Kristian Ferrell
Outboard motors are a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes an engine, gearbox, and propeller or jet drive. They are affixed to the outside of the transom, which means a significant weight is at the aft end of the boat. This weight must be taken into consideration when balancing the boat. The boat's centre of gravity (CG) is the point where downward gravitational forces focus, and the centre of buoyancy (CB) is where the upward floating forces focus. The CB should always line up vertically under the CG at rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Centre of gravity (CG) | The point where downward (gravitational) forces focus |
| Centre of buoyancy (CB) | The point where upward (floating) forces focus |
| CG location | Usually 60 to 65% aft of the bow |
| Engine location and hull balance | Very important |
| Modifications | Could throw the hull out of balance if not made with forethought |
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What You'll Learn
The centre of gravity and buoyancy
Outboard motors are mounted on or shortly ahead of the transom, which is the aft end of the boat. This can affect the balance of the boat, as the weight of the motor is at the back. Unlike inboard motors, outboard motors can be easily removed for storage or repairs, and they can be tilted up to an elevated position to avoid hitting the bottom.
The location of the engine and hull balance are very important for planing boats. Boats with most of their volume amidships usually have centrally located engines, while those with volume at the stern have stern-mounted motors or outboards. It is not recommended to alter the engine location of planing boats to any great extent.
To balance a boat's hull, it is important to consider the weight of major components such as motors, tanks, batteries, and galley equipment. If these weights are not distributed evenly, the hull could be thrown out of balance, causing it to trim at the bow or stern. This can impair performance and even make the boat unsafe.
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Hull balance
The balance of an outboard boat is determined by the position of its engine, which is affixed to the outside of the transom. This means that a significant weight is at the aft end of the boat, which can affect its balance. The boat's centre of gravity (CG) is the point where downward gravitational forces focus, and the centre of buoyancy (CB) is where the upward floating forces focus. The CB should always line up vertically under the CG at rest. The CG is usually 60 to 65 per cent aft of the bow. Putting the CG on the aft third helps a boat quickly plane but makes it more sensitive to trim and weight issues.
Modifications to a boat, such as moving motors, tanks, batteries, and galley equipment, can affect its hull balance. If changes are not made with forethought, the hull could be thrown out of balance, causing it to trim at the bow or stern. This could impair performance and result in an unsafe craft.
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Steering control
Outboard motors are a propulsion system for boats, providing steering control as well as propulsion. They are designed to pivot over their mountings to control the direction of thrust. The skeg acts as a rudder when the engine is not running.
Outboard motors are affixed to the outside of the transom, which means a significant weight is at the aft end of the boat. This must be taken into consideration when balancing the boat. The boat's centre of gravity (CG) is the point where downward gravitational forces focus, and the centre of buoyancy (CB) is where the upward floating forces focus. The CB should always line up vertically under the CG at rest.
The location of the engine and hull balance are important factors in the performance of a planing boat. Boats with most of their volume amidships are intended for centrally located engines, while those with volume primarily at the stern are intended for stern-mounted motors or outboards.
The outboard motor can be tilted up to an elevated position either electronically or manually to avoid hitting the bottom.
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Boat weight and balance
The balance of an outboard boat is determined by the boat's centre of gravity (CG) and centre of buoyancy (CB). The CG is the point where downward gravitational forces focus, while the CB is where the upward floating forces focus. The CB should always line up vertically under the CG when the boat is at rest. The location of the engine and the hull balance are also important factors in the balance of an outboard boat. Outboard motors are affixed to the outside of the transom, which means there is a significant weight at the aft end of the boat that must be taken into consideration.
Modifications to the boat, such as moving motors, tanks, batteries, or other major weights, can affect the balance. If changes are not made carefully, the hull can be thrown out of balance, causing it to trim at the bow or stern. This can impair performance and even make the boat unsafe.
The boat's displacement is based on the hull volume or cubic measurement of space below the waterline. The volume of the hull can be arranged amidships, aft, or anywhere in between. Boats with most of their volume amidships are designed for centrally located engines, while those with volume at the stern are intended for stern-mounted motors or outboards.
It is important to consider the weight distribution and balance of an outboard boat to ensure optimal performance and safety. The balance can be affected by various factors, including the location of the engine, the hull design, and the weight distribution of the boat's components. Regular maintenance and careful consideration of any modifications are crucial to maintaining the balance of an outboard boat.
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Engine location
Outboard motors are affixed to the outside of the transom, which means a significant weight is at the aft end of the boat. This must be taken into consideration when balancing the boat. The boat's centre of gravity (CG) is the point where downward gravitational forces focus, and the centre of buoyancy (CB) is where the upward floating forces focus. The CB should always line up vertically under the CG at rest.
The location of the engine can affect the boat's balance, and modifications to the engine location must be made with forethought. Moving the engine can throw the hull out of balance, causing it to trim at the bow or stern. This can impair performance and result in an unsafe craft.
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Frequently asked questions
An outboard boat balance refers to the way in which an outboard motor is mounted on a boat.
An outboard motor is a self-contained unit that includes an engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive. It is designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. The weight of the outboard motor must be taken into consideration when mounting, as it is a significant weight at the aft end of the boat.
The boat's centre of gravity (CG) is the point where downward (gravitational) forces focus. The centre of buoyancy (CB) is where the upward (floating) forces focus and should always line up vertically under the CG at rest. Putting the CG on the aft third helps a boat quickly plane but makes it more sensitive to trim and weight issues.
If the outboard boat balance is not correct, the hull could be thrown out of balance, causing it to go down (or "trim") at the bow or stern. This could impair performance and result in an unsafe craft.
Engine location and hull balance are very important for planing boats. Boats with most of their volume amidships are intended for centrally located engines, while those with volume primarily at the stern are intended for stern-mounted motors or outboards. Engine locations should not be altered to any great extent.
