A modern copy of a traditional whaleboat on display at Mystic Seaport. Another whaleboat, on the davits of a larger ship, is reflected in the water.

A whaleboat is a type of open boat that is relatively narrow and pointed at both ends, enabling it to move either forwards or backwards equally well. It was originally developed for whaling, and later became popular for work along beaches, since it does not need to be turned around for beaching or refloating. Download high resolution version (550x760, 66 KB)Photo of whaleboat exhibited at Mystic Seaport, taken October 1994 by User:Stan Shebs File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Download high resolution version (550x760, 66 KB)Photo of whaleboat exhibited at Mystic Seaport, taken October 1994 by User:Stan Shebs File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Mystic Seaport is a maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut. ... Lobster boat A boat is a watercraft, usually smaller than most ships. ... The crew of the oceanographic research vessel Princesse Alice, of Albert Grimaldi (later Prince Albert I of Monaco) pose while flensing a catch Whaling is the hunting and killing of whales. ... 90 mile beach Australia A Beach In United Kingdom A beach or strand is a geological formation consisting of loose rock particles such as sand, shingle, cobble, or even shell along the shoreline of a body of water. ...

Whaleboats are traditionally oar-powered, although in whaling use often had a dismountable mast and sails, too. After 1850 most were fitted with a centerboard for sailing. When sailing, steering was with a rudder; when rowing, steering was done with an oar held over the stern. Whaleboats used in whaling had a stout post mounted on the aft deck, around which the steersman would cinch the rope once the whale had been harpooned, and by which the whale would drag the boat until it was killed. An oar is a tool used for marine propulsion. ... A rudder is a device used to steer a ship or other watercraft. ... For other meanings of the term, see Stern (disambiguation). ...

For more detail, see

 Willits D. Ansel: The Whaleboat, Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut ISBN 0-913372-40-4 

The term "whaleboat" may be used informally of larger whalers, or of a boat used for whale watching. The crew of the oceanographic research vessel Princesse Alice, of Albert Grimaldi (later Prince Albert I of Monaco) pose while flensing a catch Whaling is the hunting and killing of whales. ... Whale watching off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine. ...

On modern warships, a relatively light and seaworthy boat for transport of ship's crew may be referred to as a whaleboat.

Whaleboat aboard a whaling ship at Mystic Seaport