Hotel Engine Boat: A Unique Vacation Experience

A hotel engine boat, or a hotelship, is a passenger ship that is used as a hotel, either permanently or for a period. Botels or boatel, on the other hand, are boats that function as hotels or hostels. Botels can be small or large, custom-built or converted boats or ships, and may be permanently moored or spend part of the year taking guests on tours.

A hotelship is a passenger ship used as a hotel

A hotelship is a passenger ship that is used as a hotel for a temporary period. A botel or boatel, on the other hand, is a boat that functions as a hotel or hostel, and can be either permanently or temporarily moored. Botels can be small or large, purpose-built or converted boats or other watercraft.

There are very few permanent hotel ships. The most famous examples are the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai. Both ships were originally part of the Cunard line. Another example is the former Lake Michigan car ferry, City of Milwaukee, which is used seasonally as a hotel in Manistee, Michigan.

Hotelships are often used to complement existing hotels during accommodation shortages, such as during trade fairs or big events. They can be positioned where and when required, usually without lengthy transfers, and are particularly useful in cities with a network of inland waterways. For example, during the 2022 World Cup, Qatar chartered three cruise ships to address accommodation shortages.

The use of hotelships originated in Germany in the 1970s, when there was a shortage of good quality, conveniently located accommodation during international trade fairs. The idea was born to moor a river cruiser on the banks of the Main River in Frankfurt, increasing the number of beds available in the city centre. Today, hotelships are commonly used in Germany during trade fair periods in cities such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg, and Hannover.

Botel/Boatel: a boat that serves as a hotel or hostel

A botel or boatel is a boat that serves as a hotel or hostel. The term is a portmanteau of "boat" and "hotel". Botels can range from small or large boats or ships that are purpose-built or converted for hotel use. They may be permanently moored, grounded, or spend part of the year taking guests on tours.

There are a few famous examples of botels, including the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai, which were both originally part of the Cunard line. The former Lake Michigan carferry, City of Milwaukee, is used seasonally as a botel in Manistee, Michigan. The Hikawa Maru, a former ocean liner, is a botel in Yokohama, and the Bore, a former cruise ship and carferry, serves as a botel in Turku.

Botels are often used to complement existing hotels during periods of high demand, such as during trade fairs or big events, as they can be positioned where and when they are needed. They are usually marketed by charter agencies and can be found near town centres. Botels can also provide unique vacation experiences for those looking for an alternative to chain hotels.

The concept of a botel or boatel first emerged in 1949, and they have since become an increasingly popular option for travellers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Inboard engines are located inside the hull

Inboard propulsion systems are extremely popular in water sports boats due to the small, clean wake created by the position of the propeller underwater. They are also easier to repair and service when compared to sterndrives and outboards. Inboard setups have two variations: direct drive and V-drive.

Boats using a direct drive inboard have their engine positioned in the center of the boat, with a drive shaft running straight to the propeller positioned underneath the boat in the rear. On smaller boats, it is easy to see the location of the engine compartment in the center of the passenger area. Direct drives offer very little power loss when compared to a V-drive and are extremely accessible, making repairs and service easy. They also offer better weight distribution, making it easier to get the boat on a plane. However, the engine location takes up space in the center of the boat, resulting in less seating space than V-drive setups.

A V-drive setup, on the other hand, places the engine in the rear of the boat, behind the transom. The engine is placed backward compared to the direct drive, with the driveshaft first exiting toward the front of the boat and then quickly turning and angling down and back toward the stern. V-drive inboards offer free space in the center of the boat and create a platform on the stern, making fishing and other activities easier. The small wake created by this setup is ideal for water skiing and other water sports. However, the position of the engine against the rear can make repairs and service difficult, and the V-angle of the driveshaft results in greater power loss than direct drives.

Inboard engines are a good choice for water sports enthusiasts due to the small wake they produce and their ease of repair. They offer a blend of power and versatility, with the engine delivering power while being tucked away inside the hull, providing more interior space and a streamlined appearance. Inboard engines are also quieter and more fuel-efficient than outboard engines.

Outboard engines are mounted on the transom of the boat

A hotel ship, or "botel", is a boat that serves as a hotel or hostel. Botels may be permanently moored or grounded, or they may spend part of the year taking guests on tours.

Now, onto outboard engines.

Outboard engines are mounted on the transom of a boat. The transom is the part of the boat where the sides of the hull join at the stern, or rear, of the boat. This area is ideal for mounting an engine as it is often reinforced to handle heavy weight and manage torque. Outboard engines are all-in-one marine engines that attach to the transom and are designed for easy installation, providing more room in the boat's interior.

The process of mounting an outboard engine involves several steps. First, it is important to measure the height and thickness of the boat transom to ensure the correct positioning of the engine. The mounting height of the outboard engine will affect its running speed and efficiency. If the height is too high, cavitation may occur, leading to speed slowdown and energy waste. Conversely, if the height is too low, water resistance will reduce speed and energy efficiency.

The next step is to find the suitable shaft length for the outboard motor, as different transom heights require different shaft lengths. After determining the correct shaft length, it is crucial to ensure that the thickness of the transom is within the acceptable range for mounting an outboard engine.

Once these measurements have been taken, the outboard engine can be placed on the centre line (keel line) of the boat to ensure proper balance. The engine should be positioned as close to the centre as possible and secured with transom clamp bolts, which should be tightened evenly and securely. It is recommended to use stainless steel bolts to prevent rust.

To further secure the engine, additional screws can be used to fix the outboard to the boat. It is important to check the screws and clamps regularly to ensure they have not come loose due to mechanical vibrations. A cable can also be attached to the engine to avoid complete loss in case it falls off the transom.

Outboard engines offer several advantages. They are the most common method of propulsion for small watercraft, providing steering control by pivoting over their mountings to control the direction of thrust. They are also easily removable for storage or repairs and are generally cheaper and lighter than inboard engines. However, it is important to consider the weight distribution of the boat when mounting an outboard engine, as a significant weight will be at the aft end of the boat.

Stern drive engines share features of both inboard and outboard engines

Stern drive engines, also known as inboard/outboard engines (I/Os), combine features of both inboard and outboard engines. They are four-stroke automotive engines adapted for marine use and are mounted inside the boat, usually near the stern, with a drive unit (also called an "outdrive") extending through the transom. This design allows for more interior space on the boat and a more streamlined, aesthetic look.

The engine in a stern drive turns a drive shaft that is attached to a propeller at the other end. The steering of a stern-drive boat is controlled by the outdrive, which swivels like an outboard engine to direct propeller thrust. This eliminates the need for a rudder system and provides exceptional maneuverability, making it easier to navigate shallow waters.

One of the key advantages of stern drives is their ability to deliver higher horsepower compared to outboards, making them a good choice for various boat types, from sports boats to cruisers. Stern drives can also tilt and trim like outboards, providing better control over the boat's angle and improving fuel efficiency. They tend to be quieter than outboards and can handle higher horsepower, making them suitable for high-speed water activities.

In terms of maintenance, stern drives may have some complexities. The engine's placement within the boat can make accessing certain components more challenging, leading to higher labour costs for routine tasks. The drive unit, which is exposed to water, is also susceptible to wear and corrosion, especially in saltwater environments. However, with proper maintenance, a sterndrive can easily last for 15 years.

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