motorboat

A motorboat is a watercraft powered by an engine rather than sails. Motorboats range from small runabouts to larger pleasure craft used for recreation, fishing, transport, or patrol work. They rely on an internal combustion engine or electric motor to provide propulsion.

Propulsion systems include outboard motors mounted on the transom, inboard engines located inside the hull and connected to a propeller shaft, and stern-drive (inboard-outboard) configurations that combine elements of both. Hulls are commonly made from fiberglass, aluminum, wood, or composites, and may be monohulls or multi-hulls such as catamarans.

Power sources vary and include gasoline, diesel, and electric or hybrid systems. Outboard engines are especially common on smaller boats, while larger craft often use inboard or stern-drive arrangements. Boat design considerations also include hull form, weight distribution, and maneuverability.

Motorboats have a long development history dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with rapid expansion in the postwar era as production techniques and materials improved. They are widely used for recreation, water sports, light transport on rivers and coastal waters, and in some cases law enforcement, patrol, or search-and-rescue roles.

Regulatory and safety requirements typically include vessel registration, operator licensing in some jurisdictions, and adherence to navigation rules. Equipment such as life jackets and signaling devices is commonly required. Environmental considerations include emissions and noise, with growing availability of electric and hybrid models to reduce impacts.