The Motor Boat.

Progress, Volume I, Issue 6, 2 April 1906, Page 148

The Motor Boat.

The desirable features about motor boats are as numerous as, but very different from, those m motor cars. For instance, a motor-boat engine is normally required to work constantly at full load, whereas the engine in a car only works at full load when going up hills. Not only must the engines on a boat work under such conditions, but it is essential that it should never stop accidentally, because if the engine stops the boat is virtually out of control, and if without anchorage will be at the mercy of wind and tide. A motor boat, therefore, should embody these qualities as regards the engine, as well as the seaworthiness of the boat, while such other matters as suitability, comfort, convenience and safety of arrangement are also of the greatest importance. According to the reports of extensive trials recently conducted m Great Britain, many of the boats have their petrol tanks badly arranged, and the pipes between the tanks and the carburetters are generally inadequately protected and not sufficiently strong. The pressure-feed system is recommended as most suitable for boat work It is also stated that with regard to the ignition apparatus, the electric fittings have not, m general, been well designed for marine work, while the motors themselves might be greatly improved m the matter of noiselessness.