Craigslist Outboard Motors For Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

What is the most reliable small outboard motor? ›

If you are looking for the best small outboard motor, be sure to check out Spirit 1.0 Plus, a 3 HP electric outboard motor designed for portability and easy maneuverability with less cost. This outboard motor features a lightweight and highly efficient battery that's integrated into the outboard.

One of the lightest outboards in its class, able to reduce vibration and provide more stable steering performance, while ensuring you burn fuel cleanly – not to mention its size, which makes it ideal for both smaller and larger applications if you double-up – the No 1 best-selling outboard of 2021 is the Suzuki DF100.

Most experts say you can expect to get 1,500 hours out of a gas boat engine before it needs to be rebuilt.

4 stroke outboard motors typically stand the test of time and offer greater reliability..

Outboards from big brands (Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, ePropulsion, etc) tend to have longer boat motor hours life.

The thumb rule is to have one horsepower for 25-40 pounds of weight. That means if your vessel weighs around 800 pounds, you need a minimum of 30 HP – 40 HP outboard strength. Depending on the exact use and weight, a 5,000-pound boat might need an outboard between 125 HP to 200 HP.

Two-Stroke Outboard Motors:

Since two-stroke engines do not include valves, their construction is simpler and many mechanics argue that they are easier to work on. Additionally, two-stroke engines offer double the power for their size due to the fact that there are twice as many strokes for each revolution.

As long as it's well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades. Neglecting to prep it for storage, though, will necessitate massive repairs or even a total rebuild.

What is the average life of an outboard motor? ›

In general, the average outboard motor will last around 1,500 hours. Depending on how often you use the motor, this can last several years if you maintain it correctly. Maintaining your outboard motor is important because it is often exposed to saltwater and debris.

Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable average life of about 1500-2000 hours. If you're looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution.

Deciding whether to fix up an old, tired engine best comes down to cost and how much enjoyment you hope to experience. If working on mechanical marvels floats your boat, you can save some dollars and have some fun working the Lazarus magic. But we must think again if it risks lives at sea with a dodgy rebuilt engine.

Outboard motors, similar to wooden boats, are valued by the simple laws of supply and demand. Yet, some fairly common models like Mercury kg-7 “Super 10” and Johnson 5 hp green TD models are fairly pricey in restored condition. Some rare, often low horse power, brands like Flambeau or Elgin are easy to bargain for.

So far, the world's most powerful outboard motor is the 600 hp V12 Verado from Mercury Marine, which is expected to sell at around $115,000 per unit.

Outboard engines are the easiest to care for and don't need much maintenance. They're lighter than inboard engines with the same horsepower so they tend to be faster. Inboard engines and inboard/outboard (I/O) combinations with stern drives have more components.

Both Mercury and Yamaha offer a broad range of outboard motors with varying horsepower options. The choice depends on your boat's size and intended use. Mercury typically offers a slightly larger range of high-horsepower motors, making it a go-to choice for those needing more power.

The lubrication system in a 4-stroke motor ensures all the moving parts are constantly bathed in oil, which greatly improves the longevity of internal parts and adds to the 4-stroke's reliability and durability.