Motorboat service communication: Your Spanish, Italian & French guide
After a summer navigating the stunning British Isles and the azure waters of the Mediterranean, the time has come to seek a winter refuge for your cherished motorboat. You've chosen to moor it at one of the idyllic marinas dotting the coasts of Spain, Italy, or France. While it's ideal to return to your selling dealer for service and maintenance, it's not always feasible. So, you’ve entrusted its care to a local boat service company. They are responsible for winterising your boat and preparing it for the seasons. However, you face a significant challenge: the language barrier. While tools like Google Translate and Deepl are helpful, they often fall short of accurately conveying the technical jargon of boat maintenance.
That's where this guide steps in. It has been compiled with the assistance of local boat experts from each of the three countries and is specifically designed to help you bridge the language gap. A glossary of technical terms and phrases you are likely to use or come across is included, as well as guidance on pronunciation to help you communicate with the utmost clarity and confidence.
There is water in my bilge, can you check where it’s coming from?
The engine vibrates heavily on XXX RPM
Why is my engine smoking so heavily?
Can you winterise the engine and the systems on board?
Why do my batteries go empty so quickly?
Can you service the propeller? It seems to be damaged or worn out.
Can you check the fuel system? The boat seems to consume more fuel than usual.
Can you give my engine a xxx hour service?
Can you check the error on my navigation instruments?
Can you calibrate my auto pilot?
Can you polish the hull and deck?
What does the new canopy cost for my boat?
Does my underwater ship need new antifouling?
Can you repair the damage on my hull?
Can you check why the heating / aircon is not working?
Is it possible to install a XYZ…?
My safety equipment needs checking. Can you inspect the life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers?
Can you check the operation of my VHF radio?
I believe there's a gas leak. Can you inspect the gas system?
The boat took on water during the last storm. Can you inspect for any damage?
Can you sell me a boat?
Motorboat term glossary
Term | Spanish | Italian | French | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Antifouling | Antifouling | Antivegetativa | Antifouling | A special paint applied on the outer part of the ship (hull) which comes into direct contact with sea water, it prevents sea organisms from attaching to the hull. |
Autopilot | Piloto automático | Pilota automatico | Pilote automatique | A device for controlling the course of a ship automatically without a constant human hand on the system. |
Berth | Amarre | Posto barca | Place d'amarrage | A ship's allotted place at a wharf, marina, or dock. |
Bilge | Sentina | Sentina | Cale | The lowest compartment on a ship, where the two sides meet at the bottom, where water collects. |
Bilge Pump | Bomba de sentina | Pompa di sentina | Pompe de cale | A pump to remove bilge water from the lowest point in the boat. |
Bimini | Bimini | Bimini | Bimini | A shading framework for external boat areas, such as the cockpit or deck. |
Bow | Proa | Prua | Proue | The forward part of the hull of a boat or ship. |
Cleat | Noray | Bitte | Taquet | A deck hardware on ships and boats used to secure ropes. |
Cockpit | Bañera | Pozzetto | Cockpit | The area towards the stern of the boat where the crew steers and trims the sails. |
Compass | Brújula | Bussola | Boussole | A navigational instrument for determining direction/course relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. |
Davits | Pescantes | Gruette | Daviers | Crane-like devices used on a ship for supporting, raising, and lowering a dinghy. |
Deck | Cubierta | Coperta | Pont | The external deck for moving between aft, front, port, and starboard. |
Galley | Cocina | Cucina | Cuisine | The kitchen area on a ship. |
Hatch | Escotilla | Oblò | Hublot | A door in the deck of a ship. |
Helm | Timón | Timone | Barre | The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder. |
Keel | Quilla | Chiglia | Quille | The primary structural basis at the bottom of the hull of a ship or boat. |
Mast | Mástil | Albero | Mât | A tall vertical structure on a ship, typically carrying sails or rigging. |
Mooring | Amarre | Ormeggio | Amarrage | A place where a boat can be moored. |
Outboard Engine | Motor fueraborda | Motore fuoribordo | Moteur hors-bord | A propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller. |
Port | Babor | Sinistra | Bâbord | The left side of a boat when you're facing the front (or bow). |
Propeller | Hélice | Elica | Hélice | A type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust. |
Radar | Radar | Radar | Radar | A detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects. |
Rudder | Timón | Timone | Gouvernail | A primary control surface used to steer a ship or a boat. |
Slipway | Rampa | Scivolo | Cale de mise à l'eau | A ramp on the shore by which ships or boats can be slipped into the water. |
Starboard | Estribor | Dritta | Tribord | The right side of a boat when you're facing the front (or bow). |
Stern | Popa | Poppa | Poupe | The back or aft-most part of a ship or boat. |
VHF Radio | Radio VHF | Radio VHF | Radio VHF | A type of radio communication system used in marine environments. |
Winch | Winche | Argano | Treuil | A mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope or wire rope. |