Engine and propeller are separate slot types on the trawler in DREADMOOR, and each has its own module list. Speed in knots is read from the engine slot; the propeller stat that drives manoeuvrability is read from the propeller slot.
On this page
Slot split
| Slot | What it controls | Confirmed module |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Trawler speed (knots) | Heavy-Duty Engine — about 8 knots |
| Propeller | Manoeuvrability (propeller stat) | Prototype Propeller — propeller stat of 11 |
The Heavy-Duty Engine is the first speed upgrade most players buy after leaving the lagoon. Prototype Propeller is the propeller slot's first concrete module and the partner unlock that turns the raw engine speed into a boat that actually handles well.
Speed vs fuel
Slot in Heavy-Duty Engine first
Slot in Heavy-Duty Engine first — top speed becomes the headline number on the slot bar.
Slot in Prototype Propeller next
Slot in Prototype Propeller next — propeller stat goes up and the boat turns inside its own length.
Plan a fuel canister rack module
Plan a fuel canister rack module once speed and propeller are stable, because faster engines burn more fuel and a fast boat that cannot refuel is a stranded boat.
Fuel efficiency and range upgrades should be planned alongside the engine slot from the start. The store copy also mentions fuel canister rack, spotlight, and afterburner modules in the broader upgrade family; treat those as planned additions to the engine and propeller slots once their costs land in the public build.
For how the engine cost weighs against keeping the boat alive across runs, see the DREADMOOR survival guide.
Continue the planning
Plan engine and propeller unlocks together with a fuel plan so a fast boat is never stranded on long runs.
When to upgrade
- Leave the lagoon without Engine upgrades if your plan is to fish the starting zone and dock often.
- Buy Heavy-Duty Engine before the first multi-zone expedition so travel time between named regions fits inside a fuel tank.
- Buy Prototype Propeller before the first night expedition — manoeuvrability matters more when the water is full of tentacles.
Upgrading the engine before tackling long expeditions is the suggested order, but fuel efficiency and range upgrades should be planned alongside it because faster engines burn more fuel. The headline speed and propeller numbers above are the demo build values; check the dry-dock catalogue for the latest offerings on the live build.