Outboard Motor : What is it?
| An outboard motor is a self-contained boat engine mounted outside a boat that propels a boat in the water. It consists of the power head; the intermediate housing or the drive shaft; and the lower unit, which consists of the housing, gear, and propeller. The gear shift, throttle, and steering are all attached to the power head.
Using an outboard motor is the most common method used for propelling small watercraft. It allows steering control because it is designed to swivel over its mounting to change the direction of the propeller. Its transmission leg in the water acts as a rudder when the propeller is not providing power. An outboard motor can be tipped forward over its mount when the boat is out of service to elevate the transmission shaft and propeller out of the water, and to prevent the accumulation of seaweed or hitting of underwater obstacles such as rocks. It is very lightweight relative to the horsepower it can produce. An outboard motors also conserves a lot of space inside the boat because of its location outside the boat. The main disadvantage of an outboard motor is that it is a cut out in the transom, making it more vulnerable to water breaking over the stern and seeping into the boat. It also tends to ride down at the stern because the weight of the boat is shifted at the rear where the engine is located. The outboard motor is commonly powered by gas, but electric and diesel-powered outboard motors are also available. |
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Kinds of Outboard Motors include the following: |
Small
A small outboard motor is a fully self-contained motor with integral fuel tanks and controls mounted on its body. It is steered by a “tiller” directly attached to the motor. It can weigh as little as 12 kilograms and can thrust a small boat at around nine miles per hour. It is highly portable, and it can be easily removed by loosening its mounting clamps.
Large
A large outboard motor has sufficient power for boats as long as 30 feet or more. It usually has an electric starter similar to that of a car.
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Horsepower: Choose an outboard motor that follows your boat manufacturer's horsepower rating guide and maximum limit. It should match the correct outboard horsepower of your boat. Overpowering a boat can compromise its safety and risk damage, while underpowering it can put drag on the outboard and sacrifice its performance.
Weight: Choose an outboard motor with a weight compatible to your boat. The weight can differ for motors with the same horsepower. |
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