[bcsco]

Oars or a boat motor. It doesn't paddle well due to it's boxy design. It's flat bottomed, and doesn't ride as well as a 'V' shaped boat, so it's best for shallow water. Used mainly by hunters and fisherman since it's more stable than a 'V' shaped boat.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Great explanation, but it wasn't quite what I was getting at. It's a John boat. And you're supposed to say "oars" with a cockney accent. :-)