Marine Propulsion Systems

Study Notes

Provide ships with the ability to maneuver effectively, allowing them to navigate through crowded ports, avoid collisions, and respond to changing conditions
Enable vessels to control speed, direction, and stopping distance, which is essential for avoiding accidents and maintaining safe distances from hazards
Crucial in emergency situations, such as engine failure or loss of control, to reduce risks and ensure safety of passengers, crew, and cargo
Contribute to the stability of vessels, maintaining balance and control in various sea conditions, and reducing the risk of capsizing, listing, or other stability-related accidents

Mounted within the hull of the vessel
Advantages:
- Stability and handling
- Improved weight distribution due to location closer to the vessel's center of gravity
- Reduced noise and vibration due to enclosure inside the hull
- Can accommodate larger engine sizes and higher horsepower

Enclosed within the hull, connected to an external drive unit through the transom
Advantages:
- Versatility, combining benefits of inboard and outboard configurations
- Optimal performance across various types of vessels
- Internal placement contributes to better weight distribution and stability
- External outdrive provides precise steering control
- Maximum onboard space achieved by placing the engine inside the hull and the outdrive outside the transom

Propellers: spin around and push water backward, making the boat move forward
Water Jets: shoot out water really fast from the back of the boat, creating a force that pushes the boat forward
Thrusters: small engines placed on the sides or bottom of boats, pushing water sideways to help the boat turn or move sideways