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 Prospectuses of our
report dated February 6, 2001, 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, 2000.


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)

S-8      Post Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on
         Form S-4 pertaining to the IRI International Corporation Equity
         Incentive Plan (No. 333-36644)


                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
March 1, 2001