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Watercraft with an engine (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: POWERBOAT
- POWERBOAT is the solution to this crossword clue asking for a watercraft with an engine in 9 letters. A powerboat is any boat or vessel that relies on an engine for propulsion rather than wind, oars, or other manual methods.
- These versatile watercrafts range from small speedboats and fishing boats to luxury yachts and performance racing vessels, all unified by their use of motorized power.
Understanding Powerboats
- Powerboats represent a broad category of motorized vessels designed for various purposes including recreation, fishing, water sports, racing, and transportation.
- Unlike sailboats that harness wind power, powerboats use internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel) or electric motors to move through water.
- The term encompasses everything from personal watercraft and runabouts to cabin cruisers and offshore performance boats.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for letter count indicators: The number in parentheses (9) tells you exactly how many letters the answer contains, which immediately narrows possibilities.
- Consider synonyms: Watercraft clues might also lead to MOTORBOAT, SPEEDBOAT, or even JETBOAT depending on letter count and crossing answers.
- Check crossing letters: If you've solved intersecting clues, use those confirmed letters to verify POWERBOAT fits properly.
- Think broadly about categories: "Watercraft with an engine" is intentionally generic, pointing to the umbrella term POWERBOAT rather than specific types.
- Remember compound words: Many crossword answers combine two common words (POWER + BOAT) into one solution.
Watercraft with an engine (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between a powerboat and a motorboat?
These terms are essentially interchangeable, both referring to any boat propelled by an engine. "Powerboat" is slightly more formal and commonly used in racing contexts, while "motorboat" is more casual everyday language.
Q: Can a powerboat also have sails?
Yes, some boats feature both engines and sails (called motorsailers), but in crossword context, "watercraft with an engine" specifically points to vessels where the engine is the primary propulsion method.
Q: Why is POWERBOAT the answer instead of SPEEDBOAT?
While both are 9 letters and technically correct, POWERBOAT is the broader, more inclusive term covering all engine-driven boats, making it the preferred crossword answer for general "engine" clues.
Q: Are jet skis considered powerboats?
Technically yes, personal watercraft like jet skis are a type of powerboat, but crossword clues typically use POWERBOAT to reference larger vessels rather than PWCs.
Q: How do I know if the answer is POWERBOAT or MOTORBOAT?
Check your crossing answers carefully—the letters in positions 2 and 6 differ (O vs O, B vs B wait—they're actually different at position 1: P vs M). Let crossing clues guide you to the correct choice.
