It is a tunnel-like opening at the vessel's stern, through which the propeller or tail shaft passes, in order to connect the propeller to the engine.
1) keyed propeller and 2) keyless propeller................... they have further classificaton 1.fixed pitch propeller 2.controllable pitch propeller 3.directional pitch propeller
The propeller shaft in a boat engine is fastened to the flywheel by bolts, and it passes through the boat's thrust block and is aligned with the shaft tunnel. It also passes through the stern tube to drive the propeller. The stern tube shaft itself holds the "prop" shaft in place and shut off the open end when it pierces the aft hull. It is commonly manufactured as cast iron and welded into the frame of the stern of the ship.
Some ships do. It is called a reduction gear and takes power from the engine and transmits it to the shaft and propeller. Other ships use direct drive, electric motors, steam or other schemes to power the propeller.
Sailing ships had rudders at the stern.
Ships turn with the aid of a rudder at the stern of the ship .
a stern-wheeler is in the middle of the boat , like a propeller . a side-wheeler is 2 wheels on bot sides of the boat
poop
1) Trailing edge 2) Face 3) Fillet area 4) Hub or Boss 5) Hub or Boss Cap 6) Leading edge 7) Back 8) Propeller shaft 9) Stern tube bearing 10) Stern tube
stern-post rudders
the "poop deck"
economy of motion its simple physics