OutdoorTag

Know What Type of Engine Uses a Tiller for Steering!

By Jay Matthews · · Updated

What-Type-of-Engine-Uses-a-Tiller-for-Steering
Contents

Boating is a feeling to many of us. And those who are new to the activity, will go through a lot of new stuff and find several things to learn about it. One very common question that is related to steering, is about the usage of tiller. Those who are not sure about what type of engine uses a tiller for steering, today’s topic is dedicated to you.

We will find about that particular engine type, find about the varieties of it, see how things are different from other engines, and finally, why tiller is suitable for easy steering.

So, Exactly What Type of Engine Uses a Tiller for Steering?

To easily surf through different types of water environments, boaters tend to use either an inboard or outboard engine usually. So that they can have the utmost maneuverability for easy movement. However, when it comes to using boat tiller for steering, there’s only one type of engine that allows so. And it’s the outboard engine. Yes, the one that is often seen on outer part of boat, not in interior. (Sailboats and dinghies use tillers too, but there the tiller moves a rudder, not an engine.)

It’s popular for being a portable, self-contained package of engine, gear case, and propeller. In regular boats, you will see the outboard engines more commonly.

The tiller handle swings the whole motor, which points the propeller’s thrust where you want to go. It looks like a long stick, and a twist grip on it usually controls the throttle. Tillers are best suited to smaller boats, such as small fishing boats and dinghies.

On a small boat, a steering wheel is not really necessary. A tiller gives you direct, responsive control, which helps in water conditions that demand you to be careful and mindful. Larger outboard boats usually use a wheel at a console instead.

Small boat with a tiller-steered outboard motor

Photo by Rosa-Maria Rinkl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Four Stroke & Two-Stroke Engines.

As we are talking about outboard engines, that uses tiller steering, it’s also important to give some attention to its two varieties. Yes, this engine is available in two types. The common variants are called two-stroke and four-stroke engines.

Let’s talk about two-strokes engines first. A conventional two-stroke mixes oil into the gasoline. For people who are looking onto an outboard engine type that is not extremely expensive, can have a look at this variant.

However, there’s a negative point about it that may bother you. And it’s the fact that it does a lot of fuel consumption. This variety is also not as good as the four-stroke engine for being environmentally friendly. But also, some new technology-infused models are believed to be good at keeping the environment clean, thanks to direct injection mode. The noise level is quite high with two-stroke engines also.

Now talking about the four-stroke variant, these are definitely better than two-stroke engines. With better power, enhanced working procedure as well as fewer fuel consumption worries, the four-stroke is clearly an ideal pick. You can also handle them easily. The four-stroke engines also make it much easier to keep environment clean.

Quiet running and cleaner exhaust are two of the most notable features of four-stroke outboard engine. And this is one major reason for so many boaters getting diverted towards the four-stroke option from two-stroke one.

Related post: how does a responsible boater protect the shorelines

2. Steering Difference from Other Types of Engines.

There are many other types of engines for boats that use different or quite similar steering method to outboard ones. The inboard engine is the direct contradiction of what outboard engines are known for. It stays inside the boat’s hull area.

This type comes with a modification of water use and includes a four-stroke automotive mechanism. It works to power a drive shaft, which works with a propeller. With an inboard engine, the engine itself does not turn to steer the boat. Instead of that, it comes with one or more rudders. These stay right behind the propeller. And a steering wheel is present to control them.

Another type of engine is the stern drive. It’s a mash-up of the inboard-outboard concept basically. It comes with both of their shared features. Just like the inboards, this style utilizes a four-stroke automotive formula. This engine mounts inside the hull of the boat.

With the outboard, it shares common traits of drive unit. This basically helps in the steering process. So, stern drive’s steer function uses a steering wheel along with the drive unit’s turning mechanism. And that way it keeps determining the boat’s direction.

The final type of engine that will highlight is a jet drive. It basically utilizes the water to propel as well as for boat steering needs. The boat’s bottom intake is ready for entering all water through it. Then at the transom, it goes through jet drive unit to accelerate. And this makes the boat thrust forward.

With this engine, there steering is dependent on direction of water stream when it leaves the unit. And so, you need to change direction for controlling the movement. Because steering comes from directing the jet of water, you lose much of your steering control when you let off the throttle.

3. Understanding Why Tiller is Better Than Wheels for Steering.

On a rudder-steered boat such as a sailboat, you never have to keep guessing about the rudder’s angle with a tiller. You can see it at a glance, since the tiller is attached in line with the rudder. Just remember that a tiller works in reverse: push it to the left, and the boat turns right.

With a wheels steering, you will need a rudder angle indicator or similar system to know about that. These indicators are expensive and complex as well. Using these for an expensive yacht or ship sounds logical. But for a boat, it seems too much of price. So clearly a tiller will have the upper hand here.

Another great thing about tiller is that it provides a feel that is very useful to control the steering. You will be able to understand the slight vibrations that are basically because of water rushing over rudder. And so, you get to have some idea over what’s the boat’s speed at that moment. This feel is not available with a steering wheel.

And the same goes for when you try to push tiller on one side. You will feel water-resistance going on the rudder. That is a clear indication that tiller movement was successfully able to control the rudder. Tillers are also known for its simplicity of functioning, reliability of control as well as easier and inexpensive to set an auto-pilot with.

You can also read: 5 Reasons on Why Are Boats So Expensive

Watch This!

Wrap Up

So now you know what type of engine uses a tiller for steering and how it’s way better than the wheel option. A boat that uses a tiller is definitely going to give you a better experience and safe control. Also, the small outboard engines that use a tiller are compact and best suited to small boats. You also get a good powerful boating experience with this small size engine. So overall, both the tiller and outboard engines are two amazing choices to go for.

Sources

More in Boating