Blackwall Hitch. (See Plate 5 and page 49.)
Blade. The flat part of an oar, which goes into the water.
Block. A piece of wood with sheaves, or wheels, in it, through which the running rigging passes, to add to the purchase. (See page 53.)
Bluff. A bluff-bowed or bluff-headed vessel is one which is full and square forward.
Board. The stretch a vessel makes upon one tack, when she is beating.
Stern-board. When a vessel goes stern foremost.
By the board. Said of masts, when they fall over the side.
Boat-hook. An iron hook with a long staff, held in the hand, by which a boat is kept fast to a wharf, or vessel.
Boatswain. (Pronounced bo-s'n.) A warrant officer in the navy, who has charge of the rigging, and calls the crew to duty.
Bobstays. Used to confine the bowsprit down to the stem or cutwater.