When it comes to boating, the motor is generally the most important component. Whether you are cruising around the lake or making your way out into the open ocean, the motor is what propels you through the water. When it comes to inboard motors, one of the most common questions that people have is how they steer.
Inboard motors rely on a system of components that work together to steer the boat. Let’s take a closer look at how this system works.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that inboard motors typically use a hydraulic steering system. This system involves a hydraulic cylinder that is connected to the rudder or the steering wheel. The steering wheel is connected to a pump that creates hydraulic pressure, which is then transferred to the steering cylinder. As the steering wheel is turned, the hydraulic cylinder is pushed and pulled, which causes the rudder to turn.
Another key component in the steering system is the rudder. The rudder is a vertical plate that is located beneath the waterline at the stern of the boat. It can be turned left or right to change the direction of the boat. The rudder is connected to the hydraulic cylinder through a series of mechanical linkages.
When you turn the steering wheel, it causes the hydraulic pressure to change, which in turn pushes and pulls the cylinder. This motion, in turn, causes the rudder to move left or right. The result is that the boat changes direction.
It’s worth noting that inboard motor boats have a different steering system than outboard motor boats. In outboard motor boats, the motor is attached to the transom and rotates to steer the boat. Inboard motor boats, on the other hand, steer using the rudder.
Overall, the steering system in inboard motor boats is relatively simple. It involves a hydraulic cylinder, a steering wheel, and a rudder. When these components work together, they allow you to turn the boat left or right. So next time you’re out on the water in an inboard motor boat, you’ll have a better idea of how it steers.