Outboard motors were developed on boats as a self-contained unit consisting of an engine system and propeller. It is mounted at the stern (the rear) of the boat and is most commonly used to propel small boats. It provides steering controls and is designed to pivot and control the orientation of the propeller.

The propeller, acting as a rudder, provides the power; while the transmission leg stays in the water. If a boat is entering shallow water or about to be taken out of the water, then the outboard motor should be tipped forward over the mount to take the transmission shaft and propeller out of the water. This will avoid getting too much seaweed tangled around the propeller or hitting rocks that could possibly damage the motor.

In 1909, Ole Evinrude, a Norwegian-American inventor, created the first outboard motor designed for boats. Most outboard engines are two-stroke engines, which are quite reliable and simple to use. These are also seen as very cost efficient and have a high power-to-weight ratio. It is very important that you watch the weight distribution on the boat, especially weight that is near the stern where the motor is. If you don’t watch the weight, then the handling and speed of the boat will be impeded.

However, the two-stoke cycle engine has high emissions and causes some environmental concerns that have added cost to the development of the technology. This concern has led some people to tend to go to the four-stroke cycle outboard motor. This outboard motor has met all expectations based upon its emissions standards and fuel consumption. These motors cost less both in initial price and long-term usage. Though, weight issues are more important in a four-stroke cycle, so special attention has to be given to what’s on the boat and where.

Some of the companies that produce outboard motors include Mercury, Briggs and Stratton, Evinrude, Johnson, Honda, Yamaha, Mariner, Nissan, Suzuki, OMC and there are a slew of other smaller and less known companies that are in production too. You can purchase an outboard motor at a variety of online websites and can purchase parts for most major brands when needed. There are hundreds of different dealers online that guarantee an outboard motor that will be compatible with your boat. They guarantee one that will add some quality to your boating or fishing expeditions.

Since most boats using outboard motors have to be small, they are not used for much larger expeditions outside of lakes or calm waters, so many boaters with these motors primarily use their boats on lakes. These motors are convenient to have instead of having to constantly paddle, though paddles should always be located on-board just in case you have motor difficulties or if it overheats. It is always best to have a back-up plan with paddles instead of getting stuck on a lake with no way to get back.

David loves writing about outboard engines, as well as restaurant furniture. Check out his sites at: Used Outboard Engines and Used Restaurant Furniture.

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