Main Difference – Boat and Ship
Although boats and ships are water crafts, there are many differences between them based on size, shape, crew, passengers, and cargo. The main difference between boat and ship can be termed as their size; the other differences between them usually stem from the difference in size. A ship is larger in size than a boat; in fact, a ship can carry one or more boats inside it.
What is a Boat
Boats can be of various sizes, shapes, and may be built in various construction methods depending on their intended purpose, available materials as well as local customs and traditions. A boat is generally considered to be smaller in size than a ship. However, there can be large boats that are similar to the size of ships.
Boats can be navigated by wind power, human power or motor power. Row boats, canoes, rafts, gondolas are some examples of the types of boats that are human-powered. Sailboats operate through wind power whereas motor boats are propelled by mechanical processes. Boats also serve various purposes. Boats can be used for fishing, transporting cargo from and to ships, and for pleasure. Since a boat is smaller in size than a ship, a ship can carry boats. Many ships carry lifeboats which are used for emergency situations. Another difference between boat and ship is that boat can be lifted out of the water, whereas a ship cannot.
What is a Ship
Ship is a large watercraft. Ships differ from boats due to size, shape, cargo, crew, and passenger capacity. Ships have been used throughout the history for various purposes; transport of goods and people, travel and exploration, fishing, warfare, and entertainment are some of these purposes.
As explained above, a ship is larger than a boat and can carry a boat inside. Since it is larger in size, it needs a large crew. It requires a captain to navigate and guide the crew. Since ships travel across oceans, for longer duration, they have complicated equipment and operational systems. The construction of a ship itself is a complicated process which includes various mechanical systems. Ships have always been used to transport cargo or people, and since it is larger in size, it can carry more cargo and passengers for a longer distance.
Difference Between Boat and Ship
Size
Boat is generally smaller than a ship.
Ship is generally larger than a boat.
Boat
Boat cannot carry a ship.
Ship can carry boats.
Design
Boats have simple structures compared to ships.
Ships have complicated designs and structures.
Operating
Boat can be operated by one person.
Ship cannot be operated by one person.
Crew
Boats have a small crew.
Ships have a large crew.
Out of Water
Boats can be taken out of the water.
Ships cannot be taken out of the water.
Distance
Boats generally travel shorter distances.
Ships generally travel longer distances.
Cargo and Passengers
Boats cannot carry a lot of cargo or passengers.
Ships can carry a lot of cargo and passengers.
Image Courtesy:
“Ship” by Matt H. Wade. Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Boat” by By Mills Tamara, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
