Jargon-busting for non-boaters

For newcomers to the rivers and canals, boating terminology can be confusing.

A boat is just a boat, right? Narrowboats are narrow and the wider boats are barges… don’t fall into that trap, especially if you’re tempted to talk to any boaters. They’re a friendly bunch, but you’ll soon get a lesson in terminology if you get it wrong!

Below is a quick glossary checklist, just to cover the basics. No-one wants to be mistaken for a gongoozler after all!

On the boat

Anodes – Sacrificial metal plates attached to the underside of the boat, which corrode instead of the hull.

Anode fitted below the waterline.

Barge - a long flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals and rivers, either under its own power or towed by another. Not to be confused with a widebeam boat.

Beam – The width of a boat at its widest point. 6ft 10in is the standard width for narrowboats.

Berths – This refers to the number of beds or bunks, either permanent or temporary (such as a sofa-bed).

Boatman’s cabin – The compact living area on a traditional narrowboat, comprising beds, living space and stove,…