Boat

Boat (usually πλοιάριον, a small ship, SEE SHIP; the word does not occur in the Old Test. except in the translation "ferry-boat", SEE FERRY ). In the narrative of the shipwreck of Paul, recorded in the 17th chapter of the Acts, it is stated Ac 17:17, "We had much work to come by the boat" (σκάφη, a skiff). Every ship had a boat, as at present, but it was not taken up at the commencement of the voyage and secured on the deck, but left on the water, attached to the stern by a rope; the difference may be thus accounted for: The modern navigator bids adieu to land, and has no further need for his boat; but the ancient mariner, in creeping along the coast, maintained frequent intercourse with the land, for which the boat was always kept ready. When, however, a storm arose, and danger was apprehended, and that the boat might be dashed to pieces against the sides of the ship, it was drawn close up under the stern. In the above passage we are to understand that this was done, and that there was much difficulty in thus securing the boat. SEE SHIPWRECK.