0 the number of people or the amount of something that can be transported by a boat: --
A boatload of coal was taken up the river in 1764 as a test.
Flour supplies had run out again and there was no likelihood of more until the next boatload of settlers arrived.
How would a boatload of panic-stricken, frail humanity cope?
They removed several boatloads of cargo before setting her afire.
Immigration has become a prominent political issue, as reports of boatloads of illegal immigrants or "clandestini" dominate news programmes, especially in the summertime.
They were later followed by boatloads of high-priority cargo: ammunition and medical supplies.
Boatloads of goods travel from one marketplace to another, but the cargoes must be sold at a loss.
Four boatloads of soldiers were despatched at night, though the sailors who rowed there were extremely pessimistic as to their chances.
