Boats & ships?

Question

when does a boat become a ship ?

Answer 1

The determining factors that distinguish boats from ships has evolved over time. The term 'ship' traditionally referred to a sailing vessel having three or more masts. In modern times, however, a ship is usually classified as a vessel of more than 500 tons of displacement.

A ship can also e classified as an ocean-going vessel.  Everything else is a boat.

Answer 2

As you have seen, there are differing opinions.  One definition that is sometimes heard among cruisers is that you can fit a boat inside a ship but you cannot fit a ship inside a boat.  Commercial vessels are often referred to as ships, while private vessels are often referred to as boats.

Answer 3

A "ship" is defined in law by length (21mts) and in UK waters, vessels in excess of this LOA, intended for operation in offshore waters must be registered, as 'ships'.

Other than that, it is all colloquial: use "boat" / "ship" in ordinary or familiar, informal conversation, depending on context - "he runs a tight ship" (even though it might be a launch on the river) etc.

"Don't miss the boat" (even though it might be the QM Ⅱ about to embark on a World cruise) etc.

Submarine, "U- boat", etc.

Answer 4

our boat is in the small ships register and that is 38fT LOA. does that help or does it confuse matters even more x

Answer 5

Agree with Mike B.

Nothing hauls more than vessels afloat on our planet.

Answer 6

I don't think there is a difinitive answer to this one. My view is that a boat becomes a ship when it has more than one deck.

Answer 7

when it becomes commercial.

Answer 8

As you can see, opinions vary on what is a boat, ship or a yacht.

generally you know that a ship is bigger than a boat.

and that a Yacht is private regarless if it is a boat or a ship.

I know that on my yacht, I carry my boat on the foredeck.  

Ive always used the distinction that you can carry a boat on a ship.

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Answer 9

Having worked in yachting for years the previous answer that a boat becomes a ship if over 500 ton certainly does not apply in this industry. There are many mega yachts over and above the 500 ton mark that are still referred to as boats