A boat is a compact watercraft designed for the purpose of traversing bodies of water. Specifically engineered for use on lakes, rivers, streams, and close coastal areas, it can accommodate a limited number of people or cargo. Boats are powered and directed in a variety of ways including the traditional use of oars for rowing, sails that catch and utilize the wind, or the modern method of inbuilt engines. Typically smaller than a ship, boats come in various sizes and designs, each serving a unique purpose - from simple fishing activities to leisurely cruises. Their construction materials may include anything from wood to metal to plastic, depending on the specific requirements such as durability and speed. Nonetheless, each boat is unified by the ultimate function of providing buoyant transportation over water.

1. Rowboat: A small, lightweight boat that is propelled through water using oars. These vessels are often used for leisurely lake activities or fishing in calm waters. 2. Sailboat: A small or medium-sized boat equipped with a sail to harness wind power for propulsion. This type of boat is typically used for recreational sailing, racing, or long-distance travel over open waters. 3. Motorboat: A boat that uses an engine for propulsion instead of relying on human power or wind. Motorboats are popular for recreational boating, fishing, and watersports, and they come in a wide variety of sizes and designs. 4. Canoe: A narrow, lightweight boat that is typically pointed at both ends and open on top, propelled by one or more seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of travel using a single-bladed paddle. 5. Inflatable Boat: A lightweight boat constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurized gas. It could be propelled by paddles, oars or a small motor. It's often used for leisure activities or for rescue operations in water.

The oldest known boat in the world is the Pesse Canoe, which dates back to around 8,000 BCE. This early example of a simple boat was made of carved out pine. It was discovered in 1955 in the Netherlands, and while it may not have been equipped with oars, sails, or an engine, it represents the humble beginnings of what would become a crucial means of transport and exploration throughout human history. Despite its antiquity, it's still quite similar in concept to modern small boats we use for leisure or simple fishing tasks today.