**History and Evolution of Boats:**
– Oldest recovered boat is the Pesse canoe from 8200-7600 BC
– Plank-built boats developed from logboats in the third millennium BC
– Steel boats became common in the 1930s
– Boat technology evolved from rafts to plank-built boats
– Woodworking technology was crucial for plank-built boats
**Types and Classification of Boats:**
– Boats can be powered by manpower, wind, or motors
– Submarines, Great Lakes freighters, riverboats, and ferryboats are all types of boats
– Different propulsion methods can be used in boats
– European Union classifies boats into categories based on their usage
– RCD standards set by European brands for leisure boats in Europe
**Components and Terminology of Boats:**
– Hull is the main structural component of a boat
– Deck covers the hull, while lifelines are above the deck
– Cabin protrudes above the deck
– Keel is the boat’s backbone
– Bow is the forward end, stern is the aft end
**Building Materials and Construction Techniques:**
– Early boats were made of wood, bark, and animal skins
– Ferro-cement construction patented in 1855
– Steel and aluminum became common boat-building materials
– Aluminum alloys resistant to corrosion in saltwater exist
– Different materials have been used throughout history for boat construction
**Buoyancy, Propulsion, and Safety Measures:**
– A boat displaces its weight in water to stay afloat
– Various propulsion methods include engines, inboard motors, outboard motors, and paddle wheels
– Designed buoyancy levels prevent sinking
– Plimsoll line introduced to prevent overloading and ensure safety
– Safety measures like buoyancy levels and regulations ensure safe boating practices
A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats.
Small boats are typically used on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas. However, some boats (such as whaleboats) were intended for offshore use. In modern naval terms, a boat is a vessel small enough to be carried aboard a ship.
Boats vary in proportion and construction methods with their intended purpose, available materials, or local traditions. Canoes have been used since prehistoric times and remain in use throughout the world for transportation, fishing, and sport. Fishing boats vary widely in style partly to match local conditions. Pleasure craft used in recreational boating include ski boats, pontoon boats, and sailboats. House boats may be used for vacationing or long-term residence. Lighters are used to move cargo to and from large ships unable to get close to shore. Lifeboats have rescue and safety functions.
Boats can be propelled by manpower (e.g. rowboats and paddle boats), wind (e.g. sailboats), and inboard/outboard motors (including gasoline, diesel, and electric).