Engine Types
Boating Comparison Tools - How to Buy
a Boat Engine
Choosing the right type of propulsion system
for your boat is a very important matter.
Its weight and horsepower will both have
an impact on the performance of your vessel.
If your vessel is underpowered, its engine
will work hard continually and will provide
poor performance. Additionally if your vessel
is overpowered, it may exceed the safe operating
speed that was designed for the vessel.
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Outboard Motors - 2 Stroke
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Outboard Motors - 4 Stroke
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Diesel Inboard Engines
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Gas Inboard Engines
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Jet Boat Engines and Propulsion
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Stern Drives
Size Matters
When you're choosing the appropriate power
for your boat, consider the size and weight
of the boat and remember that weight includes
your passengers, fuel and gear.
A good rule of thumb is to come as close
as possible to the maximum horsepower that
your boat is rated for.
Both weight and horsepower will have an
impact on the performance of your vessel.
If your vessel is underpowered, your engine
will work harder than it needs to, possibly
leading to more routine maintenance.
The boat will also not perform to your expectations
which may leave you unhappy with the boat.
This may also lead to higher fuel consumption.
Additionally, if your vessel is overpowered,
it may exceed the safe operating speed that
was designed for the vessel. Manufacturers
and dealers will all have a recommended
power package for each and every boat that
they manufacture and sell.
Pick Your Power
When looking at gasoline engines (outboard,
stern drive or inboard), there are three
distinct types of fuel delivery systems
on the market. They are: Direct Fuel
Injection (DFI), Electronic Fuel Injection
(EFI) and Carbureted.
Each fuel
delivery system is unique in its own way
and there are benefits to each system. |
Direct-Fuel-Injection (DFI)
In a direct fuel injection system, the
fuel is directly injected into the engine's
cylinders. This helps control and
raise fuel economy and compression ratios
in relation to the engine's overall performance.
High pressure fuel pumps and fuel injectors
are a couple of the key components when
looking at the system.
Benefits
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Low emissions
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Excellent fuel economy
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Instant turn key starting
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Smooth idling
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Reduced vapor lock in warmer climates
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Ability to automatically adjust to
altitude, air and water temperatures
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Superior throttle response and power
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Availability of self diagnosis systems
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Sealed fuel system (helps to eliminate
fuel oxidation)
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Electronic Fuel Injection functions on
three basic systems; fuel delivery system,
air induction system, and the electronic
control system.
The fuel delivery system maintains a constant
pressure through the use of an electronic
fuel pump. The air delivery system
controls the amount of air needed to burn
the fuel efficiently. Finally, the
electronic control system or some times
called the ECU unit controls the fuel injectors
and determines how much fuel and air needs
to be delivered into cylinders at any given
time.
Benefits
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Uniform air and fuel distribution
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Superior throttle response and power
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Usually excellent fuel economy
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Cold engine start ability
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Availability of self diagnosing systems
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Low emissions (especially 4-stroke)
Carbureted Fuel Systems
Carbureted engines have been around for
several decades now. When looking
at a carbureted engine, you will notice
the carburetor on top of the engine.
The carburetor controls the amount of air
flow and fuel into the engine. This
is a mechanical process that is controlled
by a throttle body cable that is usually
hooked to the throttle at the helm.
Again, this is an all mechanical process.
Benefits / Notes
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