Crank: Said of a vessel when she will not stand up well to her canvas. A narrow and deep vessel is sure to be "crank."
Cross sea: A sea or swell caused by a wind different from that blowing at the time the cross sea is running.
Cross-trees: Pieces of timber supported by the trestle-trees, used to spread the topmast rigging.
Crutch: Forked pieces of timber or iron fixed into a socket of the taffrail, and used to support the boom when the mainsail is stowed.
Cuddy: A cabin under the deck, put in the fore-part of small boats.
Davits: Iron stanchions or pieces of timber fixed on a vessel's side or stern, to carry boats, they being hoisted to the davits by tackles.
Earings: Small ropes used to fasten the upper corners of sails to the yards.
Ease off, or Ease away: To slacken out the fall of a tackle, sheet, or any rope that is belayed.
Ease the helm: To put the helm down when close-hauled, so that a vessel's head may enter a sea fairly. Generally to put the helm more amidships when it has been put either to port or starboard.
Eyelet-hole: Holes in a sail through which a lacing is passed or reef nettles rove.