Internal drive propulsion is a form of marine propulsion commonly used in recreational boating. Like other forms of motorized boating, internal drive propulsion employs a motor that turns a propeller to move the boat forward. The primary difference between internal drive boats and stern drive boats is that the propeller is enclosed inside the hull of an internal drive boat whereas the propeller is exposed outside the hull of a stern drive boat.
A conventional screw propeller accelerates a large volume of water by a small amount, similar to the way an airplane propeller accelerates a large volume of air by a small amount. An aircraft's jet engine, by contrast, accelerates a small volume of air by a large amount. Both methods yield thrust due to Newton's third law — every force gives rise to an equal and opposite force.
In an internal drive boat, pumping a small volume of water and accelerating it by a large amount delivers the thrust. The acceleration of the water is achieved by using multiple impeller stages. Steering is accomplished by small vanes that direct the water jet.
Internal drive propulsion was originally designed by Sir William Hamilton (who invented the waterjet in 1954) for operation in the fast-flowing and shallow rivers of New Zealand, specifically to overcome the problem of propellers striking rocks in such waters.
Primary benefits:
- Water skiers, wakeboarders, swimmers, divers, etc. are not exposed to external propellers.
- Less potential for damage to internal drive boats from floating debris.
- Less potential for major drive damage from running aground as with exposed propellers.
- Better maneuverability and acceleration compared to stern-drive counterparts.
Leading manufacturer of internal drive boats in the US:
- Yamaha Motor Corporation
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