What is a "boater"?

[elton]

I always thought a boater was a type of hat

and in fact many sources confirm my assumption to be valid.

However, the term seems to be used frequently on these forums to refer to a sailor. I sail, and I refer to myself as a sailor. Am I wrong, or does the term have connotations with sailing vessels that are not applicable to motor boats? That would seems strange as crew members of aircraft carriers, oil tankers, and most other types of commercial and military vessel are commonly referred to as sailors.

 

[stevebrassett]

I am a sailor, or a yachtsman - depends on how important I feel, and whether I am trying to impress or not.

Usually I'm a sailor.

 

[Lodesman77]

I am a sailor, or a yachtsman - depends on how important I feel, and whether I am trying to impress or not.

Usually I'm a sailor.

+1

 

[chinita]

Unfortunately there are some around these parts (and they are not American) who are referring to yachts as sailboats.

So that would make you a sailboater?

 

[dylanwinter]

I am a sailor

I am a sailor

never think of myself as a yachtsman

my boat has an engine

but I do not think of myself as a mobo driver

to me boater is a term that has become accepted over here as anyone out in an boat for pleasure bei it a dinghy, tender, ribm yacht or mobo

not people on ships of ferries obviously

they are passengers

Dylan

 

[Robert Wilson]

I think it is a language addition, as in horse-back rider/riding. I presume it is a "generic term" used to describe those who spend time "on boats". It could be useful, say in news reports, to refer to those who were "boating" at a particular time/place.

Just my view, and of course I may be wrong. Has been known

 

[jamesjermain]

Personally I find the term boater ugly, but professionally, when I am talking about a group which includes sailors, motorboaters, windusurfers, canoists, powerboat racers etc, boaters is about the only thing that does the job without being pedantic and ungainly.

 

[dylanwinter]

yes

Personally I find the term boater ugly, but professionally, when I am talking about a group which includes sailors, motorboaters, windusurfers, canoists, powerboat racers etc, boaters is about the only thing that does the job without being pedantic and ungainly.

is just as the sailing journalist says

ugly but useful

a bit like the slug

Dylan

 

[nortada]

I'm a boatie! Hopefully friendly & non-assuming.

 

[Sans Bateau]

I've always understood it as a term to describe someone who uses a boat for pleasure but not a yacht, in other words a power boat or as a generic term to cover both power and sail. However I dont like the term boater, as I am a sailor. Our marina often uses terms like "hope you have a good boating season" which I suppose they have to use.

 

[Adonnante]

Personally I find the term boater ugly, but professionally, when I am talking about a group which includes sailors, motorboaters, windusurfers, canoists, powerboat racers etc, boaters is about the only thing that does the job without being pedantic and ungainly.

I think mariner is a much better word.

Peter.

 

[dylanwinter]

not inclusive

I think mariner is a much better word.

Peter.

I think mariner is really restricted to salt water

so a canal boater or lakey boy is not a mariner

but they are boaters

Dylan

 

[chinita]

How about:

Someone who keeps their vessel on a mooring = Swinger

Someone who has their vessel at anchor = Hooker

Someone who keep their vessel against piles = Scrubber

Someone who keeps their vessel on mud = Dylaner

 

[prv]

"Seafarer" is another good one, but again restricted to salt water. Also implies a degree of professionalism that may not be present in all leisure users! Yachtsmen and moboists can certainly be seafarers, but it's hard to apply it to dinghy racers or jetskiers.

Pete

 

[Sans Bateau]

How about:

Someone who keeps their vessel on a mooring = Swinger

Someone who has their vessel at anchor = Hooker

Someone who keep their vessel against piles = Scrubber

Someone who keeps their vessel on mud = Dylaner

LOL!

 

[Tomahawk]

I'm a boatie! Hopefully friendly & non-assuming.

I quite like that as a description... it sounds more friendly than a boater..

 

[Woodlouse]

I wouldn't describe myself as boating unless it was in some rented rowing boat, on a shallow pond in a public park. Personally I hate the term and if someone referred to me as a 'boater' they'd stand a chance of receiving a slap. At least verbally anyway...

 

[dharl]

I always thought that a Boater refered to someone who enjopyed messing about on the canals and rivers rather than open waters...?

just my own description, but what I have heard.

 

[Adonnante]

An offshore sailor a '******'

I'll get my coat.

Peter.

Edit, one who tosses on a rough sea, bloody censors

 

[Penton Hooker]

Just a thought, perhaps:
Boaters ponce around on mobos.
Yotties ponce around on sailing boats.
Sailors don't ponce around!