Operators are responsible for the actions of all persons on board their boats and for knowing the waters where they are boating. It excludes any projections that are not part of the boat's hull, such as an outboard motor or swim platform. Classification determines the minimum legal requirements. See Chapter 2. They all have advantages and disadvantages.
Outboard motors vary greatly in size and clamp onto the transom.
The whole motor pivots on its mounting to aim the wash and steer the boat. The boat turns in the opposite direction the tiller arm is pushed. Electric motors are outboards. A rudder is used to steer. Jet motors use an engine to pump water through a nozzle at the stern, which pivots to steer the boat.