What is an outboard motor?

An outboard motor is a motor that is located outside a watercraft (e.g. a boat or a ship’s engine) and comes into contact with water. This motor is attached to the stern of the boat and is driven by the water. Outboard motors are generally used on small boats.

Outboard motors normally work with a propeller. The power of the motor drives the propeller so that the boat can move forward. These types of engines are popular because they are easy to transport and simple to operate. In addition, outboard motors are usually easier to maintain and repair.

These engines can be either electric or combustion-powered. Combustion outboard motors are powered by fuels such as gasoline or diesel, while electric outboard motors are usually powered by rechargeable batteries.

Outboard motors can be used on many different types of boats, from small sea boats to fishing boats and sailboats. Boat owners choose outboard motors according to boat size, area of use and requirements.

Operating principle of outboard motors

Outboard motors are motors that are mounted on the outside of the watercraft. These motors use a propeller that touches the water to propel the boat forward. Here is the operating principle of outboard motors:

Fuel supply

Outboard engines with internal combustion use fuels such as gasoline or diesel. These fuels are supplied to the engine from a fuel tank.

Air mixture

The fuel is mixed with air via a carburetor or an injection nozzle. This mixture is fed into the combustion chamber.

Compression and combustion

The engine pistons compress the fuel-air mixture and ignite it in the combustion chamber. This process is part of the working process of an internal combustion engine.

Power generation

The energy generated by combustion drives the pistons to produce a rotary motion.

Propeller movement:

This rotational movement turns the propeller via a shaft. When the propeller is submerged in the water behind the boat, it pushes the boat forward with the pressure of the water.

Cooling

The engine heats up during operation. A water cooling system therefore ensures that the heat generated in the engine is dissipated.

Exhaust gas discharge

The exhaust gases produced during combustion are discharged to the outside.

In this way, outboards with combustion engines convert the energy generated by the combustion process into mechanical movement, which enables the boat to move forward. Electric outboard motors work on a similar principle using electrical energy, but unlike combustion engines, they do not require fuel. These engines are powered by rechargeable batteries.