Boats & Gears: 6 Helpful Answers (For Beginners)

So, you want to take your new boat out for a spin, or you want to get a boat of your own.

There’s just one thing holding you back: you may not know that much about boats, how boats work, or what boat parts go where.

Luckily for you, you don’t have to be an ace mechanic or watch many YouTube videos to master all the knowledge of boating and boat parts.

We have compiled a guide of boat parts and boat information that’ll make you an expert in no time.

Without delay, let’s jump into our boats and gear information that every beginner should know!

What Is an Outboard?

An outboard is one of the most common engines on a boat.

An outboard is a boat propulsion system housed in an independent unit attached to the boat’s back end or stern.

Picture a small lake fishing boat with the motor on the back.

That motor is the outboard on that boat. Outboards are popular as they can be purchased separately from a boat.

Why Do Outboards Not Have Shifting Transmissions?

If you’re a little more familiar with the outboard, you’ll notice that an outboard doesn’t actually have a shifting transmission with different ratios.

Outboards don’t have transmissions because they don’t turn wheels as a car does.

The speed doesn’t increase the speed of the wheel’s rotation but the propulsion of the boat.

Simply put, outboards don’t have a shifting transmission because they don’t need one.

There are some exceptions to some advanced outboards, but standard outboards will never have a transmission.

It may be possible to add them, but they are usually unnecessary and often expensive.

What Is a Boat Gearbox?

A gearbox is another term that most beginners may not be familiar with.

However, the gearbox is a straightforward part that performs one of the most important boat functions. The gearbox controls the simple transmission of a boat.

The simple function of the gearbox is to engage and disengage the engine and the propeller.

We’ll dive a little more in-depth into how this system works in detail.

How Does a Boat Gearbox Work?

The gearbox on a boat may look similar to the transmission on your car, but rest assured, the gearbox on your boat is vastly different from the gearbox in your car.

There are few functions the boat gearbox has that differ from a car transmission.

The first way the boat gearbox differs from a car transmission is that a boat gearbox provides neutral by engaging and disengaging the engine from the propeller.

A car also has neutral, but the way this function is performed differs on a boat.

The second difference from a boat gearbox to a car transmission is that a boat provides reverse rotation so that you can back up your boat.

The third way a boat gearbox differs from a car’s transmission is that the boat gearbox sets the ratio between engine rpm and propeller rpm. This set ratio is what helps the engine, and ultimately the boat, control its speed.

All in all, the boat gearbox performs the same functions as does a simple car transmission.

These functions are just performed differently since a boat is a different mechanism than a car.

Do Boats Go In Reverse?

Boats do go in reverse.

This is sometimes necessary when docking or adjusting your craft, moving away from obstacles, trailering the boat, or getting unstuck from a difficult situation.

The only major difference between a boat’s reverse than a car’s reverse is that a boat will reverse much slower than a car.

However, a boat will still reverse just fine.

How Does a Soft Clutch Work in a Boat?

So, what exactly is a soft clutch?

The boat clutch is similar to the clutch in a car with an automatic transmission.

One major difference between the boat soft clutch to a car clutch is the boat clutch’s location on the boat.

The soft clutch in a boat is essentially a control lever.

Beyond that, the soft clutch looks and functions the same as a car transmission.

What Types of Boats Actually Have Gears?

Now that you know the function and purpose of gears, you may be wondering what kinds of boats have gears?

The models of boats that have gears are changing every year as model updates are changing.

Some models may be able to have gears put in through customization.

No need to worry as a boat really doesn’t need gears to function normally.

Getting a Boating License (For Beginners):

If you’re new to owning and operating a boat, you may need some form of documentation to show you are actually certified to operate a boat.

Depending on where you live, you may not even need documentation, so always check your state’s requirements.

If you live in a state where you actually need a boating license, you can usually acquire a license pretty easily.

To get a license, you will usually have to pass an exam, which doesn’t take very long and can be done online. The cost of taking the exam ranges, but you can expect to pay somewhere around $150 for the boating license exam.

To get an exact number on the test’s cost and where to take it, check your state’s requirements online.

Common Boat Issues (For Beginners):

Like with any operating vehicle, mechanical problems will always occur, whether major or minor.

We’ll show you some common mechanical issues with standard boats, so you can have an idea of what to expect.

• Engine Issues: This is one of the biggest areas to keep an eye out for any problems. Some ways to check for engine issues include checking the oil and the spark plugs and listening to how the boat sounds when running on the water.
• Electrical Systems: Several different wiring paths run through a boat, so it can be difficult to detect the source of a problem in the electrical system. Check the fuse box as this is often the source of many electrical issues.
• Failing Pumps: Specifically, you’ll want to watch out for the bilge pumps. Make sure the float switch works on the bilge pump before taking it out on any serious trips on the water.
• Rot: Rot doesn’t usually occur on newer boats since the material has changed over the years, but you still see it from time to time. Keep an eye out for any unusual decay or damage on your boat.
• Cabin Leaks: Cabin leaks can usually be easily spotted by water damage marks. Sometimes, there may not be water stains, so spray the boat with a hose and check underneath for unexpected moisture.
• Leaking Lower Units: These can be quite tough to spot, but one of the best ways to spot an outboard lower unit leak is to let the boat run. After a while, check the gear oil to see if the oil has a somewhat milky appearance.

Many mechanical issues can be easily fixed yourself. However, if you are unsure how to fix a mechanical issue, don’t feel defeated by taking it to a mechanic.

Should you decide to go to a mechanic, the price will depend on how significant the issue is. Most boat service shops usually charge around $100 an hour or more.

Learning all the in’s and out’s of boats and boat parts comes with time. Don’t feel bad if you aren’t ready to put together a boat engine after reading this.

Never be afraid to ask for help from a mechanic or a boating friend. Most service shops will give your boat an examination without charging too much, and some places may even do it for free.

If you have any other questions about boats or anything boat-related, feel free to visit godownsizeme.com to learn more about boating and RV life.