An outboard, in marine terminology, refers to a specific position or piece of equipment situated or extending beyond the sides of a boat. This term is most commonly associated with a type of motor, known as an outboard motor or engine, designed to propel a boat through the water. This motor is not a permanently affixed element of the boat's structure, but rather, a detachable component. It is characteristically installed on a boat's stern, which is the rear part of the boat. The distinct advantage of the outboard motor is its portability and ease of removal for repairs, maintenance, or replacement. The engine, combined with a propeller and gearbox, comprises a self-contained unit driving the vessel forward, thereby making it essential for boat maneuverability. Its location on the stern also enhances control and steering capabilities. Considering this, outboard pertains to the location, design, and functioning of this primary boat propulsion system, external to the boat's main body.

1. After asserting the outboard direction, the crew made sure to throw the ropes away from the boat's sides. 2. The fisherman installed a new outboard motor on his small boat to ensure he could navigate faster through the water. 3. During the storm, the sailors secured all loose items in the outboard direction, preventing any damage inside the boat. 4. The captain's outboard instructions ensured that the passengers were always safe on the deck, keeping clear from the boat's sides. 5. The outboard engine of their family sailboat needed to be replaced after decades of use, to maintain the vessel's speed and efficiency.

Outboard engines, which are used on boats, are also known as outboard motors or outboard power units. These useful mechanisms are portable, which means they can be detached and used on other boats. They provide both propulsion power to drive the boat and steering control. Commonly found on small watercraft, these engines are designed to sit on the stern or back area of the boat, beyond the boat's sides. Now here's a fun fact: The outboard motor is actually a very old invention whose origins date back to 1870. It was in Paris that Gustave Trouvé, a French electrical engineer, invented the first outboard motor which was battery-powered. The use of outboard motors revolutionized boating, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability. However, it was Ole Evinrude, a Norwegian-American inventor, who popularized the outboard motor with his own design in the early 1900s. His trademarked Evinrude engine became a top-selling item in North America, solidifying the outboard motor's place in boating history. Nonetheless, the mechanism of these engines continues to evolve and adapt to modern technologies. They are a key component in the world of boating and watersports, whether for leisure, fishing, or professional racing.