Small pleasure boat (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: PEDALO (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Small pleasure boat" with 6 letters is "PEDALO".Pedalo is a small pleasure boat powered by pedals, where passengers use their feet to turn the paddles and move the boat across the water. It is commonly used for leisurely rides on lakes or calm waters, offering both relaxation and light exercise.
Why "Pedalo" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning "small pleasure boat." The answer, PEDALO, fits perfectly:
- Small pleasure boat: Pedalo is a recreational floating vessel propelled by foot pedals, designed for leisurely water activities — exactly matching the clue's definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, pedalo fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word specifically describes a small, pedal-powered watercraft used for leisure, typically found at seaside resorts or recreational water venues.
Pedalo is a charming and whimsical term rooted in both engineering and holiday culture:
Origin and usage:
- A pedalo (also spelled pedalo or sometimes pedalboat) derives from combining "pedal" (foot-operated) and the suffix -o (reminiscent of brand names or casual coinages).
- The term became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in British and European leisure contexts.
- The concept allows riders to propel the boat forward by cycling or stepping on pedals, much like a stationary bicycle.
Design and function:
- Typically features two or three seats arranged above a pedal mechanism.
- Usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal frames with flotation pontoons.
- Popular at beaches, lakes, and resort pools as a recreational activity requiring no engine or special training.
Cultural significance:
- Iconic in British seaside holiday imagery and family entertainment.
- Represents accessible, environmentally friendly water recreation.
Examples:
- "The children rented a pedalo for an afternoon of fun on the lake."
- "Seaside resorts often offer pedalos for summer visitors."
- "She pedaled the bright yellow pedalo along the calm lagoon."
In quick crosswords like "Small pleasure boat (6)," clues often describe recreational or leisure items with precise, recognizable names:
Definition: "Small pleasure boat" directly defines pedalo as a watercraft designed for leisure rather than transport or fishing.
Clue type: Simple definition clue — straightforward and factual.
Solving approach:
- Look for six-letter words related to water recreation (dinghy, canoe, pedalo, kayak).
- The emphasis on "pleasure" and "small" narrows the options to recreational rather than utilitarian vessels.
- Pedalo stands out as the only perfect match combining leisurely purpose, small size, and exact enumeration.
Crossword pattern: Recreational or holiday-related words like pedalo, surfboard, toboggan, and jet-ski frequently appear in crosswords due to their vivid imagery and cultural familiarity.
