

The jet stream power going backward is what propels the jet ski forward in the water. A smaller nozzle than the intake valve increases the power of the jet stream. The nozzle of the jet is slightly smaller than the intake valve on the bottom of the boat. The water is discharged in a powerful jet from a nozzle at the end of the jet ski. The engine then uses power from the fuel to eject the water out the back. Instead, a water intake valve with a grate over it at the bottom of the jet ski sucks water into the engine. It does not use a propeller like an ordinary boat. The Motor of a jetski is a marvel of modern technology. You must push backward to go forwards, which is opposite, but equal in force.

A great example of this physics law is if you are skateboarding. If you think about this law, it is precisely the type of motion that propels vehicles like jet skis forward. Newton’s third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Jet drives are safer as you will not get hit from a propeller if you fall off your jet ski. The nozzle turns left and right to direct thrust. The impeller sucks up water from the intake grate and spits it out the steering nozzle. There is an impeller which is closely related to a propeller, however it is internal.

There is a jet pump mounted at the bottom of the hull. The outdrive turns to steer the craft and can be trimmed up and down.Ī jet drive has the motor located within the hull of the jet ski. The engine is in the hull of the boat while there is a prop and outdrive to the exterior. Outboard motors are more visible and are easier to work on or repair and even replace.Īn Inboard/Outboard (IO) for short is a combination. You use outboard motors on smaller vessels. This gearbox powers the propellor and the boat forward. The engine sits upright and has a 90-degree gearbox that is under the water. These motors have a single-engine and steer by pivoting the whole motor or the propeller using the tiller fixed to the motor, or sometimes a hydraulic rod connected to the wheel for larger motors. Outboard motors have the motor on the outside of the boat. Large ships will use inboard motors for the most part. You steer the boat with a standard rudder that is mounted directly behind the propeller. It is usually below the waterline and has a pole or shaft with a propellor that extends into the water. What Are The Differences Between An Outboard And Inboard Motor?Īn inboard motor is a engine that is mounted inside the boat. It can be called an inboard motor because the engine inside of the jet ski shoots a jet of water out of the back of the jet ski, which propels it forwards. Also, we want to give you a comparison of what an outboard and an inboard motor are so you can understand the benefits and concerns of each type of engine.Īre jet skis inboard or outboard? A jet ski is not like a boat with an outboard motor that spins a propeller. Not a boat and not like the engine on a motorbike, jet skis are a unique vehicle that has a simple function that we will detail. If you have ever wondered about the science of how a jet ski goes forward at such high speed, this article will detail the science of Jet Ski propulsion for you.
