guardboats
nounUK /ˈɡɑːd.bəʊts/
US /ˈɡɑːrd.boʊts/
Small boats that keep watch and protect other boats or a place.
The guardboats sailed around the harbor to keep everyone safe.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Boats that escort and defend a group of ships.
The guardboats stayed close to the fishing fleet all night.
3. Boats used by a coast guard for watching the water.
Two guardboats raced toward the sinking dinghy.
4. Small vessels stationed to warn of danger near a port.
The guardboats signaled the incoming storm to the sailors.