NBSS: Combining boating safety, pleasure and compliance Operationĭue to their configuration, inboard engine boats are more difficult to dock. That’s why it’s important to have all the required safety equipment on board. Nonetheless, maintenance is essential, because mechanical problems can potentially cause an engine fire that could spread throughout the boat due to the position of the engine. Their location also makes them more difficult to access, particularly compared to outboard engines, whose mechanical components are very easy to access. Maintenanceīecause inboard engines are generally located in the bilge, water, moisture and steam can damage them when you open them up for maintenance. Inboard engine boats are generally larger and heavier than boats with outboard engines, making them more difficult to transport. Inboard engine boats are generally more expensive than boats with outboard engines. Additional information about inboard enginesĪre you convinced that you want a boat with an inboard engine? Here’s some more information to help you make an informed choice. Many boaters also appreciate the fact that inboard engines are quieter than outboard ones. The propeller is located under a platform at the stern, which is safer for people being towed behind the boat. Some boat models designed specifically for wakeboarding even come with ballast to create different types of waves. They create great wakes for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Inboard engines are very popular with boaters who enjoy water sports. When turning, the base plate will pivot, guiding the boat in the desired direction. The base plate is equipped with one or two propellers. Rather than having a fixed propeller and rudder, the engine block inside the hull is connected to a base plate similar to an outboard engine. There are also Z-drive engines, which are a sort of inboard/outboard hybrid. Hydro-jet engines, which are commonly found on jet-skis and small speedboats, use a turbine instead of a propeller. There are other types of engines that can also be considered inboard engines. Unfortunately, some efficiency is lost between the engine and the propeller due to the change in direction. This configuration often provides more space in the cabin or additional seating, because the engine is placed further back in the boat. The drive train at the bottom of the boat is similar to a D-drive inboard system, with a shaft connecting to a propeller. Unlike direct drive, a V-drive inboard engine faces forward and has a transmission that redirects the drive shaft towards the stern, creating a V shape. However, direct drive inboard engines may need to be placed further forward in the boat, reducing the amount of space available for the cabin and seating. This type of drive minimizes engine power loss, and its simplicity makes it highly reliable. The drive shaft is a straight rod with a propeller at the end that drives the boat. In D-drive systems, the engine faces aft and is connected to a drive shaft that protrudes out the bottom of the boat. Direct drive (D-drive) inboard enginesĭirect drive inboard engines are fairly common propulsion systems. There are a few different types of inboard engines-the main ones are direct-drive (D-drive) and V-drive. Inboard engines are always installed inside the boat. The faster the propeller spins, the more the boat will accelerate. The drive shaft is connected to a propeller that spins to propel the boat. Generally speaking, inboard engines are four-stroke engines (much like car engines) that power a drive shaft running through the bottom of the hull. Therefore, a boat with an inboard engine will always be steered with a wheel rather than a tiller. When turning, an inboard engine will not pivot like an outboard engine does. While outboard engines are used to power and steer the boat, inboard engines require one or more rudders for steering, located behind the propeller that drives the boat. Unlike outboard engines, which are mounted on the outside of a boat (usually at the stern), inboard engines are installed inside the hull, either in the bilge or in an engine room for larger vessels. In this article, find out more about inboard engines.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suited for different boating activities. Some motorboats have outboard engines, while others are equipped with inboard engines. If you’re considering getting a motorboat to spend your summer on the water, you probably already know that there are a few different types of engines to choose from.