Boat motors: types and features, how to choose

Boat motors are outboard units that fix on the transom of the boat - in the rear part. They do not occupy useful space on the vessel. They are installed on small boats designed for fishing, hunting or walking. Let's consider the types and features of boat motors and a few tips on the choice.

What are the types of boat motors

Types of boat motors:

• Electric motors are small in size and power, but they have heavy battery power. Their power is no more than 5 hp. Electric boat motors are inexpensive, they are compact, easy to remove and put away for storage. Such units work quietly, suitable for boats that do not need to move quickly. They do not emit harmful emissions.
• Two-stroke motors for boats on gasoline are used most often. However, they consume quite a lot of fuel. For refueling, gasoline is mixed with oil according to the instructions for the motor. They pollute water bodies because they dump some of the fuel into the water.
• Four-stroke gasoline boat motors are quiet and consume less fuel, but weigh more. In them, gasoline and oil are filled separately. They are installed on boats that are longer than 4 meters.
• Diesel boat motors are the most economical in fuel consumption. They are the heaviest in weight and difficult to start in winter. Their operating resource is very large, the design is reliable. Power allows you to use them on recreational boats.

Features of boat motors

The outboard boat motor is with a propeller or with a turbine. Units with a propeller are installed on a boat that will move through deep water. Such devices are easy to maintain, are inexpensive. However, the propeller can wind up the plant in the water. If they are stiff, the motor can stop. It will need to be cleaned, which is inconvenient to do in the water. On a shoal, the propeller may be damaged or cracked when it hits a rock.

The turbine motor for boats is made with a protective housing for the propeller. Since it has all rotating parts closed, the structure is isolated from algae and mechanical damage. Boats with a turbine motor can approach close to the shore and move at a depth of 30 cm. Such motors have low vibration and surrender little noise. They are suitable for installation on boats for hunting and vessels for tourists who approach busy beaches.

How to choose a motor for a boat

Pay attention to such parameters:

• Whether the power and dimensions of the motor corresponds to the size of the boat. The instructions to the units indicate the required parameters of the vessel. First of all, the length of the boat and its weight are taken into account.
• The motor must fit the dimensions of the transom of the vessel. If there is a discrepancy, it will not be possible to fix the motor so that it is properly buried in the water. The parameters of the transom are usually indicated in centimeters in the name of the motor.
• The method of starting the motor affects the ease of operation of the motor. Electric models are activated with a button. Units on fuel are started manually or through an electric system. Manual starting is the most inexpensive and common. A lanyard serves as the starter. The electric starter is activated by turning the key or pushing a button. This is more convenient. However, such units are expensive.

Choosing a boat motor, pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer. You can read reviews on the Internet about the brand and a particular model of motor.