CAMBER - The curvature of an object such as a sail, keel or deck.

CABIN - A compartment for passengers or crew.

CAPACITY PLATE - a plate on a boat which sets both the maximum amount of people and weight the boat can safely carry.

CAPSIZE - To turn a marine vessel or marine vessel over.

CAREENING - To tilt a marine vessel on its side, usually to clean or repair the bottom.

CAST OFF - To let go.

CAT KETCH - A sailing craft with two masts, a main mast, and a shorter mizzen mast aft of the main mast, without jib or head sails.

CATAMARAN - A two hulled boat, with hulls side by side.

CENTERBOARD - A removable keel or keel extension.

CHAFING - Wear on line, sail or surface caused by constant rubbing.

CHAFING GEAR - Covering used to stop a line from chafing.

CHANNEL - A navigable route on a waterway, usually marked by buoys.

CHART - A map for use by navigators.

CHARTPLOTTER - An electronic instrument used to plot and navigate a course based on electronic charts.

CHARLIE - Letter C in the Marine Radio Alphabet.

CHINE - A sharp angle on a hull.

CHOCK - A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led to reduce chafe.

CLEAT - A fitting to which lines are tied to.

CLOVE HITCH - A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.

COAMING - A raised edge around an openning, cockpit or hatch, to prevent water from running in.

COCKPIT - An opening in the deck from which the marine vessel is handled.

COIL - To arrange a line in circular turns.

COMPASS - Directional navigational instrument.

COURSE - The direction in which a marine vessel is steered.

CUDDY - A small cabin in a boat.

CURRENT - Horizontal movement of water.

CUTTER - A small single-masted sailing craft with two or more headsails.