"TRADITIONAL LONG TAIL BOAT - BANGKOK"

The long-tail boat, known as Ruea Hang Yao in the Thai language is a watercraft native to Southeast Asia, which uses a common automotive engine as a readily available and maintainable powerplant. Some have evolved from traditional craft types, while others have a more improvised look—the sole defining characteristic is a secondhand car or truck engine.

This engine is mounted on an inboard turret-like pole which can rotate through 180 degrees, allowing steering by thrust vectoring. The propeller is mounted directly on the driveshaft with no additional gearing or transmission. Usually the engine also swivels up and down to provide a "neutral gear" where the propeller does not contact the water. The driveshaft must be extended by several metres of metal rod to properly position the propeller, giving the boat its name and distinct appearance and they go like the clappers :-)