The History Of Outboard Motors
Outboard motors for boats were developed as a self-contained unit made up of a propeller and engine system. These motors are mounted at the stern (the rear) of the boat and are usually used with smaller boats. This placement provides control over steering and is designed to pivot and direct the direction of the propeller.
The propeller, acting as a rudder, provides the power; the transmission leg stays in the water. When boats are about to enter shallow water or be taken off the water, the outboard motor should be tipped forward over the mount to take the propeller and transmission shaft out of the water. This will avoid getting too much seaweed or hitting rocks that could possibly damage the motor.
In 1909, a Norwegian-American inventor named Ole Evinrude created the first outboard motor designed for boats. Most outboard engines are two-stroke engines, for they are quite reliable and simple to use. These engines are also cost efficient and have a high power-to-weight ratio. Though, it is very important that you watch the weight, especially weight that is near the stern where the motor is. If you don’t watch the distribution of weight, then the handling of the boats will be impeded.
However, the two-stoke cycle engine has high emissions and causes some environmental concerns, which have added to the cost of the development of the technology. These concerns have led some people to tend to go to the four-stroke cycle outboard motors, which have meet all expectations based upon their emissions standards and fuel consumption. These motors are more cost-effective both in initial price and long-term usage. Though, weight issues are more important in a four-stroke cycle engine, so special attention has to be given to what exactly is on the boat and where it is located.
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.
Most boats using outboard motors have to be small and are not used for much larger expeditions outside of lakes or calm waters, so many boaters use these motorized boats on lakes. These motors are convenient to have instead of having to constantly paddle, however paddles should always be located on-board just in case you have motor difficulties. It is always best to have a back-up plan with paddles instead of getting stuck on a lake. [..]
David is passionate about the outboard engines, however he also writes on restaurant furniture. Check out his sites: Used Outboard Engines and Used Restaurant Furniture.
