BOATLOAD

[noun] [C]boatloads of refugees/tourists (= the amount of these people that can be transported by a boat)A whole boatload of oil (= The amount of this substance that can be transported by a boat) was discharged into the ocean, destroying the marine life of that entire area.Following the military coup, people are leaving the island in boatloads/by the boatload (= in large numbers, travelling by boat).(figurative informal) The movie company made boatloads (= a large amount) of money on that project.