Control system
A way to control the parameters of the motor.
—
Two-wheel tractor. The two-wheel tractor in this case is a characteristic lever, brought forward from the motor, towards the bow of the boat. A throttle handle is located on the two-wheel tractor (in electric motors, also a gear selector, see "Transmission"); in addition, the same lever is responsible for turning the entire unit from side to side, also playing the role of steering. Thus, when working with two-wheel tractor control, the operator of the vessel needs to sit in the stern, in close proximity to the motor. Such systems are extremely simple, inexpensive and do not require the use of additional external equipment (except for the transom for installing the engine) — all controls are an integral part of the motor itself. At the same time, the two-wheel tractors are quite comfortable and functional. Because of this, today they are found in most outboard motors, and for models of relatively low power, designed for light boats, this option is actually standard.
—
Remote. With such control, the commands to the motor are given from controls located separately, at some distance from the unit — usually in the bow of the boat. These controls include at least a throttle stick and in many cases also a yoke; communication with them can be carried out in different ways — mechanical (using cable rods), electrical (via wires), etc. Using a steer
...ing wheel and a handle is considered a more advanced and convenient option than working with a two-wheel tractor, but the ability to install such a motor is far from every boat — remote control is available mainly on high-end boats. Therefore, it is worth purchasing a motor of this type only after you are convinced of the possibility of its normal use on a particular boat.
— Two-wheel tractor / remote. Motors that allow both control options — both through the two-wheel tractor and using external controls. These options are detailed above; here we note that such a control system is the most versatile, but it is not cheap and is found mainly in top-class models.
— Foot. Management with a characteristic pedal that plays the role of "gas" (throttle). For a number of reasons, it is found mainly in electric models (see "Engine type"). Foot control involves fixing the engine motionless and does not provide its rotation from side to side, so it can only be used in watercraft with a separate steering. On the other hand, such control completely frees your hands, allowing, for example, to comfortably hold a spinning rod.Launch type
The starting method provided for in the design of a gasoline outboard motor (see "Engine type"). In any such engine, the shaft must be rotated to start; this crank provides the supply of the first portion of fuel and a spark of ignition, after which the engine continues to work independently. Starting systems differ based on the manner in which said cranking is carried out.
— Manual. As the name implies, the initial impulse in such systems is provided by the operator himself manually. The most popular option is a “starter” with a rope, a jerk for which turns the engine shaft; but other launch methods may be envisaged. Anyway, manual start is convenient primarily due to the absence of a battery and a starter. This, firstly, has a positive effect on weight and dimensions, and secondly, it gives a guarantee against unpleasant situations when a dead battery does not allow the engine to be started. On the other hand, the procedure itself may require significant muscular effort, and even having experience with such systems does not guarantee start from the first jerk. Manual "starters" are typical for low-power motors, which are relatively easy to crank.
— Electric. With this method of starting, the necessary impulse is provided by
a starter — a special electric motor powered by a battery. The main advantage of electric "starters" in comparison with manual ones is convenience — there is no need to scroll the engine manually,
...just turn the key or press the button. On the other hand, such systems are more complex, take up more space and are noticeably more expensive. In addition, during the operation of the motor, you have, among other things, to monitor the condition of the battery — if it sits down, starting the motor will become impossible. And you will either have to change / charge the battery, or look for an external source of energy like a starter boats, having such equipment in the vicinity can be a serious problem). Therefore, a purely electric type of start is found in powerful motors (from 100 hp), for which the manual procedure is practically not applicable.
— Manual/electric. Models that combine both of the methods described above. Usually, such motors are equipped with their own starters and are regularly started electrically, and the manual “starter” plays the role of insurance in case of failures in the main system. Such systems combine the advantages of both options, but they are quite rare. This is not only due to the high price, but also because the combined starting method is suitable for a rather specific category of outboard motors: large enough to accommodate a starter with a battery, and at the same time not so heavy as to create problems during manual starting. . Therefore, this option is rare, mainly in models for 20 – 40 hp.Weight
The total weight of the outboard motor. This parameter is indicated, usually, only for the unit itself, without taking into account the fuel in the tank and the tank itself (if it is external, see "Fuel tank"), as well as additional equipment. Motor weight data can be useful in order to estimate the overall balance of the boat and the change in its payload capacity.
