surf boat

American  

noun

1. a strong, buoyant rowboat with high ends, adapted for beaching and passing through surf.

---

Etymology

Origin of surf boat

First recorded in 1855–60; surf + boat

Example Sentences

Lifesavers either launched a surf boat for ships further offshore or fired a rope to vessels stranded closer to shore.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2018

The surf boat safely unloaded its cargo of survivors, then made three more trips to get the others in the boats beyond the breakers.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2018

The lifesaving crews of 100 years ago practiced this drill and that of launching a surf boat, every day, every week, no matter the weather, Smith said.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2018

Coast Guard lifesaving crew in Rodanthe led by Capt. John Allen Midgette Jr. pulled the surf boat from its shed to begin what would be a seven-hour rescue.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2018

"You don't mean that these surf boat crews are paid to save the cargo, and that human life is left to the care of the government?" cried a listener indignantly.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 099, March, 1876 by Various