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Boat

A boat is a watercraft used for travel or work on water, typically smaller than a ship.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A boat is a watercraft used for travel or work on water, typically smaller than a ship. Boats are found in many forms, including rowing boats, sailboats, motorboats, and submarines, and are used on rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and in some naval contexts. In Canada, boats are important for recreation, fishing, transport, and travel on the country's many lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Definition

A boat is a watercraft used on water, especially a vessel considered smaller than a ship. The term is used broadly in everyday language and more narrowly in some technical or naval contexts.

Types and propulsion

Boats can be unpowered or powered by human effort, wind, or engines. Common types include rowing boats, sailboats, motorboats, and boats designed for canals, rivers, lakes, or coastal use.

Usage and settings

Boats are often used on inland waterways and sheltered coastal waters, but some are built for open-water travel. They are used for transport, fishing, recreation, and specialized tasks.

Terminology

The distinction between a boat and a ship is not always strict and can vary by context. In naval usage, submarine terminology also reflects the tradition of calling them boats.

Key facts

  • Boats are a broad class of watercraft with many shapes, sizes, and purposes.
  • In common usage, a boat is usually smaller than a ship.
  • Boats may be powered by oars, paddles, sails, engines, or current.
  • In modern naval usage, a vessel small enough to be carried aboard a ship may be called a boat.
  • Submarines are commonly referred to as boats, regardless of size.
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Canadian context

Boats are important in Canada for recreation, fishing, transport, and travel on the country's many lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Frequently asked questions

What is a boat?
A boat is a watercraft used for travel or work on water, usually smaller than a ship.
How is a boat different from a ship?
A boat is generally smaller than a ship, though the distinction can vary by context and usage.
What powers boats?
Boats may be powered by oars, paddles, sails, engines, or by drifting with currents or tides.
Where are boats commonly used?
Boats are commonly used on rivers, lakes, canals, and sheltered coastal waters.
Are submarines called boats?
Yes. In naval terminology, submarines are commonly referred to as boats.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat
    Supports: General definition of boat, size relative to ship, propulsion types, and naval terminology.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercraft
    Supports: Boat as a type of watercraft used for travel on water.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/ship/History-of-ships
    Supports: Historical context for the long use of boats and ships on water.