| What type of boat is best for my lifestyle? | | | | 4 Stroke: lower emissions, excellent fuel |
| Maybe you are an avid fisherman who spends | | | | economy, electronic ignition systems, good |
| endless summer days searching for that fish that | | | | acceleration, oil added to engine not fuel |
| will give you ultimate bragging rights, or want to | | | | Diesel Inboard Engines |
| spend summer afternoons slowly cruising with a | | | | These engines range in size and horsepower, and |
| group of friends on your pontoon, or possibly | | | | rely on compression for power. They are |
| have a fascination for speed and water sports. | | | | designed for boats over 35ft because they |
| Whatever your passion, there is a boat out there | | | | produce torque and weigh more than gas engines. |
| that is made specifically for your needs and | | | | No carbon monoxide in cabins or back, |
| desires. However it isnt always easy to know | | | | non-explosive fuel, low running cost, excellent |
| exactly which boat you should choose. It is easy | | | | torque, long life expectancy |
| to be overwhelmed by the enormous variety of | | | | Gas Inboard Engines |
| boat types and models. There are several | | | | These engines are used for a variety of different |
| different boat choices based on what they would | | | | sizes and types of boats, and range in |
| be used for. | | | | horsepower from 90HP to 1000HP. It is located in |
| What will I use the boat for? | | | | the middle of the boat with the drive running |
| You should first decide what you anticipate using | | | | through the bottom of the boat to the propeller. |
| the boat for. There are boats for fishing, water | | | | The rudder is separate for steering. |
| sports, cruising, sailing, entertaining, or taking long | | | | Simple drive system, quite, hidden, lower |
| trips. Some are designed for multiple purposes. | | | | maintenance, low running costs |
| Once you know what you want to do with it, | | | | Jet Propulsion |
| decide who you are going to be taking with you? | | | | These systems do not include a propeller, which |
| You may not want a pontoon boat the fits 12 | | | | make it safer for water sports. They are inboard |
| people if you are only going to be fishing with a | | | | engines that take in water which flows through a |
| buddy. You also dont want to overload your boat | | | | pump that is powered by an impeller. The high |
| because of safety. | | | | pressure caused by this, propels the boat |
| Consider where you will be enjoying your boat; up | | | | forward. However, steering is only possible when |
| and down the calm river, on a sheltered lake, or | | | | power is being applied. Things can also be sucked |
| an open ocean with high waves and rough seas. If | | | | into the water intake, and shouldnt be used in |
| you will be taking trips you will want your boat to | | | | shallow water. |
| have a cabin. | | | | Stern Drive |
| Choosing the right engine for my boat: | | | | This is often called an Inboard/Outboard and |
| Now consider the propulsion needed when deciding | | | | consists of an engine and drive connected through |
| on an engine type. The horsepower and weight | | | | the transom of the boat. The engine is inside and |
| are very important factors in the performance of | | | | the propulsion is outside of the boat. This drive |
| your boat. An engine that is not powerful enough | | | | can be trimmed up or down. There are many |
| will cause your boat to work harder than it should | | | | different types of functions depending on what |
| and lead to a great deal of maintenance and | | | | they will be used for. They can be used with one |
| excess use of fuel. You need to consider the size | | | | or two propellers, as well as two drives on one |
| and weight of your boat, including gear and | | | | boat with one or two propellers. |
| passengers. There are six different propulsion | | | | Low maintenance, ease of control and steering, |
| types with varying factors to consider when | | | | used on gas or diesel engines, quiet |
| choosing a system for your boat. | | | | Choose the right boat for your favorite activity: |
| Outboard Motors (2 types) | | | | There are different types of boats for a variety |
| Outboard motors are detachable and mounted on | | | | of activities and intended use. Below are examples |
| the stern of the boat, with horsepower ranging | | | | of what boats are used for with lists of boat |
| from 1HP to over 300HP. These engines can be | | | | types best suited for that activity. You will find |
| used in all types of water. The 2 types of | | | | that there are several boats that are intended for |
| outboard motors are 2 stroke and 4 stroke. | | | | more that one activity. For example, if you like |
| 2 Stroke: better acceleration, no need to change | | | | fishing, water skiing, and plan to sleep on board; |
| oil, better fuel efficiency, lower priced, weighs less, | | | | you can choose between a Stern Drive Cruiser |
| quieter | | | | and Cuddy Cabin. |