Marine Dealers, Boat Yards Industry Terminology

ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council)

Industry body that publishes voluntary safety standards for boat design, construction, repair, and maintenance (widely adopted by builders, dealers, and yards).

Wire the shore power inlet to ABYC E-11.; Our technicians are ABYC-certified.; The yard requires ABYC-compliant fuel system installs.


AIS (Automatic Identification System)

A VHF-based transponder system that broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, course, and speed to improve situational awareness and collision avoidance.

Install a Class B AIS on the center console.; Verify the AIS target shows our MMSI before sea trial.; The customer wants AIS integrated with the chartplotter via NMEA 2000.


Antifouling Paint

Coating applied to hulls to deter marine growth (ablative or hard), often copper- or biocide-based, with strict environmental handling rules.

Schedule a haul-out for bottom paint and zincs.; We recommend an ablative antifoul for this mooring.; Use dustless sanding per yard BMPs when stripping paint.


Anode (Sacrificial Anode)

Zinc, aluminum, or magnesium metal installed to corrode preferentially and protect underwater metals from galvanic corrosion; commonly called 'zincs.'

Replace the shaft and trim tab anodes annually.; Switch to aluminum anodes for brackish water.; Anode wastage is uneven—check bonding and isolation.


Bilge Pump

Pump that removes water from the bilge; can be automatic with a float/solid-state switch; sizing and wiring guided by ABYC.

Upgrade to a larger GPH bilge pump with an auto switch.; Run dedicated fused wiring per ABYC to the pump.; Test the bilge alarm before delivery.


Blocking and Boat Stands

Method of supporting a vessel on land using keel blocks and adjustable jack stands (with safety chains) on a stable, level surface.

Block on the keel and place four stands chained per side.; Add pads at bulkhead locations to avoid print-through.; Verify stand placement before removing slings.


Brokerage Agreement (Central Listing)

Contract granting a broker exclusive right to market/sell a vessel, outlining commission, term, co-brokerage split, and marketing duties.

We signed a 26-week central listing at 10% commission.; The agreement permits co-brokerage via the MLS.; Termination requires 10 days’ written notice per clause 12.


Build Sheet

Detailed specification of a boat’s factory options, engines, electronics, colors, and rigging notes used for ordering, PDI, and delivery.

Confirm the build sheet shows joystick and bow thruster.; PDI the boat against the build sheet line-by-line.; The OEM amended the build sheet with a hardtop upgrade.


CE/RCD Compliance

Certification under the EU Recreational Craft Directive with category ratings (A–D) and CE marking required for sale in Europe.

This import needs a post-construction CE assessment.; Label the builder’s plate with RCD Category B.; Verify fuel and electrical meet RCD essential requirements.


Commissioning (New Boat)

Dealer/yard process of preparing a new boat for delivery: rigging engines, programming electronics, fluids, sea trial, and final QA.

Commission the outboards and update ECU firmware.; Complete the commissioning checklist before customer handover.; Calibrate the autopilot during commissioning sea trial.


Curtailment (Floorplan Financing)

Scheduled principal reduction on a floorplanned boat after it reaches specified age milestones to reduce lender exposure.

Aged units hit the 180-day curtailment this month.; Plan a promo to move three boats before curtailments.; Negotiate curtailment relief with the lender for offseason.


Deadrise

The angle between a hull’s bottom and a horizontal plane, measured at the transom; influences ride softness, stability, and efficiency.

This model’s 22° deadrise rides better in chop.; Lower deadrise improves stability at rest.; Note the deadrise when matching the trailer bunks.


Draft

Vertical distance from waterline to the lowest point of the boat (keel, prop, or drive); determines water depth needed for operation.

Assign a slip with 5 feet at low tide for her draft.; Raise the jack plate to reduce draft at the ramp.; Check draft clearance before the travelift enters the well.


Dry Stack Storage

Indoor rack storage for smaller boats, launched/retrieved by forklift; reduces fouling and maintenance; often billed monthly.

Offer dry stack to avoid bottom paint.; Our forklift max is 30 feet and 10,000 lbs.; Reserve weekend launches in peak season.


ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter)

Main safety device that trips on excessive AC leakage current to ground on a boat’s shore power circuit, reducing shock risk.

Install an ELCI within 10 feet of the shore inlet.; ELCI trips indicate possible AC leakage—diagnose appliances.; ABYC recommends ELCI protection on 30A/50A systems.


Escrow (Brokerage)

Neutral third-party account holding deposits and purchase funds until contingencies are satisfied and the sale closes.

A 10% deposit is due into escrow upon contract.; Release escrow after survey and sea trial acceptance.; The broker’s escrow instructions govern disbursements.


Floorplan Financing

Dealer inventory financing line used to acquire boats for stock; interest, fees, audits, and curtailments apply.

That 28-footer is on our floorplan with ABC Marine Bank.; Audit tags are due for a floorplan inspection.; Interest expense on the floorplan hit our margin.


Galvanic Corrosion

Electrochemical corrosion between dissimilar metals in an electrolyte (seawater); mitigated by anodes, isolation, and bonding.

Pitting on the prop suggests galvanic activity.; Add a galvanic isolator to the shore power ground.; Verify the bonding system continuity.


Gelcoat

Pigmented polyester resin layer forming the outer finish of FRP hulls; subject to oxidation, chips, and crazing; repairable.

Buff the chalky gelcoat to restore gloss.; Color-match the gelcoat for the dock rash repair.; Apply a barrier coat before repainting over gelcoat.


Gross Margin

Sales minus cost of goods sold; primary measure of profitability on boat, engine, parts, and service sales.

We need 18% gross margin on this model.; Parts margins offset thin boat margins.; Discounting eroded the gross by 3 points.


Haul-Out

Lifting a boat from the water with a travelift, crane, or trailer for service, storage, or survey.

Book a haul-out for bottom work Wednesday.; We’ll do a quick haul for a running gear inspection.; The survey requires a haul and block.


HIN (Hull Identification Number)

12-character unique identifier assigned to a boat by the manufacturer, used for titling, recalls, and history.

Verify the HIN on the transom matches the title.; Record the HIN on the work order.; The OEM confirmed the HIN falls under the recall.


Hull Osmosis/Blistering

Water ingress into FRP laminate leading to blisters between layers; repair often involves peel, dry-out, and barrier coating.

We found osmotic blisters below the waterline.; Specify a laminate peel and hot-vac drying.; Finish with epoxy barrier coats before antifoul.


I/O (Sterndrive)

Propulsion with an inboard engine coupled to an outdrive through the transom; combines features of inboards and outboards.

Inspect the bellows on the sterndrive for cracks.; This model moved from I/O to outboard power in 2022.; Gear oil shows water—service the outdrive seals.


Impeller (Raw Water Pump)

Flexible rubber vane rotor that moves seawater through the cooling system; a routine replacement item.

Replace the impeller annually before launch.; The overheat alarm likely means a failed impeller.; Carry a spare impeller in the onboard kit.


Inventory Turnover

Financial ratio of cost of goods sold to average inventory; indicates how quickly stock is sold and replenished.

Our outboard turnover improved to 5x.; Aged units are dragging down boat turnover.; Increase promo spend to lift turnover before season.


Joystick Docking

Integrated control system (often with pods or thrusters) enabling intuitive lateral and rotational movement for close-quarters maneuvering.

Demonstrate joystick docking on the sea trial.; Calibrate the joystick after software update.; Add a stern thruster to enhance joystick control.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Operational metrics tracked by dealers/yards, such as CSI, hours billed, effective labor rate, inventory aging, and lead-to-sale.

Review service KPIs at the Monday meeting.; Our CSI KPI slipped—tighten the delivery process.; Set targets for inventory aging KPI.


Layup/Winterization

Seasonal decommissioning: stabilize fuel, drain/plumb pink antifreeze, fog engines, protect batteries, shrink-wrap, and document checklists.

Winterize the freshwater and head systems.; Fog the engines and change the lower unit oil.; Include shrink-wrap and ventilation in layup quote.


LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Battery

Lightweight lithium battery chemistry with high cycle life; requires a BMS, proper charging profiles, and ABYC-compliant installation.

Pair the LiFePO4 bank with a compatible charger.; Mount the BMS-accessible per ABYC guidance.; Program low-temp charge inhibit for LiFePO4.


LOA (Length Overall)

Maximum length of the vessel including bow sprits/swim platforms; used for slip fees, transport permits, and storage.

Slip rates are based on LOA, not LWL.; Verify LOA to select the right trailer.; The hardtop adds to transport LOA/height.


MAP Policy (Minimum Advertised Price)

OEM policy restricting how low dealers may advertise prices, intended to protect brand value and dealer margins.

Price the ad at MAP to stay compliant.; We can sell below MAP in-store, not advertise it.; The OEM warned us about a MAP violation.


MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)

Unique 9-digit number used by AIS and DSC-capable VHF radios for identification and distress calling.

Program the customer’s MMSI into the radio.; Reissue MMSI after the boat changes hands.; Link AIS to the plotter and verify MMSI display.


MSD (Marine Sanitation Device)

Certified equipment for onboard sewage handling: Type I/II treat, Type III holds; subject to NDZ regulations.

Install a Type III MSD with a deck pump-out.; NDZ means lock out the overboard discharge.; Test the macerator and Y-valve for leaks.


MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)

List price suggested by the manufacturer; a reference for quoting, discounting, and promotion planning.

This package MSRP is $289,900 before freight and prep.; We offered 7% off MSRP to close.; Show MSRP and dealer add-ons on the quote.


NMEA 2000

Marine electronics networking standard (CAN-bus) enabling plug-and-play integration of sensors, engines, and displays.

Add a T-connector to the N2K backbone.; Bridge engine data to the MFD via NMEA 2000.; Terminate both ends of the backbone properly.


OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

The original producer of parts or boats; OEM components are factory-spec and often required for warranty.

Order OEM rigging kits for twin engines.; Warranty requires OEM fuel filters.; We’ll request OEM gelcoat for the repair.


Outboard Rigging

Installation of outboard engines and associated controls, harnesses, steering, rigging tubes, and prop selection.

Rig the 300s with digital controls and power steering.; Route rigging hoses cleanly through the transom.; Prop the boat to hit rated WOT RPM.


PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection)

Dealer inspection and test procedure to verify a boat meets spec and functions correctly before customer delivery.

Complete the PDI checklist and sign off.; Log engine hours and fault codes during PDI.; Water-test all systems as part of PDI.


Pod Drives (IPS/Zeus)

Under-hull steerable propulsion units offering joystick control, efficiency, and station-keeping capabilities.

IPS pods need seal inspection at haul-out.; Demonstrate Skyhook during the sea trial.; Update the pod software via the dealer portal.


Propeller Pitch and Diameter

Key prop specs affecting RPM, acceleration, and efficiency; pitch is the theoretical travel per revolution.

Drop pitch by 2 inches to reach WOT range.; Test stainless vs aluminum props for hole shot.; Record slip at cruise after prop change.


Pump-Out Station

Facility for removing sewage from Type III MSD holding tanks; subject to environmental and operational rules.

Train staff on pump-out procedures and PPE.; Log pump-out volumes for grant reporting.; Winterize the pump-out before freeze.


Raw Water Strainer

Filter housing on the seawater intake protecting cooling systems from debris; requires regular inspection and cleaning.

Check the strainer basket before a long run.; Seal the lid with silicone grease to prevent air leaks.; Install a clear-lid strainer for easy checks.


ROI (Return on Investment)

Financial metric comparing net gains to investment cost, used for equipment, marketing, and facility decisions.

Calculate ROI on a new travelift vs. subbing lifts.; LED yard lighting paid back in 24 months ROI.; Assess ROI before adding a second forklift.


Sea Trial

On-water test run to evaluate performance and systems, often a contingency in sales contracts and commissioning.

Schedule the sea trial after survey and haul.; Record WOT RPM and fuel burn on the trial.; Customer acceptance is pending sea trial results.


Seacock and Thru-Hull

Hull penetration and valve assembly allowing controlled seawater intake/discharge; must be marine-grade and serviceable.

Replace the corroded seacock with bronze or Marelon.; Bond the thru-hulls per the yard standard.; Exercise seacocks during spring commissioning.


Shore Power

AC electrical supply from dock to boat (commonly 30A/50A); requires proper cords, ELCI, and corrosion mitigation.

Test reverse polarity on the shore circuit.; Install a galvanic isolator on the shore ground.; Use marine-rated, locking shore cords.


Slip and Storage Agreement

Contract covering dockage or yard storage terms, rates, insurance, liens, and yard rules.

Renew the slip agreement by April 1.; The storage agreement requires proof of insurance.; Late fees apply per the slip contract terms.


Survey (Marine Survey)

Professional inspection of a vessel’s condition and value, often required by lenders and insurers; includes haul-out findings.

Offer is contingent on survey and sea trial.; The surveyor noted moisture in the core.; Use the survey to negotiate repair credits.


Title and Registration

Legal documentation to prove ownership and the right to operate; varies by state/country and may include liens.

File title transfer and pay sales tax at closing.; Check for UCC liens before funding.; Provide registration decals at delivery.


Was this page helpful? We'd love your feedback — please email us at feedback@dealstream.com.