1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of National-Oilwell, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our report
dated March 16, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
National-Oilwell, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1999.


Form                                    Description
- ----                                    ------------
 S-8    Stock Award and Long Term Incentive Plan, Value Appreciation and
        Incentive Plan A and Value Appreciation and Incentive Plan B (No.
        333-15859)

 S-8    National Oilwell Retirement and Thrift Plan (No. 333-36359)

 S-8    Post Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4
        filed on Form S-8 pertaining to the Dreco Energy Services Ltd. Amended
        and Restated 1989 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, and
        Employment and Compensation Arrangements Pursuant to Private Stock
        Option Agreements (No. 333-21191)

 S-3    Post Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-4 filed on Form S-3 pertaining
        to the offer to exchange $150,000,000 of 6 7/8% senior notes due 2005
        for $150,000,000 of 6 7/8% senior notes due 2005, Series B. (No.
        333-53717)

 S-3    Registration of 3,000,000 shares of common stock issued to Westburne
        Inc. (No. 333-72509)

 S-3    Registration of 500,000 shares of common stock (No. 333-85823)

 S-4    Registration of 8,139,778 shares of common stock issued in connection
        with the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of
        Hitec ASA (No. 333-91605)



                                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
March 16, 2000