1Work undertaken on board or using a boat; specifically (a) the manning of the boats of a large ship; (b) angling done in a boat rather than on the shore or bank.
2The construction, maintenance, or repair of a boat or boats.
Origin
Late 18th century (in an earlier sense). From boat + work.
Definition of boat work in US English:
boat work
nounˈbəʊtwəːk
1Work undertaken on board or using a boat; specifically (a) the manning of the boats of a large ship; (b) angling done in a boat rather than on the shore or bank.
2The construction, maintenance, or repair of a boat or boats.
Origin
Late 18th century (in an earlier sense). From boat + work.