Boat Drive Systems Explained

A quick look at some of the basic advantages and disadvantages of different drive systems of motor boats.
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[@martigrey5872]

Good to see you explain this to people who might not know. You should check if they let you take them out to show how docking works. If you have the gopro on your head people will actually see what to look out for. Kinda like the refueling tutorial you did a while back.

[@davidbraun2923]

Absobloodylutely Brilliant!!! Thanks Nick a few more of these and we can stop asking Google what you are talking about...well done!!!

[@r.a.monigold9789]

THANK YOU, Nick!!! Well presented. Easy to see the basic differences. Enough detail for the Gear Heads. Another Aquaholic "nugget" of useful and important information. From ease of servicing and longevity, all the way to "joy stick" docking (and the associated costs). As you mentioned the best system is the one that fits the situational needs of the boater.

[@terryperkins3368]

Thank you, I never understood all the difference. Very good information.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kieranharriman7055]

The technical side of Aquaholics. Really interesting Nick. I have to say I love the idea of joystick controls. In my mind sounds a lot easier to manoeuvre. IPS for me.

[@9VARZ]

Volvo Penta are not the only ones doing these now, too. For outboards, Mercury has a similar system with their Verado lineup (also comes with a Skyhook system which is very similar to VP's Dynamic Positioning System). I recently saw something about Yanmar also implementing joystick/DPS controls for their diesel inboards. Exciting times for the maritime world!

[@Thjonsson1]

@@9VARZ yes Mercury have it on outboards That’s why Mercury LEAD the outboard market. They take the inboard innovations and put it on outboards, like their new V12 where it’s just the gearbox and props that turns not the whole engine just like a sterndrive on an outboard

[@DannyKoKo]

Great to have this in one video. Well done!

[@garssympa500]

Re : the shaft-drive boat. That's it? It seems so rudimentary but, no doubt, gets the job done. I love all your videos but this one was, by far, the most educational. I always wondered what drove this boats forward. Very complete and totally fascinating.

[@MCallsen]

Shaft drive is by far the safest.

[@michiganengineer8621]

Shaft drive systems have been around from the time we first put an engine in a boat to help the wind push it along. The only powered drive system older, and not by too much, is the paddle wheel! As Nick pointed out, you only have a few SMALL hull penetrations to deal with and the boats balance is better. You lose some mid-ship interior space, some added noise in the cabin area and a minor loss of maneuverability.

[@bobuncle8704]

Excellent episode.

[@PDC4Life]

Other level content, all this variety. Knowing HOW things work makes them all the more desirable. Thanks Nick

[@chunkychinn]

Thankyou Nick for my Sunday morning special from Aquaholic. Very informative. Have a great time filming.

[@Natures_Symmetry]

This video was great. Now I can understand a bit more when you're talking about the engines in your videos. According to this, I'd say shaft drive for sailing around the world. Which is what I'm hoping to do one day.

[@pitcat1376]

As someone who doesn't have a mechanical mind (I always skip through the engine walk-throughs), I found this very interesting and educational. Thanks Nick!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joemiller1810]

Sometimes I skip ahead to the engine tour. Either way much appreciation for the full tours.

[@9VARZ]

Nice overview, Nick! Any chances of doing a Part 2 with waterjets, diesel outboards, pontoons, electric drives and hybrids too?

[@VirtanenDK]

He already has done a video on electric drive + unboxing.

[@Bootneck-RMC]

Thank you very much for this video Nick. 👍 As a very long time subscriber (who has not gone boating, (YET!)), I have always wondered why different boats have different drive systems on them and this video has made it a wee bit clearer for me. 👌🏻👍🏻😀

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad to help!

[@michaelschneider3446]

Nice overview. I would like to add the waterjet option like Williams are using or even some fast ferries

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Good point

[@GerardoLiraSolis]

@@AQUAHOLIC I did not though about jet drives but, how about surface drives also? Pershing likes it. Regards from Mexico my friend.

[@GoldenCroc]

Waterjet: Good safety, no prop that can hit something. Theoretically very low draft. Downside is mainly terrible efficiency compared to props.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@GerardoLiraSolis Surface drives: Best efficiency of all drive systems, good for fast boats. Can handle a lot of power. Downside is poor maneuverability, limited trimmability. I think they work best in a high speed range with the props they use, dont know if they give any benefit at lower speed.

[@philterry8771]

@@AQUAHOLIC Hi Nick, happy to talk to you about waterjets any time as I work for HamiltonJet :)

[@xkanuk7190]

The Devils Egg Whisks. Fabulous. 2nd time through on this video. Always appreciate your perspective Nick. Hopefully someday soon I can apply some of your shared knowledge. Cheers!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@d14551]

So interesting because you explain it so clearly.

[@snacklofter]

My wife said 'lets watch something romantic together this evening', so this has come at the perfect time!!! atb snack

[@AQUAHOLIC]

She'll be putty in your hands! 💕

[@snacklofter]

@@AQUAHOLIC love it - ha ha!!

[@kirkwcowgill]

Gonna play Inboard-Outboard together?

[@mmsmits2868]

Fantastic! You're always so clear in your explanations. Not overly simplifying while not making it too technical. Thank you so much!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You're very welcome!

[@Steve-ws9kd]

Awesome! Excellent overview Nick. Have read on various blogs IPS drives have not been well received here in the US. Possibly due to perception of a slow supply chain of parts and local mechanical knowledge. That said your overview was spot on. As always you dumb down technical things for us rank amateur types. 400k subscribers seems to be with in your reach. Bravo!

[@triskellian]

Pretty clear explanation of the different drive systems available. I spent a lot of time driving outboards and loved them! It's amazing what a modest amount of horsepower can do for a small boat. I must admit that the IPS drives are a rather odd but fascinating type of drive. I've not seen them in the US, only on the internet. As for the outdrives, driven one many years ago and it could really push through the water. I can confirm that the maintenance can get expensive as well as a bit of work involved.

[@markmccue1263]

Really enjoyed this and I've learnt a lot from watching it. Thanks again Nick, and hope the house works aren't causing too much stress for you both.

[@oliverfrey7511]

As a fan of outboards (while our Draco was on stearn drive), thank you for this interesting comparrison.

[@peterholtei7018]

Thanks again for a very informative and well-presented video. Seeing you being such enthousiastic when walking along all these beauties is such a pleasure! Keep going Nick - and greetz to Marianne!

[@jamesrichardson476]

The first commercially available outdrives appeared round about 1960. They were developed by Jim Wynne (an engineer and also a legendary powerboat racer) and Charlie Strang. There's some debate about exactly who did what, and when, but outdrives mated to Volvo (Wynne) and Mercury (Strang) engines appeared at about the same time. Wynne worked with Strang at Mercury to develop the first drives but then branched out on his own. I certainly remember my father selling powerboats with outdrives on, imported from the US, in the very early sixties.

[@brucesnyder8910]

Great video and information. Your enthusiasm for all things boating is so genuine and showing! It’s truly the reason your videos are so great! Keep it up Nick!

[@Kingjay814]

I bet that little outboard rib you briefly showed is a rocket! I love the look of a big outboard boat. SeaRay has the SLX 400 Outboard that looks absolutely killer with a triple motor config. They had a version with three 450hp racing outboards that I would have loved to own.

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Nice episode, Nick! Thanks for sharing!

[@terryjaram8913]

Very informative Nick to someone like myself with only limited knowledge of the boating scene although it has increased hugely through watching your excellent videos. As usual well presented without being boring. 👍✔

[@johngauntlett4915]

Professor Nick, the possessor of all knowledge nautical.

[@jamesonpace726]

Fabulous info, clearly explained. Thank you...!

[@akashahmed573]

Well presented. Thanks. Will love to see some mjps or kamewa waterjets also.

[@eggo5228]

This was unusual, unexpected, but extremely useful! Great video, cheers Nick!

[@romac9516]

Glass of wine ready, it's Nick's Sunday Lunchtime Boat School :D Always wondered how the water didn't come in - now I know it's the rubber bellows.

[@markshutt1476]

Very well done, Nick. There is a reason I'm addicted to your videos. Since most boats are basically similar, as far as layout is concerned, could you do more technical videos? Such as the different types of toilets and how they work, what do you do if the gray or black water tanks fill and you are at sea. Things of that nature. I'm just as excited to follow your home remodel.

[@johnlewis6533]

Thank you. Very informative as all your videos are. Great job.

[@davidhorsley1149]

Not trying to be critical but you forgot one. I have always been impressed with "Surface Drives". Now maybe they are only on the larger yachts and so, that may put them out of the realm of a lot of viewers, but I believe they are super impressive. In all of these units I have seen, they give the impression that the manufacturer was striving for more than utility, because most look like industrial works of art. And at speed they are again impressive for the characteristic "Rooster tail" they lift in their wake because the top half of the "wheel" is totally above the water. As far as advantage, the putting the shafts out of the stern, as you said referencing the drives you showed, enables moving the engines further to the rear of the boat. Also, by moving the shafts and wheels back it enables a larger diameter wheel with an efficient pitch, while retaining a shallower draft. They also swing like the outdrive and pod units so the rudders are deleted lessening drag, and appear to rest between regular shaft and outdrive for maintenance concerns. As far as cons, I have only heard of two and would probably infer a third. The first disadvantage I have heard talked about is the power requirements pre-plane and the electronic controls required to manage this. These units swing such big wheels, because at plane they only utilize the bottom half, it takes big power to get on plane but precise control to prevent system damage pre-plane. I also understand that surface drives cannot be trimmed to achieve "on plane" faster, it is strictly reliant on the speed and the hulls engineered characteristic to get "on plane". The other disadvantage, I have heard, is that given that the shaft and it's driven wheel swing as a unit in steering the boat, they are not quite as maneuverable as boats with a rudder or an out drive, and also, there is a learning curve to operating a boat/yacht with surface drives. The last possible disadvantage would be an assumption on my part but would be the initial cost of the units over the other systems. Not only of the units themselves but the engines to power them. For my tastes, were I ever to find myself in a position to afford one of the boats/yachts that are my ideal (Riva, Mangusta, Princess, etc.) it will have big power (MTU, MANN), and surface drives (Arnson ?).

[@mikenib]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@itsallgonemad]

Interesting stuff Nick thanks… I thought I knew the difference between the different propulsions but I had no idea Pod Drives pointed forward?!?! Every day is a school day! 😃👍🏻

[@v2rsvr843]

Volvo ips forward prop Mercury ips has rear facing prop

[@fartybarkins]

Well done Nick and thank you. Very informative.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrish2996]

Hi Nick. That was a very interesting tour. A comparison of propulsion, weight distribution in regards to engine mounting, service requirements and costs. An awesome video thanks 😊

[@clivewitcomb2839]

Kid. In. Sweet. Shop! Lovely video - and I finally understand the basics of the IPS system! X

[@FLGurl]

Thank you Nick. You sure are a wealth of knowledge. I hope everyone appreciates your information.

[@paulchapman7684]

Thanks for that it’s good to have a different perspective explained 👍

[@rafaelcroes4051]

excellent program Nick...well documented.👍🏼

[@jaimiemadden590]

Hi Nick Very good overview of powered. Drive systems. Thank you

[@MrRnipperBrockleBroadcasting]

Hi Nick, think you’ll find that shaft drive is a bit older than you were implying! Some chap called I.K. Brunel used it first on the SS Great Britain in 1843, mind you his was only 1000 horse power.

[@justtwoseats]

Hmmm, I wonder if he meant to say 1850s, not 1950s

[@daveriley6310]

Yeah, I wondered about that 1950s comment, too. I recently sold a restored Chris-Craft that was built in the '40s (though that model had also been produced in the '30s). My favorite is the 1926 Triple Cockpit. All were straightforward shaft drive, of course.

[@vincentbarnes7839]

Very interesting video well done

[@colbr6733]

Really enjoyed this overview. Very informative.

[@smokeymotorsport]

Nice video, thanks Nick. I do like an educational video, great for those of us here who don't necessarily know that much about boats :-) On the outboard engine front though - have you seen the 600hp Mercury engine? It's a massive V12, really impressive, they even just turn the lower section of the engine rather than the whole engine assembly. Lots of video channels of Miami inlets showing huge boats with 4 or even 5 outboard engines, crazy!

[@canadadan4437]

Great video very informative thanks Nick

[@xmen9916]

Thank you so much for doing this video Nick!

[@Rudgeyakathedoctor]

good stuff as always , nice seeing the older boats in the yard too

[@robertfrost1683]

Great explanations. I saw a three engine azimut with one pod missing, IPS do have a problem with seals failing. The outdrives have to be rebuilt as they seals wear and it is about $10k per drive. Volvo actually changed from stainless to bronze bushings to help this. Outboards are great, but they have about 1/3 the life of diesels. Mercury has a V12 600HP monster. One day you need to talk,about surface drives and jet drives.

[@mobstamaniac]

I suspect jet drives are more common in the colonies than in Europe, as Nick reckons they are extremely rare outside jetskis, which is simply not true. He would probably have to find a Castoldi pump on a boat or an Azimut sea jet yacht as they feature twin Hamilton jets.

[@manuelvanderslikke680]

And Thank you Nick for this nice explanation of the all various driving engines that is very useful and nice learning what a good show of this Sunday thanks again

[@derjaeger3321]

You may want to add that almost every type of drive can now be equipped with a joystick: shaft drives may also need thrusters. I enjoy your videos here in the US and BTW I love Sunseekers.

[@taal223]

That blue hull at 11:48 is absolutely gorgeous.

[@alexmnblyth]

great! i was also so interested to find out about the outdrive in the style of an IPS (for water sports) (it’s called forward drive, really interesting invention by volvo)

[@grey8ghost1]

Here in the colonies there outboards as large as 600 HP in triples, quads and quints. Each outboard costs approximately $73,000 per. Cheers

[@debbiejudd4933]

Very informative. Ill have to watch this about 10 times to get it all. Lol. Thank you Nick.

[@davidodonovan1699]

Thank you for explaining these systems to me. God bless you sir. I wonder if the screw drive propeller systems used in Thunder Child 2, by Safe Heaven Marine, here in County Cork, Ireland, have a simular system? Also, water jet propulsion seems like a good technology for me just to note here, for the record. Just so I don't forget it. But again. Thank you for the information in this video. You're doing a great job and I can tell that you enjoy doing it. Well done sir.

[@mobstamaniac]

Jet drives are more common than Nick seems to realize, they are in a whole range of vessels both commercial and recreational. However it's possible that in the UK and Europe they might be less common than in the colonies.

[@kingv4728]

Superb, informative and nice to watch, thank you good sir

[@AQUAHOLIC]

My pleasure

[@nigelmaisey272]

Very nice little Video Nick … interesting to hear about the IPS system and a bit worrying to hear it relies on computers !! Maintenance could be a nightmare 😱 Anyway Don’t forget the most efficient system is Surface drives … Shame more companies are not using them … also then jet drives … Hope you can find a couple of boats with those systems on !! 👍😎👏❤️🛥

[@marknightingale1771]

Thanks Nick. Interesting stuff as ever!

[@Faighteri]

Have to say, one thing went incorrectly. As you introduced DPH outboard drives you talked about trim system while showing steering cylinder. Trim cylinders are between the leg and transom shield and are not visible when the leg is trimmed down.

[@normbond8888]

Good vlog Nick. In Canada & US due to the many fresh water lakes & rivers the use of outboards are most popular especially for sports & fishing boats. I/O’s are used on boats in the +19ft range as most ppl don’t sleep on these boats & they are easily trailerable along with outboards. Most shaft-drives & pods you will find on the coasts as saltwater is an issued even with zincs. The Great Lakes being huge also will find shaft-drives & pods even though they are fresh water as one needs size if travelling long distances on those inland lakes that have access to the Atlantic Ocean.

[@chrishigham7332]

Fantastic video!! I’d love more videos like this please

[@marks9772]

Luv it, great explanation. Informative and well done

[@Mogsey55262]

For someone who literally skips through the mechanical things this was very interesting thanks nick 👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nobodyimportant7520]

awesome, the BASIC stuff sometimes is the best. cheers

[@fredm.9300]

Now THIS answered a lot of questions for a NOOB like me. Thx a lot. 😊

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Happy to help!

[@michiganengineer8621]

Nick, you can get Mercury engines up to 1,750HP from their racing line although the 1750 is usually mated to a surface drive prop system. The Mercury Racing 1350/1550HP can be mated with the M8 outdrive. The general usage Mercruiser line is available up to 430HP. Very nice presentation of the most common drive systems.

[@GoldenCroc]

This is true, but its hard to compare functionally racing gear which are used at racing speeds to the more common 20-35 knot interval most of the boats Nick reviews are in.

[@hambo6969]

That was very interesting. I love features like this.

[@cookiemonster2299]

Great idea to do a video on the propulsion systems that we generally come across in your tours 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@TheMarpalm]

Great review. One point that is made about IPS is that they are quieter because the exhaust comes out the back of the pod. Have you noticed this?

[@edmundbloom7548]

Very good video nick, you should do another one about different shapes of hull, and maybe one about steel hulls and alluminium hulls.

[@iancharlton678]

Very interesting look-see…. I suppose I gravitate towards conventional shafts, but I like the concept of a V drive as an alternative, being greedy for accommodation. I’ve lived with a Penta Duoprop and the maintenance was the only downside….. and on the deep V I had, no steering without more propulsion than I wanted. I also like the sound of Jet drive ? 40 or more years ago, a family friend had his self fitted out, cuddy cabin fishing boat stored in our drive, it had a Ford V4 Transit engine and a water jet drive….. never got to see how well it performed. Another gnarly looking setup is the Surface Drives…..?? A marine engineer friend also talks about hydraulic drives….. ?? In my ideal boat it would be an aft cabin, sub 40ft semi displacement hull, with twin Penta D3 220’s on shafts with a third, centre mounted D3 with a feathering prop on a straight shaft. Nice eco single engine pottering with offshore grunt if needed. 🙂

[@cookiemonster2299]

If you like jet drives, I wonder if you've seen the MBY video of the Rodman with jet drives. 👍

[@iancharlton678]

@@cookiemonster2299 thank you…. I’ll look it up 😎

[@5464348643]

Excellent summation! Amazing how many lack this basic knowledge, but since this video, they no longer have any excuse. Lol

[@gbmac6756]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@emmettcotter1206]

Hi Nick. I'm new to your channel, after seeing your trip on John Brennan's Stormforce. Your reviews (and camera control) are excellent and informative. I hope you enjoyed your time in Ireland. Hopefully you'll hop over the border to West Cork on your next visit. Great work

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Welcome aboard! 🙂

[@norbi1au]

Wow... 🤔 Thank You Very Much 🙏❤️ it was a very informative explanation, easy to understand... You are very knowledgeable and I love Your Videos... and of course the effort You put in each of them... Keep up the Good Work 🙏❤️

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thesteammachine1282]

Ive read some time ago that ips (specially the volvo penta ones) are a real problem. Apparently they have some kind of sealing(cant remember the name) that needs to be changed every 5 years or less, otherwise your ship may very well sink and is like a 10k per seal on each engine .

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Did you believe it..? 🤔

[@xkanuk7190]

Nick. Third time watching this video. Will share it with my wife. We are still a year way from taking the plunge. But we are leaning to IPS. We as in me. 😊. Should something happen to me while cruising I want my wife to be able to get us home or to a near by safe harbor. Your always comprehensive explanation is so helpful.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Good luck with it! 🙂

[@strider6920]

Thanks for this Nick. Very informative as always. Only type we did not see is the jet boat that uses water for propulsion (as you see on tenders and some of the big high speed ferries, like the Dublin Swift). As you say, the type needed is down to your own requirements and budget. Brilliant video Nick 😊

[@kevinbanham2429]

Very interesting Nick👍🏻👍🏻

[@Old-Mad-Tom]

That was VERY interesting Nick. I’ve had experience with all but the pod drives and I also prefer the I/O drives. 👍🏻😉🇨🇦😁

[@nikomotard]

semplicity always the best way on the sea, btw beautiful video :)

[@LeistungDrehmoment]

Simple and good explanation for understanding boat drive systems I just hoped there will be a surface drive Enjoyed watching!

[@Mr.E-]

Good job, and well explained ✌🏻😎

[@jackirichard414]

Thanks for all the great info. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@Pianoguy32]

Saw some electric outboard engines at the Southampton boat show.. seems quite an interesting area that is developing.

[@Willster451]

Great video! Please make more like this

[@christopherbaas1774]

Great explanation for the layman to understand, thank you for a wonderful video!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You're very welcome!

[@dnmurphy48]

Genuinely fascinating, I never knew any of this.

[@giorgopoulos]

Thank you Sir for another great video.

[@NaughtyNimitz]

Thanks to your channel, i am thinking about getting my licenses and first renting boats and later on buying a boat.

[@sadenuttie2234]

Thanks nick, very informative. Do you have any videos of the Cannes boat show coming out?

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Stay tuned!

[@Kim_Jensen]

I just loved the unhinged nerding at the end :D Thanks

[@paulkidd4443]

Very informative Nick. Thankyou

[@AQUAHOLIC]

My pleasure!

[@scottj5585]

When are you coming to the gippsland lakes