Outboard motors are still a prevalent choice for small boats because they free up valuable space and are endlessly customizable. However, not all outboards are that reliable and most will require frequent maintenance to keep them in good working order. Still, four cylinders four-stroke motors are generally more reliable, though often at the expense of power output. Nonetheless, there are several marine engines pushing out over 500 horsepower out there. Combine that with the fact that you can install more than one on the same boat, and you can easily have upwards of 2000 hp on a single boat if money isn’t a problem.
However, the primary factor should be reliability, especially if, like most people, you only have one motor. Since no one wants to be stranded in the middle of a lake, far away from the shore, there are ways to minimize this risk. For example, investing in a good Yamaha outboard manual or an Evinrude/Mercury/Seven Marine alternative will help you avoid breakdowns or allow you to fix the problem on the go.
That being said, the best thing you can do is get a reliable outboard engine in the first place. But what are the really reliable outboards on the market? Let’s discuss.
- 【3.5HP 2 STROKE】Water cooling technology to improve the reliability of the whole machine. Features 360 degree steering rotation for reverse without gear shifting. Convenient use and easy operation, travel safer, more reliable, more corrosion resistant, more beautiful, more durable, more energy efficient, more environmentally friendly.
- 【MAIN PARAMETERS 1】Overall length: 36''; Overall widteh: 14.5''; Overall height: 8.5''; Transom height: 16.5''; Full throttle perating range: 4000-5000 rpm; Maximum output: 2.5KW 3.5HP; Speed: 12km/h (four people); Type: 2-stroke; Short shaft: 16''; Ignition system: CDI system.
- 【MAIN SPECIFICATIONS】Starting system: Manual start; Staring carburetion system: Choke start; Propeller mark: 7-1/45-A (inch); The engine and the propeller ratio: 2:1; Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded gasoline; Fuel to oil ratio: 35:1; Gear ratio: 27/13; Package size: 38'' x 17'' x 12''); Package weight: 26lb.
- 【SUPERIOR AIR-COOLING SYSTEM 】Our outboard boat motor is installed with superior air-cooling system, allowing you to fish all day long without overheating.
- 【WIDE APPLICATION】Perfect match inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and small yachts.Performance More Superior,quick start,positions the motor at several angles.
- ۞2-Stroke Outboard Boat Description: The outboard boat engine motor is made of high-quality aluminum and PP. This motor has sufficient power and can drive the boat at a fast speed. The 2.3 HP outboard engine motor is suitable for all kinds of small boats, such as rubber boats, fishing boats, and wooden boats. You also can adjust the height between the proper position and the fixed point to fit the different heights of the boat. Come and buy it!
- ۞High-quality Materials & High Efficiency: This product is made of high-quality aluminum and PP, which is strong, durable and not easy to de-form. It has a power of 1.7kw/2.3HP and operation speed of 4500-8500rpm, which ensures great power and high driving speed thus increasing efficiency.
- ۞Easy to Steer & Easy to Install: The steering angle of this item is greater than 120°, which makes the boat steering very convenient and easy. This product is simple in structure and complete in the package. You only need a few simple steps to install it, which is very time-saving and labor-saving.
- ۞Ergonomic Design & Easy to Carry: The handle is ergonomically designed and easy to grip. Its uneven surface can play a good non-sli-p effect. The net weight of this engine is only 18.74lbs. You can easily take the engine motor outdoors to go fishing on the river.
- ۞Wide Application: It is suitable for small boats of different materials, such as inflatable boats, rubber boats, plastic boats, iron boats, glass boats, foam boats, and fishing boats. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We will always support our products and provide you with the most suitable solution.
- ▲Start-in-gear protection/clutch feature prohibits prop rotation while idling; lift/tilt feature for shallow water operation and convenience. NOTE: The motor couldn't reach the reverse gear.
- ▲Transistor non-contact electronic ignition for easy starting and improved performance;ertical mount engine design for increased power, performance and durability
- ▲Superior carbonation system with primer bulb for increased efficiency，superior outboard anti corrosion system and anodes for increased durability；twist grip throttle handle and engine stop button for improved response
- ▲Durable cast aluminum construction for superior corrosion protection
- ▲ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - 30-day return & refund policy. 7×24 Hours customer service. Contact us if you have any problems. The best solution will be provided for sure!
- Features 360 degree steering rotation for reverse
- Start-In-Gear protection/clutch feature prohibits prop rotation while idling
- Lift/Tilt feature for shallow water operation and convenience
- Standard CDI ignition system for easy starting and improved performance
- Vertical mount engine design for increased power, performance and durability
- Lightweight (37.5lb); quiet 4-stroke Motor; .24 gallon (.9 liters) internal gas tank
- Easy start TCI ignition
- F-n/360 degree steering
- 1 cylinder OHV engine
- CE & EPA Approval
- 【2-stroke 12HP Outboard Engine】Displacement: 169CC; Gear ratio: 2.08(27:13); Cylinder: 2; Max.speed(r/min): 4500-5500; Gear Positions: F-N-R; Packing size: 120x70.5x37.5cm; Ignition System: CDI; Cooling System: Water-cooling; Control System: Tiller control Starting System: Manual start.
- 【Details】Control System: #93 gasoline; N.W./G.W.(kgs): 27/31; Bore x Stroke(mm): 50x43; Recommended Propeller range: 3 -9"1/4''x8"; Recommended Lubricant: 2 Stroke Lubricating oil; Mixing ratio: Fuel:oil=50:1; Trim and tilt system: Manual Tilt.
- 【Advantages】water cooling technology improves the reliability of the whole machine; light weight, easy to carry, unique appearance, large fuel tank capacity. Standard fuel tank capacity: 24L.
- 【Reminder】The oil must be two-stroke special oil. The two oils must be mixed evenly; after use, the fuel in the carburetor must be completely discharged. Mixing ratio: fuel: oil=50:1.
- 【Gear Oil Filling Method】There is a screw on the gear box, unscrew the screw to add gear oil. Each outboard engine is filled with gear oil before leaving the factory, so it does not need to be refilled for the first time. After that, add it according to personal use and check it every ten hours.
- 4-Stroke, 4.0 HP - Using 4 Stroke Power, Air Cooling Technology To Improve The Reliability Of The Whole Machine.
- Specification - 4-stroke, Air-cooled , single cylinder gasoline engine; Displacement: 60CC; Start way: Pull Start.
- High Performance - Travel Safer, More Reliable, More Corrosion Resistant, More Beautiful, More Energy Efficient and More Environmentally Friendly.Suitable for: Freshwater and saltwater.
- Perfect Design - Environmental Protection: Clean and Pure Gasoline ,The machine itself is lightweight, it can use on boat weight of 100kg or less , load-bearing 2-3 people.
- Wide Application - Perfect match inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and small yachts.Performance More Superior, quick start, positions the motor at several angles.
- ✿【Superiority】The 6.5hp 4-Stroke Outboard Motor provides all the power you need for motoring in a small craft. This engine does that as well as providing fuel efficiency second to none and a newly redesigned carrying handle and holding grip make it convenient to transport! (US Stock, Fast Shipment!)
- ✿【Specification】Short Shaft: 40cm; Max.Output: 4.8kw; Max.Speed: 5000-6000r/min; Displacement: 123CC; Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L; Gear Positions: F-N-R.
- ✿【Water Cooling System】Superior engine water cooling system is for improving engine performance, long working time and good durability.
- ✿【Application】The machine itself is lightweight, it can use on boat weight of 100kg or less, load-bearing 4 people. It can be marched with inflatable boats, rubber boats or fishing boats.
- ✿【Best Service】Quality Guarantee is the basic rule. We are dedicated to providing quality services, quality products and fast delivery(US WAREHOUSE). Any question, please contact us.
- ✍【18HP&2-Strokes】Comparable lubricating system for 2 Stroke outboard engine and vehicle lubricating system,using pressurized circulating oil,make the bearings and components need lubrication direct lubrication,the maximum throttle continuous operation gor more than 20 hours,power attenuation,and fuel consumption does not increase,no abnormal machine.
- ✍【Main Parameters】Control System: #93 gasoline; N.W./G.W.(kgs): 38.6/49.5; Bore x Stroke(mm): 56x50; Recommended Propeller range: 3 -9"1/4''x8"; Recommended Lubricant: 2 Stroke Lubricating oil; Mixing ratio: Fuel:oil=50:1; Trim and tilt system: Manual Tilt; Standard fuel tank capacity: 24L.
- ✍【CDI Ignition System】Standard CDI ignition system for easy starting and improved performance, it can be partially tilted upwards to sail in shallow water, can work in most water depth conditions.Features 360 degree steering rotation for reverse without gear shifting.
- ✍【Water Cooling System & Fuel-Efficient】Water cooling technology to improve the reliability of the whole machine.easy To wear parts are standard parts of gasoline engines, the advanced fuel saving technology make the gasoline consumption is efficient, burning Oil will not fall into the Water.
- ✍【 Wide Application 】 2 Stroke 18 HP water-cooled outboard motor suitable in freshwater or saltwater.Perfect math inflatable kayaks,fishing boats,sailboats,small yachts and canoes.
- ✔Features 360 degree steering rotation for reverse without gear shifting
- ✔Start-In-Gear protection/clutch feature prohibits prop rotation while idling
- ✔Superior engine water cooling system for improved engine performance
- ✔Standard CDI ignition system for easy starting and improved performance .Durable cast aluminum construction for superior corrosion protection
- ✔36-Month Warranty.Ship from USA .If you have any question about the product ,we support 24x7 hours prompt customer service
Most Reliable Outboard Motors By Power Output
Entry-Level Outboard — Yamaha F2.5
The Yamaha 2.5 horsepower is the best engine in this power output range. Sure, it won’t be the cheapest, but that is for a good reason. Yamaha makes some of the best engines for almost anything you can think of, including cars.
With that in mind, a small overhead valve 4-stroke engine is a breeze to build for a brand such as Yamaha. As a result, it’s exceptionally well-engineered, quite lightweight at only 17kg, and surprisingly quiet, running at a maximum of 72db.
Moreover, to demonstrate how confident it is about the reliability of its engine, Yamaha provides a 5-year warranty. Combine that with a good Yamaha OEM service manual, and you will have an engine that will serve you for decades.
And if 2.5 hp seems a little low for you, Yamaha also offers a very similar 139cc engine producing either 4 or 6 horsepower that is equally reliable.
Mid-Power Outboard — Suzuki DF90
Suzuki marine engines are finally starting to be recognized for their build quality, and the DF90 is the perfect example. Owner testimonials show that this is one of the most reliable outboards they have owned despite being riddled with the latest technologies, including a zero maintenance timing chain and lean-burn control, setting the air/fuel mixture to 18:1 in certain conditions making it the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine in its class.
Furthermore, at only 155kg, it’s a whopping 26 kg lighter than a Mercury equivalent. Also worth mentioning, Suzuki has a lot of experience with 16 valve DOHC engines, the most popular layout used for its motorcycles, another point in favor of the DF90.
High-Power/Small Displacement Outboard — Yamaha VF150 and VF175
In a category where you need the most power you can get out of a small engine, no outboard can compete with the Yamaha VF series. indeed, these engines still provide a similar efficiency as small four-cylinder engines, and their power-to-weight ratio is at the top of the range for outboards of this size, thanks to the use of a variable camshaft timing system.
While everyone would agree that Yamaha makes some of the most reliable marine engines, and this 2.8 liter DOHC is no different, it’s important to remember that this class’s engines are high-performance models. Thus, the stress it will have to endure will be significantly higher than the Suzuki DF90, for example. Consequently, it will be essential to service it on a regular basis. Luckily, these outboards are quite simple to repair and a good Yamaha outboard motor manual and a bunch of tools will be pretty much all you need here.
Not sure where to find one? Have a look at eManualOnline — their repair manuals are the same used by professionals and pay for themselves after the first repair you’ll tackle on your own!
High-Power Outboard — Mercury 450R
While 450 horsepower in an outboard engine rarely goes hand in hand with reliability, the power output is only the beginning of the story. Despite its superior power, the Mercury 450R is under-stressed since it’s a 4.6 liter V8. Suddenly 450hp doesn’t sound that much, and that’s before we mention that it gets a 2.4-liter supercharger.
Mercury further backs up the reliability with a three-year warranty and a limited three-year warranty on corrosion. Also, all this power is achieved on 89 octane gas, adding to its usability. So, if you are a speed addict, and are bothered about the fact that reliability and power don’t usually go together, look for a Mercury 450R — it won’t disappoint!
Last Words
For obvious reasons, outboard motors are the option of choice for most small boat owners and will probably continue to be so for years to come. Every year, they keep improving, becoming ever more powerful and reliable. However, as long as we have internal combustion engines, regular maintenance and quality replacement parts will always be the key to longevity and reliability.
Luckily, it’s fairly easy to save on maintenance when performing it on your own. I personally saved thousands by using a Yamaha service manual to maintain and fix my outboard. Of course, you’ll need to learn the basics but when you get the hang of it, it’s a much better alternative than going to the repair shop.
