Engine-free transom - how it works

Increasing onboard space is a major industry trend, with unfolding freeboards now appearing on many modern vessels.

However, the traditional layout of outboard-powered boats has remained largely unchallenged; the most desirable area of the boat - the stern - is typically occupied by engines.

Ghinis Boats, a Portuguese company from Algarve, is challenging this conventional setup with a newly patented system that repositions the outboards to the sides while in dock, at anchor or moving at slow speeds.

The system is hydraulic and utilizes a specialized locking mechanism to securely fix the engines in either the "in" or "out" positions. To allow for this 180-degree lateral movement, fuel lines, electrical wiring and control cables are designed with additional length and housed within a protective flexible conduit.

To maintain the boat's balance, both engines move aside simultaneously, functioning much like opening lock gates.

Another innovative feature is the ability to use the engines even when they are "unfolded" to the sides. The boat can be driven at low speeds of 3 to 4 knots in this configuration. Because the engines are turned approximately 180 degrees, standard steering would naturally be reversed - what was "forward" becomes "astern" and vice versa. To avoid confusion for the skipper, the system "keeps an eye" on the position of the engines and automatically reverses the control commands when the engines are unfolded, ensuring the skipper can steer normally.

The "engine-free" transom creates a wide, open space at the stern, providing barrier-free access for passengers, including those using a wheelchair.

Additionally, this repositioning opens up a unique opportunity for a vessel of this size: the 33-foot Ghinis can accommodate a full-size jet ski, such as a Sea-Doo 325 or similar, inside a dedicated internal compartment - the green-shaded area of the deck plan.

As of April 2026 the project is in the advanced construction phase of its first marine-grade aluminum prototype. This unit features additional accessibility options, such as an integrated hoist mechanism to facilitate boarding from docks of different heights.

This particular prototype is designed for twin outboard engines (2×200-300 hp), with an estimated speed range of 26–33 knots and a capacity of 10 to 12 passengers.