what is boat

A boat is a watercraft that is designed to float, plane, work, or travel on water. Boats come in a wide range of types and sizes, but they are generally smaller than ships, which are distinguished by their larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or their ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas. However, some boats, such as the whaleboat, were intended for use in an offshore environment. Boats can be categorized by their means of propulsion, which include drifting with the tide or a river current, powered by the crew-members on board using oars, paddles, or a punting pole or quant, powered by sail, or towed by humans or animals from a river or canal bank or by another vessel. The main structural component of a boat is the hull, which provides buoyancy, while the gunnel, which makes up the sides of the boat, offers protection from water and makes the boat harder to sink. Boats can be made of various materials, including wood, reed, bark, animal skins, and synthetic materials such as fiberglass and aluminum.