Yes good points I see water as spiritual or indicative of the flow of life. ALl depends on whether water is flowing, stagnant, fresh etc..It can also healthwise I believe indicate stagnant water of life or blood. I believe anyone who is stagnating in life probably has stagnant conditions internally anyway.
A boat might inidcate flowing frrely down the river of life again depends on the conditions and emotions involved with the boat. The snakes seem to be about omens or danger or to be feared. Now I see it did not bite him but it jumped into the leg. Transforming it's power to the means by which you walk through life? sounds more like a positive transformational type issue. Again maybe it will help to write down feelings and associations.