An expandable and contractible safety barrier for a boat includes a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion includes a first outside hinge portion. The second barrier portion includes a second outside hinge portion. The first barrier portion is pivotally connected to the second barrier portion by a middle hinge. The middle hinge is locate on an end of the first barrier portion opposite the first outside hinge portion and on an end of the second barrier portion opposite the second outside hinge portion. A latching device that removably attaches the first barrier portion to a fixed barrier includes a pin about which the first outside hinge portion pivots.

An airboat for traversing a body of water comprises a hull having a curved portion that extends from a bow to a step, and from the step to a stern. The step extends laterally from a port side to a starboard side and is positioned between 30% and 35% of the hull length from the bow. Adjustable floats extend laterally outward from the hull and are rotatable to allow different engagement with the water. A motor is mounted on an axle that allows the motor to turn to control yaw of the airboat. The adjustable floats may have curved bottom surfaces and comprise a semicircle of lessening radius from aft to forward for variable water engagement. The airboat may include a passenger compartment with a steering wheel operatively connected to control the motor. The hull has a substantially planar bottom surface between the step and stern.