Re: Ship v. Boat

On aircraft carriers, airdales especially, refer to the ship as "the boat". They know the difference between a ship and a boat but use the term because they can. Pilots will say they are returning to the "boat" but you can rest assured they know they are returning to the ship. The term is almost a term of endearment. (that may be a little mushy for sailors.)

The difference between a ship and a boat: a boat is any vessel that can be lifted aboard a ship.