Top Reasons Boats Have Multiple Outboard Motors

An outboard motor is a type of motor that is mounted outside of a boat, usually on the transom. These motors are commonly used by fishing and light commercial boats. They are easier to maintain than inboard motors because their external position makes them more accessible.

But why would a boat need multiple outboard motors? Well, there are several reasons for this. We have created this guide to help you understand these reasons. 

• What is an Outboard Motor? An outboard motor is a type of motor that hangs off the back of a boat and dips into the water behind the transom. It consists of an engine, gearbox, and a propeller or jet drive. Outboard motors provide a boat with steering and propulsion control, as they pivot and control the direction of the thrust. Another advantage of an outboard motor is that it can be easily removed for maintenance or storage. Most smaller boats only require one outboard motor, which can provide enough power and thrust to get the boat where it needs to go and back again, depending on the size of the motor. However, some boats use more than one outboard motor for various reasons.
• More Power: The most obvious reason for having more than one motor is to increase a boat's power output. Additionally, two 150 horsepower motors can accelerate more quickly than one 250 horsepower motor. This may seem counterintuitive, but tests on the water have shown that it is true. Adding a second motor will also increase your boat's top speed.
• Flexibility: When fishing, you may want a powerful motor to quickly reach the location where the fish are biting. However, once you're in the zone, you may want a quieter engine that won't scare the fish away. A smaller engine will allow you to troll, moving your boat quietly and slowly with bait dangling. This method of fishing requires quiet, stealth, sneakiness, and a little bit of luck, and having the flexibility of a smaller engine gives you an edge in catching the best fish.
• Using a Dinghy: Carrying an extra motor enables you to carry a small inflatable dinghy on your larger boat. When it's time to deploy the dinghy, you can easily attach the extra motor and set the dinghy off on its mission. This way, you're not navigating your large boat through areas that may be too shallow or narrow for it to safely fit, but that the dinghy can tackle with ease.
• Backup: Nobody wants to be stranded in the middle of a lake with a dead engine and no way to get back. A second engine can serve as a backup, giving you peace of mind in knowing that if your main engine fails, you have an easy backup that you can attach to get you back safely to land.

Outboard motors provide boats with steering and propulsion control, making them a popular choice for smaller boats, fishing boats, and light commercial boats. While most boats only require one outboard motor, having multiple motors can provide a range of benefits, including more power, flexibility, the ability to use a dinghy, and a backup in case of engine failure. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a beginner, understanding the benefits of multiple outboard motors can help you make an informed decision when it comes to powering your boat. So, get out on the water, enjoy the ride, and stay safe with the peace of mind that comes from having multiple outboard motors.