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Best Outboard Motor Brands
Outboard motors are mounted over the rear of the boat and use submerged propellers to drive it. Use our guide to research the best outboard motor brand for you. These motors are capable of anywhere between 2 and 350 horsepower. The three most popular types are two-stroke engines, four-stroke engines and electric engines.
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Read 34 Reviews
| Evinrude is a brand of Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. specializing in outboard motors. Consumers can view performance reports for all of Evinrude’s outboard motors on the company’s website. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 24 Reviews
| Volvo Penta started in Sweden in 1868 as a cast-iron hardware manufacturer. The company is now a supplier of marine engines, which range from pleasure boat engines to industrial and commercial engines. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 147 Reviews
| Founded in 1939, Mercury Marine sells boat engines, propellers, parts, accessories and inflatable boats. Their outboard motors come with a three year limited warranty, and financing is available for qualifying consumers. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 24 Reviews
| Yamaha Outboards has been selling outboard motors for over 30 years. In addition to outboard motors, they sell propellers, gauges, controls and accessories online and in dealers across the U.S. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read 23 Reviews
| Since they first introduced the four-stroke outboard engine to the U.S. market over 40 years ago, Honda Marine has been an industry innovator. Find outboard motors for boats of all sizes online and at national dealers. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read Author Review | Suzuki Marine has been creating outboard motors for over 50 years. Find your perfect V-6, In-line 4, Mid-Range or Portable outboard motor on their website or at one of their many dealers nationwide. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide | ||||
Read Author Review | The German company Torqeedo manufactures and sells electric engines for boats of all sizes, from kayaks and canoes to ferries. The company is committed to sustainability, and their engines do not pollute the environment. | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide |
What features matter most on an outboard motor?
Environmental impact
Traditional outboard motors are not very kind to the environment, but fortunately, newer motors are more environmentally friendly, with fewer gas emissions and improved fuel efficiency.
- Two-stroke motors: If you have an older motor, chances are it’s a two-stroke motor. This type of motor delivers a huge variety of pollutants into the water, thanks to the oil and fuel combination that’s required to run them.
- Four-stroke motors: Four-stroke motors were developed as a cleaner alternative to two-stroke motors. These engines do not release oil directly into the water, and they can be up to 90 percent cleaner than two-stroke motors.
- Electric versus gas: Gas motors are increasingly becoming more fuel efficient, but newer electric motors are even more environmentally friendly than their contemporary gas counterparts. An electric motor may be more expensive upfront, but it doesn’t need fuel to operate, and it doesn’t pollute water with emissions or run-off.
Warranty
New outboard motors all come with warranties, but their terms can vary from brand to brand. Warranty terms can also vary depending on your purpose for buying the motor.
- Commercial warranty: Generally, commercial warranties on outboard motors are shorter than recreational warranties. The industry standard seems to be around one-year limited warranty on motors purchased for commercial, rental or governmental use.
- Recreational warranty: Consumers buying a motor for recreational boating will find a small variation in coverage. Generally, warranties on outboard motors for recreational use range from 2-5 years limited. Make sure you understand everything that is covered by your warranty.
- Transferrable warranty: If you think you may end up selling your boat and/or motor before your warranty has expired, make sure the warranty is transferrable to the next owner.
Service and maintenance
Every outboard motor will need to be serviced somewhat regularly, so it’s important to buy from a brand that can provide service when you need it, where you are.
- DIY maintenance kits: Some outboard motors have DIY maintenance kits available, which can simplify the process of servicing and maintaining your motor. These are a great option for boat owners who understand the ins and outs of the motor and are confident in their abilities to maintain their motors on their own.
- Routine service: It’s a good idea to have your outboard motor tuned up at the beginning of every season to make sure things are working properly. You can usually have this scheduled through a local boat mechanic or through your outboard motor’s company.
- Regular maintenance: Some simple but important routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your outboard motor in good shape. Flushing your engine after every outing (whether in fresh or salt water) is key and only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to disconnect the fuel line after the engine is flushed, and never use fuel that has been sitting around for months on end.
Horsepower
Horsepower and speed go hand in hand, but not every boat needs a motor with high horsepower. Outboard motors generally range from 2.5 to 350 horsepower. When buying a motor, think about all the additional stuff you will have with you when you’re on the water, such as coolers, extra people and equipment, and err on the side of a higher horsepower.
- Manual boats: Boats like kayaks and canoes don’t even need an engine, and adding an outboard motor with a low horsepower (two to four) can give them just the boost they need without taking the control away from the steerer. These types of boats do not tend to have a lot of people or extra equipment, so they will still move with a low horsepower motor.
- Small fishing boats: Small fishing boats also don’t need to go very fast, but they may be bogged down with coolers and equipment. A good range for these boats is a motor with 10-18 horsepower.
- Small to medium fishing boats: Small to medium fishing boats will want a motor with 20-35 horsepower, as this will allow them to go five to 30 miles per hour.
- Large pontoons and deck boats: These larger boats will want a motor with 90 to 140 horsepower.
- Bass, offshore and cabin boats: These large boats are what motors in the 150 to 300 horsepower range are meant for. Motors with this horsepower will push bass fishing boats up to 60 miles per hour.
Additional features
Some outboard motors come with additional features that can make your boating experience simpler and/or more enjoyable.
- GPS: An outboard motor with built-in GPS technology can be useful, particularly for new boat owners and anyone boating in unfamiliar waters.
- Smart help: Some outboard motors include a convenient QR code on their maintenance label that can easily be scanned by a smartphone to direct users to a website, maintenance videos and/or customer service. This is a useful safety feature.
- Easy starting: Many newer motors feature one-hand starting, which makes it a breeze for even novices to get on the water.
Accessories
You’ll likely need to buy some additional tools and accessories to complement your new outboard motor. These are generally available from the same company that manufactures your outboard motor and can be purchased online or at dealers.
- Charging kits: Any electric motor will need a charging kit to make sure the battery of the motor is charged and ready to set sail whenever you are.
- Propellers: You may need to order a replacement propeller for your outboard motor. Make sure you know which one you need, and buy this from the same manufacturer as your motor.
- Flush kit: A good flush kit will help you flush your motor and keep it in good shape by performing routine regular maintenance.
- Engine cover: Buy an engine cover that specifically fits your engine to keep it safe from the elements when it’s not in use.
What are different types of outboard motors?
Two-stroke engines
Two-stroke engines were the norm up until a few years ago, so if you have an older boat, your engine is likely two-strokes. These engines require a mixture of oil and fuel to run and emits pollutants, which means they are terrible for the environment.
Four-stroke engines
Four-stroke engines are becoming more commonplace, and most new motors are four-stroke. These gas engines run quieter, burn cleaner and have more fuel efficiency than two-stroke engines.
Electric
Electric engines operate using a battery rather than fuel, so they don’t emit pollutants into the water. Make sure to get a charger kit so you don’t risk having a dead battery when you’re ready to rev up your motor and go for a spin.
Who uses outboard motors?
Commercial users
Companies that run boats commercially, including ferries and water taxis, may need an outboard motor. They should expect their warranty time to be shorter than it would be for recreational users, since the motors are being used more frequently.
Recreational users
Recreational boat owners of all types may want an outboard motor. Talk to a specialist to make sure you are buying a motor with the right capacity and horsepower for your needs.
Used boat owners
Used boat owners may want to revamp their boats by purchasing a new outboard motor. Used boats are more likely to have motors that don’t work and/or that are harmful to the environment, and buying a new motor costs less than buying a brand new boat.
Kayaks and canoes
Kayaks and canoes can have a small outboard motor attached that won’t restrict performance but instead act as a safety device if the rower’s arms become too tired and/or they need to paddle against the current.
Outboard motors FAQ
Which is better, 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard motors?
Choose a two-stroke or four-stroke motor based on your preferences:
- Two-stroke motors are louder, less fuel-efficient and higher-maintenance, but they offer higher performance.
- Four-stroke motors are quieter, more reliable and easier on the gas tank, but they are heavier and slower.
Prices are similar between the two options, depending on the make and model of the motor.
How much do outboard boat motors cost?
Purchasing a new outboard motor costs a minimum of $3,500, depending on the make, model and dealer. However, the price range is fairly broad, with used, low-horsepower motors available for just a couple hundred dollars and top-of-the-line, high-displacement models costing tens of thousands of dollars.
If you don’t have the cash on hand to buy the outboard motor you want, consider taking out a personal loan to help you pay for it.
What is the fastest outboard motor?
Brands like Evinrude, Mercury, Seven Marine and Yamaha have been competing to make the fastest commercial outboard motor for years. However, maximum speed is a function of both your total horsepower and the weight and shape of your boat. Many boats have multiple outboard motors for increased performance.
If you have the need for speed, investing in boat insurance is probably smart.
How long do outboard engines last?
The average outboard motor runs for 1,500 to 3,000 hours across seven to eight years, depending on conditions and maintenance. To help your outboard motor last longer:
- Flush out the motor after every use.
- Clean and inspect the engine regularly.
- Don’t leave unspent fuel in the carburetor.
- Cover the motor when not in use.
What is the lightest outboard motor?
Low-horsepower motors are the lightest option on the market, with 2.5 horsepower models weighing around 30 to 40 pounds.
How do outboard motors work?
Outboard motors are fairly simple:
- When you start your outboard motor, the vertical drive shaft begins to spin.
- Once you put the boat in gear, the drive shaft spins the propellers, moving the boat forward or backward.
- As the engine runs, it cycles cooling water through itself and expels it under the propellers along with any exhaust.
What is the purpose of the skeg on an outboard motor?
The skeg on your motor lets you accurately steer the craft and protects your propeller if you run aground.
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Author reviews for outboard motor companies
Mercury Marine has been powering boats for over 75 years. Founded in 1939, the company now has locations around the world. Mercury’s focus has always been innovation, great engineering and speed.
Evinrude, a brand of the company BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.), was officially launched in 2003. The company’s history dates back to 1937, when Joseph-Armand Bombardier had his snowmobile patented. Evinrude specializes in outboard motors.
Torqeedo was founded in 2005 and was a pioneer in the electromobility industry. They operate in over 50 countries on five continents and have set many standards for other electric engine companies to follow since their founding. Torqeedo’s motors range from one to 80 horsepower.
- Commitment to sustainability: Torqeedo has been committed to sustainability since their founding, and they are at the forefront of developing clean electric drives in the outboard motor marketplace to protect lakes around the world.
- Clean energy: Their drives do not discharge exhaust into the water, and their lightweight construction means the company conserves resources and protects the environment during production.
- Quiet: Torqeedo’s engines are not completely silent, but they are significantly quieter than comparable combustion motors.
- Integrated computers: All Torqeedo engines come pre-equipped with integrated on-board computers.
- Commercial availability: Torqeedo engines are available for recreational and commercial boats. Interested owners of water taxis or ferries can contact the company directly to find out more about how they can benefit from an electric Torqeedo motor.
Suzuki Marine created their first outboard motor in 1965, and they sell both two- and four-stroke motors. Find complete product brochures on Suzuki Marine’s website.
- Maintenance kits: Suzuki Marine’s maintenance kits give consumers an alternative to buying individual parts for their motor. These kits contain everything you need perform routine maintenance on your motor, and they are available for each engine category.
- Vimeo channel: Keep up with the latest video boat tests on Suzuki Marine’s Vimeo channel. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Quick quotes: Get a quick quote for your Suzuki Marine outboard motor by filling out an online form. A sales associate will contact you shortly after you submit your form and will help you find the best motor for your boat and budget.
- Keep up with Suzuki’s pro team: Suzuki’s pro bass fishing team is featured on their Facebook page. Like Suzuki Marine’s Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss out on the latest news and updates.
- Accessories: Find all the accessories you need for your boat and motor, straight from Suzuki Marine’s website. Enjoy free shipping on all orders of $49 or more.
Yamaha Outboards has been operating in the US market for over 30 years. Their outboards are known for their reliability and innovation, and consumers can find them online or at dealers nationwide.
Honda introduced the four-stroke outboard engine to the U.S. over 40 years ago. They are innovators in the industry, including innovative technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.