It will depend on what kind of boat is in the dream as to its interpretation.
A ferry or piloted boat holds all the symbolism of the journey across the river styx after death. Today it signifies the giving up of selfish desires. Having been able to do this, we may be ‘reborn’ into a better life, or way of living.
A small rowing boat would suggest an expedition of emotional discovery but one often undertaken alone.
A yacht might suggest a similar journey done with style, whereas a large ship would suggest creating new horizons but in the company of others. Early seafarers referred to their ships as ‘she’ largely, it is thought, because of the close dependence they had on them for life and because they were difficult to manage. Today ships have lost that personal association. What a boat does in the dream will have relevance as a reflection of our waking life, e.G. Running aground, pulling into harbour etc.
To dream of disembarking indicates the end of a project, successful or otherwise.
If we dream of missing a boat it shows we have not paid enough attention to detail to a project in our waking lives. Also consult the individual entry for boat / ship.
[1](1) Because of their connections with water, boats may symbolize (some aspect of) the feminine, either with a plainly sexual reference or with reference to the unconscious (in the case of a male dreamer, the reference may be specifically to the anima), or with reference to mother or Great Mother.
See Also: Mother.
(2) Leaying one’s own shores for a foreign country may symbolize entry into the unconscious insofar as the latter is unknown and frightening - alien, in fact.
(3) If the boat is crossing a narrow stretch of water, it may symbolize death or some other transition: for example, moving from one phase of life to another, or making a new start and a clean break from the past.
See Also: Dead/ Death, Ferry.
(4) If in the dream you miss the boat, the meaning would seem to be obvious: you have failed to take advantage of an opportunity that has offered itself - perhaps an opportunity to open new vistas in your life.
[2]Setting sail is an exhilarating experience. The ocean is vast and can take you anywhere. Dreaming you’re at sea can mean you feel slightly lost in real life. Perhaps you have too many options and don’t know which one to take. If you’re drifting in a boat out of sight of land, then you have no direction or sense of purpose; but if you’re heading for a specific location then you’re primed and ready to seize the right opportunity. Cruising on an ocean liner suggests a desire for luxury. An unexpected trip, or holiday could also be on the cards.
[3]Boats in our dreams ride on the waves and the surface of the subconscious, so they are connected to the emotional and creative currents of life.
An ocean liner, carrying a large cargo of people and often goods, may or may not make it to port in our dreams.
If it does, it would suggest that you will reap the riches you deserve.
[4]