Early Developments
The first known outboard motor was designed in the 1890s by brothers, Charles and Edward Franklin, inventors who were located in Brooklyn, New York. Their first electric motor was displayed at an 1893 exposition in Chicago and weighed nearly 100 pounds. This early motor used batteries to power its electric motor and was mounted at the stern of a boat via a crude clamping arrangement. Through the 1900s, developments continued in both electric and gasoline outboard motors.

Introduction of Gasoline Motors
In 1905, Norwegian-American inventor Ole Evinrude built one of the first practical gas-powered Outboard Engines motors. His lightweight, compact motor launched what became one of the largest outboard brands - Evinrude. He began mass production in 1909 and helped popularize recreational boating. Another American inventor, Elmer "Swede" Johnson from Waukegan, Illinois also introduced an early gas motor in 1911. Together with his partner William Hamm in 1916, they formed Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), which became a leader in the industry.

Get More Insights on- Outboard Engines