BOAT'S CREW. The men appointed as the crew of any particular boat, as the barge's crew, cutter's crew, &c.
BOAT'S-GRIPES. Lashings for the secure stowage of boats. (See [Gripes].)
BOAT-SKIDS. Portable pieces of plank used to prevent chafing when a boat is hoisted or lowered. (See [Skids].)
BOATSWAIN. The officer who superintends the boat-sails, ship's-sails, rigging, canvas, colours, anchors, cables and cordage, committed to his charge. He ought also to take care that the blocks and running ropes are regularly placed to answer the purposes for which they are intended, and that the sails are properly fitted to their yards and stays, and well-furled or reefed when occasion requires. He pipes the hands to their several duties, seeing that they attend his call, and ought to be in every way a thorough seaman. Although termed boatswain, the boats are not in his charge. They, with the spars, &c., and stores for repair, belong to the carpenter. The boatswain is the officer of the first lieutenant; he gives no order, but reports defects, and carries out the will of his superior.
BOATSWAIN-BIRD. Phaethon æthereus, a tropical bird, so called from its sort of whistle. It is distinguished by two long feathers in the tail, called the marling-spike.
BOATSWAIN-CAPTAIN. An epithet given by certain popinjays in the service to such of their betters as fully understand the various duties of their station.
BOATSWAIN'S MATE. Is an assistant to the boatswain, who had the peculiar command of the long-boat. He summons the watch or crew by his whistle, and during his watch looks to the decks, and has peculiar calls for "grog," "'bout ship," "pipe to breakfast," "sweepers," &c.
BOATSWAIN'S STORE-ROOM. Built expressly for boatswain's stores, on a platform or light deck.
BOATSWAIN'S YEOMAN. See [Yeoman].
BOAT THE ANCHOR. Place the anchor in-board in the boat.