BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 01 - Boating Basics

Engine Types

Outboard engine

If your boat has an ‘outboard engine’, it will be attached to the transom (stern) of the boat. To steer the boat, you will move the entire engine and drive assembly. In order to avoid hitting bottom in shallow areas, you can move the engine up or down, manually or electronically.

Sterndrive engine

If your boat has a ‘sterndrive’ (or inboard/outboard engine) it will be mounted within the hull of the boat. However, the lower unit of the engine (the propeller and drive assembly) will be mounted on the transom at the stern of the boat. Many powerboats have this ‘hybrid’ engine type because it combines inboard power with outboard drive.

Inboard engine

If your boat has an ‘inboard engine’, the motor and most of the drive assembly will be mounted within the hull of the boat. This means that only the propeller and propeller shaft will be located outside of the hull. When you move the steering wheel, a rudder which is attached at the stern (not the engine itself) will change the direction of the boat’s movement.