Tests of Outboard Motors Starting in Gear.
COAST GUARD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER GROTON CONN
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Tests were conducted to determine what level of acceleration caused loss of balance for a standing person in order to consider whether outboard motors should be fitted with thrust-limiting features. Initial tests were conducted with test subjects standing in a truck. In the most stable position, on centerline facing to the side, 52 of the subjects lost their balance at 0.3 Gs or less. In the least stable position, facing aft, 87 lost balance at 0.27 Gs or less. In boat tests wherein a single passenger stood in various boats equipped with motors ranging from 6 to 40 HP, the smallest motor 6 HP did not produce significant unbalancing acceleration with the lightest boats, whereas the next size 9-12 HP motor did. Author
- Marine Engineering
- Safety Engineering