GPS technology to help you find and land your next catch with ease. We stock fish finders from some of the most popular manufacturers in the industry, including: Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, Simrad, SI-TEX, and others. 
• Marine Stereos - Boats are for more than fishing– they’re also for recreation. Don’t skimp on outfitting your marine vessel with a quality entertainment system to allow you, your family, and your friends enjoy a day out on the water in style. Browse PartsVu’s complete stock of marine stereos and choose from some of the best names in the audio industry, including: Poly-Planar, Fusion, Boss Audio, Jensen, Polk Audio, Infinity, Seaworthy, Clarion, Infinity and more. 
• VHF Radios - While boating equipment is incredibly reliable when well cared for, there is always a risk that you may become stranded out on the open water. With our collection of VHF radios and accessories, you’ll never find yourself without a means of communication. Choose from a selection of top-rated VHF radio manufacturers, including: Icom, Garmin, Cobra Electronics, Standard Horizon, Lowrance, Uniden, Simrad, and others. 

Your outboard engine is only as dependable as its components. To keep your engine operating at peak performance, you’ll need to stick to a regular service schedule. The following are a few of the boat parts you’ll need to replace regularly: 

• Marine Oil Filter - For 20-hour service, replace your outboard engine oil and the oil filter about every three months, or after every 20 hours of operation. For 100-hour service, replace your outboard engine oil and the oil filter about every year, or after every 100-hours of operation.
• Marine Fuel Filter - For 20-hour service, replace your outboard fuel filter once every three months, or after 20 hours of operation. For 100-hour service, replace the fuel filter every 12 months, or after 100-hours operation. 
• Marine Spark plugs - To prevent spark plugs from going bad, check and replace them every 12 months, or after 100-hours of operation. 

Marine environments can be harsh. Out on the open water, boaters are often exposed to high winds, rain, cold, heat, and UV. The equipment you use and the clothing you wear should be made to withstand these harsh conditions and protect you from the damaging effects of the sun. Fortunately, PartsVu stocks sun-protective clothing to help mitigate prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. Unlike sunblock, which is rated by SPF, sun-protective clothing is rated by UPF. Studies have shown that wearing sun-protective clothing is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. That said, we still encourage boaters to wear sunblock in conjunction with sun-protective clothing– especially on areas of exposed skin. Browse our selection of fishing apparel, including products from top brands, like Hook’d, AFTCO, and more!