| Most boats today have some type of boat | | | | low center of gravity of the inboard system. The |
| motors. Both tiny motor boats and huge luxury | | | | major disadvantage to this system is that the |
| liners are put into motion by motors. Far more | | | | motor is more complicated, and therefore more |
| boat owners prefer to have their boats propelled | | | | prone to failure, than either the inboard or |
| rather than sailed. | | | | outboard motor. |
| Gaining a comprehensive knowledge of boat | | | | The engine is perhaps the most important decision |
| motors is important, as it allows you to decipher | | | | that must be made about motor boats. The most |
| what is wrong in case of malfunction. Recognizing | | | | popular engine is the four-cycle internal |
| a problem early on will allow you to avoid both | | | | combustion gasoline engine. This type of engine is |
| physical and financial risk. | | | | sufficient for any boat up through a mid size |
| All three parts of a boat motor must be kept in | | | | family cruiser. |
| good shape. If either the engine, propeller, or drive | | | | The engine is roughly equivalent to that of a |
| system fail to work properly, the motor will not | | | | heavy-duty truck engine. Remember that a |
| run. | | | | gasoline engine must always be well ventilated to |
| The drive system on motor boats may be | | | | prevent fire or explosion. Two cycle engines are |
| inboard, outboard, or inboard/outboard (also | | | | still available and are quite lightweight, but require |
| known as a stern drive). The drive system | | | | adding oil to the mix. They tend to smoke and |
| controls the transfer of the engine's power to the | | | | leak and are no longer considered ideal. |
| water and directs the thrust. An outboard system | | | | Diesel engines are in many ways superior to |
| places all parts of the motor together in a housing | | | | gasoline engines and are the engine of choice for |
| located on the outside of the boat. | | | | large ships and commercial vessels, as well as |
| The entire unit swivels to change direction. The | | | | some versions of the sports boat. They burn |
| outboard motor is lightweight, often portable, and | | | | more cleanly and won't explode. However, the |
| takes up little to none of the boat's interior space. | | | | initial cost is much higher than that of a gasoline |
| However, the weight of the motor can cause the | | | | engine. |
| boat to ride low at the stern and the cutout | | | | The final component in most boat motors is the |
| space where the motor is carried can make the | | | | propeller. At one time, choosing the proper |
| boat prone to taking water in that location. | | | | propeller was a mysterious art best left to |
| An inboard drive system moves the engine inside | | | | professionals. Now it is possible to choose your |
| the boat, close to the center of the hull. The | | | | own. Propeller selection is still complicated, and it is |
| inboard location of the engine creates better | | | | best to consult with a professional or discuss your |
| balance in the boat. However, the inboard engine | | | | choices with experienced boat owners in a boat |
| is generally heavier than the outboard system and | | | | forum. |
| critical interior space is reduced. | | | | Take the time to make yourself familiar with boat |
| In a stern drive, or inboard/outboard motor, the | | | | motors. Doing so will allow you to successfully |
| engine is located inside the boat as with an inboard | | | | combine the components you need for a smooth |
| system. However, the rest of the motor is | | | | running boat. If there is something you do not |
| located outboard. This minimizes the loss of | | | | know about boat motors, consult an expert. |
| interior space while maintaining the balance and | | | | |