Smallboats

Smallboats are watercraft of modest size used for personal transport, recreation, fishing, or work on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. There is no universal size boundary, but they are typically smaller than large commercial vessels, often ranging from a few meters in length up to several meters.

Common types include rowboats and dinghies (propelled by oars), canoes and kayaks (paddled), punts (with a flat bottom and a standing or seated rider), small sailing dinghies, and inflatable or non-keel motorboats. They serve recreational rowing and paddling, fishing, and as tenders or short-distance transport near shore.

Construction materials include wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and inflatable fabrics. Hulls may be displacement or planing; buoyancy is provided by hull volume and optional flotation foam. Small boats are designed for stability and ease of use, often with low freeboard to facilitate entry from the shore.

Propulsion and handling cover both non-motorized and motorized craft. Non-motorized boats rely on human power; motorboats use outboard or small inboard engines. Sailing craft use a mast and sails. Steering is by rudder or centerboard, and storage space is limited, making weight distribution important for stability.

Uses range from transport between shore and other vessels to fishing, recreation, training, rescue work, and serving as tenders for larger ships or marinas. They are common on lakes, rivers, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters where conditions permit safe operation.

Safety and regulation vary by country. Typical requirements include life jackets, signaling devices, and navigation lights under certain conditions. Motorized small boats may require registration or licensing, especially for commercial use or in specific jurisdictions.