The invention of the inline four-cycle outboard motor in 1954 transformed the world of boating. These engines were more fuel efficient, quieter, and less aromatic than previous outboards. A common misconception is that Honda and Yamaha invented the four-cycle outboard, but outboard motor enthusiast Larry Stevenson tells the true story of its development in his multi-media talk, "The Engine Which Transformed Outboard Motors," at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay, Maine. A donation of $5 is suggested and proceeds will benefit the Museum’s general operating fund.

The story of the invention of the four-cycle outboard began in 1907 and involves five companies located across America: Crosley, Aerojet, Fageol, Homelite, and Fischer Pierce, who built everything from trucks to radios. These companies were founded by driven, inventive entrepreneurs, and each contributed a technological advance to the development of the four-cycle outboard.

Outboard motor collector Larry Stevenson has been researching and collecting outboards, their brochures and memorabilia for 12 years. He is a Navy and Coast Guard Auxiliary veteran, and in addition to outboards, has a passion for history, industrial design and sailing.

This lecture is one of part of the Summer Lecture Series at the Boothbay Railway Village. For more information call Boothbay Railway at 207-633-4727 or visit the Museum’s website at www.railwayvillage.org.