The jolly boat was a type of ship's boat in use during the 18th and 19th centuries. Used mainly to ferry personnel to and from the ship, or for other small-scale activities, it was, by the 18th century, one of several types of ship's boat. The design evolved throughout its period in service.
The term is still used informally when describing modern motorized ship's rescue boats. The word 'Jolly' is also still used in the maritime community to describe a visit ashore using a small boat or an excuse to avoid being on board a ship.