Overview
Boat is an umbrella term that encompasses watercrafts used for transportation, fishing, racing, recreational cruising, or for military purposes. Boats are typically used in inland waters or in protected coastal areas. They are propelled by outboard or inboard motors, oars, or by the wind.
History
In the early times, boats served as a means for short-distance transportation across bodies of water. This has been backed by evidence, such as the earliest settlements in Australia more than 40,000 years ago, which indicates that boats have been in use since ancient times. It is believed that the earliest boats were logboats since they were the oldest boats retrieved via archaeological excavation, with the age estimated at about 7,000 to 10,000 years. Over time, boats played a crucial role in commerce, particularly between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization. Moreover, historical accounts by Herodotus, Strabo and Pliny the Elder, suggest that boats of varying models were used for commerce and travel.
Parts and Terminology
The main structure of boats consists of a number of key components. The primary component which also provides buoyancy to the entire structure is called the hull. The chambered sections running horizontally across the hull are termed decks. On top of the deck are the superstructures while beneath it lies the deck head. An enclosed room on the deck is referred to as a cabin. The lengthwise component to which the frames are anchored is called the keel. The front end of a boat is known as the bow while the rear is called the stern. With a boat facing forward, the left side is called the port while the right side is known as the starboard. A Novated Lease is a boat lease agreement between you, your employer and a finance company.
Types
Boats are generally classified into three types: the unpowered (floats and rafts) or human-powered boats (canoes, gondolas and kayaks); sailing boats which are propelled by sails; and motorboats which are powered by machines such as engines.
As for the specific types of boats, they include the following:
Bowriders – these are family boats equipped with forward access to the bow as well as additional seats. They are highly popular in the spotboat category.
Closed Bow Runabouts – these are fast and perfect for watersports activities.
Cuddy Cabins – these are ideal day cruisers and overnighters for family boating. They are usually powered by sterndrive engines and they are great for tubing, skiing and wakeboarding.
Deck Boats – these feature a wide deck which provides for 8 to 12 passengers, but they look and operate like runabouts.
Dinghies – these are usually less than 10 feet in length so they can be transported easily. They are typically used off the beach or for going around the harbour.
Fishing boats – these are used by anglers for both fresh and salt water fishing. They come in different classes including all-purpose fishing boats, aluminium fishing boats, bass boats, center consoles, flat boats, fish and ski boats, sportsfishing boats and walkarounds.
Heavy Welded Boats – these are the lighter, more durable and fuel efficient metal boat type. They are excellent alternatives to runabouts and fishing boats.
Houseboats – these are specifically designed and crafted for lake house living as they offer more space and amenities for dining, entertainment and sleeping.
Inboard Cruisers – these are at least 30 feet long and feature a simple drive system that is easier to maintain in salt water.
Inflatable Boats – these range in size from dinghies to 30-foot high performance boats. They are versatile and can be used for fishing, watersports, etc.
Jet Boats – much like deckboats and bowriders, these offer seating and sunning spots, in addition to an exhilarating ride. They can be distinguished from runabouts through the propulsion mechanism which is enclosed in the hull.
Jon Boats – these are multi-purpose crafts usually constructed from aluminium and powered by an outboard. They are great for camping, hunting and freshwater fishing.
Motor Yachts – these are great for ocean cruising and travelling along huge rivers and lakes. They are equipped with two engines and an electric generator so they are basically self-sufficient crafts when it comes to accommodations.
Multi-Hull Cruisers – these are also known as catamarans and feature a wide cabin and lots of space for sun bathing. They are very fuel-efficient, making them the ideal choice for island hopping and long-range navigation.
Pontoon Boats – these feature a hull made of aluminium tubes that run lengthwise from aft to front. A huge, flat deck surrounded by side rails is attached on top of the tubes. Because of this structure, pontoon boats must only be used in calm waters such as those in lakes and slow moving rivers.
Trawlers – these can cruise along large rivers, oceans and lakes in fine weather. They have amenities for cooking, sleeping and plumbing which provide the ideal boating experience for weekend getaways with friends and family.
Boat Licence
In Australia, the regulations governing boat license vary depending on the state. In New South Wales for instance, the need to secure a boat license is determined by the speed you intend to operate the craft. The law states that anyone who operates a powered boat for recreational activities at a speed of 10 knots or higher must have a boat driver’s licence. Ten knots represent the speed at which accelerating boat will begin to plane. This means the boat will start skimming rather than ploughing through the water. The exception to the rule is a person who operates a personal watercraft or PWC. At any speed, PWC drivers must have a license.
Aside from the PWC license, there are three other types of boat licences. A General License must be obtained by people 16 years and above, who intend to operate any boat, except a PWC at 10 knots or higher. A General Young Adult License is intended for those aged 12 to under 16 years. The young adult licensee must follow certain guidelines. He/she must be accompanied by a holder of a General Licence when travelling at 10 knots or higher; never accelerate beyond 20 knots; never travel at 10 knots or higher after sunset and before sunrise; never travel at 10 knots or higher when towing a person; never participate in any race, exhibition or regatta without prior consent from the NSW Maritime and never operate a PWC unless the holder of a Young Adult PWC Licence. Finally, there is the Young Adult PWC License. This is a restricted license for those aged from 12 to under 16 years who intend to operate a PWC. The conditions that apply to the General Young Adult Licence also apply to this type of licence.
The license period for a General Licence or PWC Licence lasts from 12 months to three years. Young Adult Licences only last for one year. General Licences and General Young Adult Licences available for one year are issued as paper licences while three-year General Licences are issued as paper licences followed by a plastic card. As for PWC Licences, they are all issued as plastic photo identity cards.
It is important for anyone that does a lot of boating activity to think about insurance. That includes life insurance and income protection insurance, not just insurance for your possessions like your boat. As with any risky activities you want to make sure you provide for you loved ones should the worst happen.