Outboard Motors

Not many people associate Detroit with the outboard motor, but that is indeed where it was invented in 1905. Here is an article detailing the history of the outboard motor. And the first one will be on display at Cobo Hall next weekend:

Parts of that first outboard motor are in Detroit. The fuel tank, tiller, chain drive and prop are missing, but the Curtiss motor that powered it is in the Dossin Museum on Belle Isle.

And at the Grosse Ile Historical Society's Depot Museum, there is a photo showing how the original chain-driven outboard looked as it leaned against the Waterman dock 100 years ago.

That motor will be the centerpiece of an exhibit of antique outboard motors -- including a complete, gear-driven Waterman as well as motors by Sears, Chris-Craft and a Detroit firm called Caille -- at the Detroit Boat Show Feb. 12-20 at Cobo Hall, said John Polacsek, the Dossin Museum's curator.